Nageshwar Jyothirlinga Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat

There is an interesting belief about the Nageshwara temple…it is believed that one who prays here obtains freedom from poison, snake bites and worldly attractions. The distinguishing character of this temple is that the Linga is facing south unlike the other Nageshwar temples. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one out of the 12 Jyotirlingas as mentioned in Shiva Purana. Nageshvara is widely hailed to be the first shrine.

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Geography of Nageshvara

The Nageshwar temple is located enrooted between the Gomti Dwarka and the Island of Bait Dwarka. This temple is actually on the Saurashtra coast in Gujarat. Tourists visiting Dwarka usually visit Nageshwar Mahadev too as it is situated just 14 km from Dwarka. It is recommended to visit the Nageshwar temple in the autumn r winter as in the summers the climate is unbearably hot.

About Nageshwar Temple

The Nageshwar temple is simple in structure with typical Hindu architecture and red and brown color theme. The temple has been more in the news for its rich and evocative spiritual history rather than its architectural beauty or grandeur of structure. The Jyotirlinga or the seat of divine power of Lord Shiva has a special significance in Nageshwar as this is believed to be the first Jyotirlinga. In the ancient slokas of Rudra Samhita, the Nageshwar is called by the name “Daarukaavane Naagesham”.

In ancient times, a Rakshah named Daaruka had attacked a devotee of Lord Shiva and made him captive with many others. The prisoners were held in the underwater city that swarmed with sea-snakes. At the behest of the devotee who was named Supriya, the captives started calling out to Lord Shiva and prayed to him devoutly. Lord Shiva appeared in his full glory and killed the demon and went on to reside in the powerful Jyotirlinga.

The Jyotirlinga was daily worshipped by Supriya soon attained an iconic status and was called Nageshwar. The Goddess Parvati was also called as Naageshwari. It was Shiva’s promise that he would show the divine path to everybody who would worship him sincerely. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is worshipped with the intention of claiming freedom from the materialistic vagaries of the world and breaking the entrapment of Maaya (Illusion). The Nageshwar temple draws thousands of spiritual seekers who are in search of the divine power and seek Mukti (freedom) from a vicious cycle of life and death.

On the eve of Maha Shivaratri, a huge Mela is held in the grounds of the temple premises and thousands flock to the temple to witness the festivities. The temple in Jamnagar is medium in size with a pretty red and white color scheme while the tip of the temple holds a prominent saffron flag. The distinguishing feature of this temple is that one visit to it promises relief and protection from all kinds of poison including snake poison.