Nageshwar Temple Finds Mention in Shiv Piran

Nageshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Dwarka, Gujarat, is a legendary temple mentioned in the Shiv Puran and is one of the twelve jyotirlings. The temple’s main sanctum is at the end of a large hall. It has a pagoda, an urn, a shikhar and terracotta idols of the Shiva family. The outer walls of the temple is decorated with crafts. The temple has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot and restrooms. It is recommended to visit the Nageshwar temple in the autumn or winter as in summer, the climate is very hot.

The Nageshwar temple has a great significance as it is believed that Sri Krishna pleased Lord Shiva by performing the Rudrabhishekam here, and Adi Shankaracharya laid the foundation of his Western Math here. There are many stories regarding Nageshwar temple but the most popular one revolves around the naming of Darukavana (of Dwarka) and the establishment of Nageshwar. There was once, a fierce Demon Daruk inhabiting the forest with his wife Daruka. Due to a boon granted by parvati, Daruk had become very arrogant. He started interfearing and destroying Hindu fesitivities. He even captured Supriya (a great devotee of shiva) and many others and imprisoned them in a dungeon. Supriya continued Shiva puja rites every day, and also wore the holy ash-bhasma daily besides donning rudraksha and uttering the “om namah shivy” Shiv Mantra. Lord Shiva was moved with Supriya’s unconditional trust and devotion and he appeared before her. At this place, the divine jyotirling got established. Thereafter, Lord Shiva vanquished the demons and the place became famous as Darukavana while Ling came to be known as Naganath.

Another story dates back to the pandava brothers from dwapar yug. The strongest of the 5 brothers, Bhima saw a river full of cream and milk and found a swayambhu (self manifested) Ling in the middle of the river. This was the exact spot where the Nageshwar temple was built.

The Jyotirling has the power to protect beholders and worshippers from all kinds of poisons, especially snake poisons. This reference is also mentioned in the sacred Rudra Samhita where Nageshwar is called Darukavana Nageshwaram (this links Nageshwar with Daruka or a forest) It is also mentioned that those who mediate upon Nageshwar with a pure mind, obtain freedom from all physical and spiritual poisons (maya, sin, anger and temptation) The term Nageshwar is a term used for the snake Cobra (the king of serpants) who always coils around the neck of Lord Shiva. A person who prays at this temple can fear no harm from snakes, and this deep rooted belief gives the temple its own importance while attracting thousands of devotees to it.

The distinguishing characteristic of this temple is that the Ling is facing south unlike the other Nageshwar temples. This temple is on the Saurashtra coast in Gujarat, located between the Gomti Dwarka and the island of Bait Dawrka. Tourists visiting Dwarka usually visit Nageshwar Mahadev too as it is situated just 14 kms from Dwarka.

Mode of Travel:

By Rail:

Nageshwar temple is 18 kms from Dwarka city and Dwarka railway station. 

By Air: 

Jamnagar Airport is the closest to Dwarka (95 kms). Air India, GoAir and Indigo operate from Delhi and Mumbai to Jamnagar. Taxis are available from the Airport to Dwarka.

Porbandar Airport (110 kms from Dwarka) also have flight from Delhi and Mumbai. There are no direct flights from other major cities.

Local Transport within the city:

Auto rickshaws are available in abundance and are the easiest means of transport within the city.