The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga or Nagnath Temple is located between Gomti-Dwarka and Bait Dwarka Island on the coasts of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. This Jyotirlinga is very powerful and symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is believed that those who pray to Nageshwar Linga will become free of poison. It attracts thousands of devotees all around the year.

The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase “Daarukaavane Nagesham”.

History:

            According to Shiva Purana, Nageshwar temple is located in a forest named Darukavana (an ancient name). The story behind this temple goes about a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki. Daruki was a devotee of Goddess Parvati and she was blessed for her worships by Parvati. Daruki was enabled to master the forest where she performed her devotions to where ever she moved. Daruka misused her blessings and troubled the localities. The entire forest was moved into the sea.

One day he attacked a Shiva devotee, Supriya and imprisoned her along with many others in his city of Darukavana. Supriya, a great devotee of Shiva enchanted his name and advised others to recite the Shiva mantra. On knowing this, Daruka went to kill Supriya but instantly Lord Shiva appeared from the earth. He could not kill the demons as they were blessed by his wife (Parvati) and handed a divine weapon to Supriya to defeat the demons. The Lingam that Supriya had set up was named as Nagesha and Lord Shiva promised his presence at Darukavana as Jyotirlina forever.

Architecture:

              The Shivalingam is facing South while Gomugham is facing East. There is a story behind this position. A devotee named Naamdev was singing bhajans in front of Lord Shiva. The other devotees opposed him from standing in front of the Lord. So Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord doesn’t exist. The angry devotees carried him and left him on the Southside. To their surprise, they found that the Linga was now facing to the South and Gomugham facing East.

A 25m tall statue of Lord Shiva in sitting position with a large garden and pond is a major attraction in this place.

Timing and Places nearby:

         The temple is open for the devotees from 5am to 9pm. There are many temples located in Dwarka city like Iskcon Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Bet Dwarla, Ravala Lake, Rukmini Temple and many more.

How to reach the Nageshwar Temple:

By Air: Nearest airport is Jamnagar at a distance of about 135km.

By Railways: Dwarka Railway Station connects to many places like Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad and also to South India.

By Road: Dwarka city is on the State-Highway from Jamnagar to Dwarka. Regular buses services and many taxis are available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.

  There are many hotels, home stays and restaurants are available in Dwarka city. The rooms can be reserved online through many websites. The place invites many visitors and devotees because it is an amazing place to attain peace and seek blessings of the good lord.