The renowned Nageshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, is located between Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka Island on Saurashtra’s coastal region in Gujarat. This revered temple honors Lord Shiva- also known as Nageshwar Mahadev – with its main deity. According to the ancient scriptures of Shiva Purana, devouts who offer their prayers at this holy abode are absolved from poisonous bites and worldly desires alike.
The Nageshwar Temple stands apart from other such temples as the linga faces south. Behold, an impressive 80-feet tall Lord Shiva statue! The typical Hindu architecture of this temple is also noteworthy. Additionally, you will find a stone Nageshwar Shiva Linga with small chakras and 3 mukhi Rudraksha shape carved on it – known as Dwarka Shila.
With much reverence, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga stands as the first of India’s 12 recognized temples. According to Vaastu Shastra, this temple was planned on Sayanam (reclined) posture of a human body. Every year during Maha Shivaratri festival celebrations begin at temple premises that draw devotees from all across the globe.
It is said that Daruk, accompanied by his wife Daruka, was a demon who resided in the forest. Thanks to Mata Parwati’s blessing they became powerful and haughty, disrupting Hindu festivities with destruction and chaos. They even captivated Supriya – an ardent worshipper of Lord Shiva – a merchant by profession. Despite her imprisonment she kept carrying on her shiv puja wearing rudraksha beads while chanting holy mantras remembering Shiva. Supriya’s unwavering dedication moved Lord Shiva, who appeared before her and destroyed the demons. To commemorate his feat, this site is known as Daarukavanam.
As established via legend, the supreme being placed the Shiva Linga — referred to as Naganath — there in order to ensure his eternal presence.
According to legend, Lord Krishna himself was known to pay homage and conduct the revered ritual of rudrabhishekam in this very place.
A story from Dwapar Yuga tells us about the strong bond between the Pandava brothers. On one of their adventures, Bhima noticed a river containing an abundance of cream and milk – with a self-manifested lingam at its center. This remarkable sight triggered them to construct Nageshwar Temple in that very spot they had encountered!
For those looking to journey to the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Gujarat, simply book a flight or train ticket towards Dwarka – situated on the coast of Saurashtra. From there, you will easily find your way onto the route that leads between Gomati and Bait Dwarka Islands right up until you reach your destination!
The closest airport to Dwarka is the Jamnagar Airport, located about 137km away. Mumbai has regular flights connecting it with the Jamnagar Airport and then you can take a taxi from there for INR 2000 approximately to reach your destination in Dwarka.
Connecting the far-flung corners of India, Dwarka railway station facilitates a number of regular trains to and from various destinations on daily basis.
Nageshwar is merely 18 km away from Dwarka, meaning it should take no more than 25 minutes to get there by car. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, auto-rickshaws are available and typically cost between INR 300 – 400 per roundtrip journey. Taxis may be slightly pricier but still economical at around INR 800 – 1200 both ways.
