Come And Experience The Divine Power of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

nageshvara

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. It is in Dwarka, Gujarat, on the coast of Saurashtra. The Nageshwar temple is also known as Nagnath Temple or Nageshvara Temple. Nageshwar Temple is a must-visit destination for Lord Shiva's devotees and those interested in ancient history and culture. The temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere that fills the heart with peace and joy. The Nageshwar temple also showcases Gujarat's rich heritage and craftsmanship and its people. It is a place where one can experience the divine presence and grace of Lord Shiva.

Also Read: Baidyanath Temple The Shakti Peeth And Jyotirlinga

The Legend of Nageshwar Temple

shiva

There are two popular legends associated with the Nageshwar Temple. One is related to a group of sages called Balakhilyas, who lived in Darukavana, the ancient name of Dwarka. They were devoted to Lord Shiva and worshipped him daily. Once, Lord Shiva decided to test their devotion and came to Darukavana as an ascetic, wearing snakes on his body.

His charm attracts the wives of sages, and they follow the ascetic and leave their husbands behind. The sages were enraged and cursed the ascetic that his lingam (phallus) would fall off. The lingam fell on the earth and caused a great tremor. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma came to appease Lord Shiva and requested him to take back his lingam. Lord Shiva agreed but left a symbol of his lingam at that place, which became the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.

The other legend is related to a demon named Daruka, who had a wife named Daruki. They lived in Darukavana and terrorised the people there. Daruka had a boon from Goddess Parvati that no one could kill him. Once, he captured a devotee of Lord Shiva named Supriya and imprisoned her and many others.

Supriya advised her fellow prisoners to chant the name of Lord Shiva for their protection. When Daruka heard this, he became furious and tried to kill Supriya. But Lord Shiva appeared before him and saved her. Since Daruka had a boon from his wife, Lord Shiva could not kill him either. So he took the form of a lingam and promised to protect Supriya and the people of Dwarka forever.

Also Read: Mystery of Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

The Structure of the Temple

The Nageshwar Temple is built in a Hemadpanthi style, using stone blocks without mortar or cement. The temple has a spacious hall with pillars and a sanctum sanctorum that houses the main deity. The lingam is made of stone and has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The lingam has adorned with silver ornaments and flowers.

The temple complex also has a 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva in a sitting posture visible from a distance. The statue had installed by the late industrialist G.D. Birla in 1996. The temple also has a large garden with a pond and a museum that displays various artefacts related to Lord Shiva.

Also Read: Interesting And Factful Things About Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

The Puja Timings and Festivals

The Nageshwar Temple is open for devotees from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The main puja rituals are performed daily: at 5:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The devotees can also offer abhishek (ritual bathing) to the lingam with milk, water, honey, curd, etc.

The temple celebrates various festivals, such as Mahashivaratri, Shravan Maas, Navratri, etc. The most auspicious day to visit the temple is the 14th day of the dark half of the lunar month of Magha, which is the day when Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga. On this day, thousands of devotees throng the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Best Time To Visit

Devotees can visit the temple yearly, but certain times are more favourable. The weather and festival seasons can significantly impact the overall experience. Here are some considerations for the best time to visit the Nageshwar Temple:

1.Winter Season (November to February): The winter season in Gujarat, particularly from November to February, offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures. It is a favourable time to visit the temple as you can comfortably explore the surroundings without the discomfort of extreme heat. However, temperatures can drop during the evenings, so carrying a light jacket or shawl is advisable.

Also Read: The Legend of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga And Lord Shiva's Victory Over The Demons

2. Festive Season: The Nageshwar Temple attracts devotees during important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivaratri, which falls between February and March, is a major festival celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple. Plan your visit accordingly if you wish to witness the temple's vibrant atmosphere during the festival.

3. Shoulder Seasons: October and March, before and after the peak tourist season, can be a good time to visit. The weather remains pleasant, and the temple and surrounding areas are usually less crowded than during peak tourist months.

4. Monsoon Season (June to September): The monsoon season brings rain to the region, which can enhance the scenic beauty around the temple. However, visiting during this time may also mean encountering heavy rainfall, affecting travel plans and accessibility. It's advisable to check weather and road conditions before planning a trip during the monsoon season.

It's important to note that the temple can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Nageshwar Temple depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider weather, crowd size, and availability when planning your visit.

Things To Do

Some of the things to do near Nageshwar Temple in Gujarat are:

1. Bet Dwarka: An island that is Lord Krishna's and his family's residence. It has many temples and a beach.

2. Narara Marine National Park: A park that showcases the rich marine biodiversity of the Gulf of Kutch. You can see corals, fishes, crabs, octopuses and more.

3. Dwarkadhish Temple: A majestic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, also known as the King of Dwarka. It is one of the four sacred places of Hinduism.

How to Reach the Temple

The temple is about 20 km from Dwarka city, well connected by road, rail and air. Here are the ways to reach Nageshwar Temple:

1. By Air

The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport, about 137 kilometres from the temple. Direct flights are from major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi to Jamnagar Airport. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Nageshwar Temple.

2. By Rail

The nearest railway station is Dwarka Railway Station, about 18 kilometres from the temple. Direct trains are from major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi to Dwarka Railway Station. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the station to Nageshwar Temple.

3. By Road

Nageshwar Temple is well connected to major cities in Gujarat. You can take a bus or car from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, or any other city to reach Nageshwar Temple.

4. By Boat

The temple is also accessible by boat from Dwarka. There are two jetties near the temple: one at Gomti Ghat and another at Okha Port. The boat ride takes about an hour and offers a scenic view of the Arabian Sea and the coastline.

Here are some of the popular routes to reach Nageshwar Temple by road:

Ahmedabad to Nageshwar Temple: 350 kilometres

Mumbai to Nageshwar Temple: 600 kilometres

Delhi to Nageshwar Temple: 950 kilometres

Once you reach Nageshwar Temple, you can walk to the temple or take an auto-rickshaw or taxi. The temple is on the coast of the Arabian Sea, and the views from the temple are breathtaking.