Nageshwar Mahadev Temple is one the most holy temples of Gujarat and is located along the coast of Saurashtra. This sacred temple can be found in the centre of Bet Dwaraka and Dwaraka islands near Saputara. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.
About Nageshwara Mahadeva Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat :
Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.
Legend Behind Nageshwar Temple :
According to Shiv Purana, a Shiva devotee by name Supriya was attacked by a demon Daaruka while in a boat. The demon imprisoned him along with several others at his capital Daarukaavana where he resided with his wife Daaruki. Supriya advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daruk came to know about this he ran to kill Supriya. Instantly Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and vanquished the demon with the Paasupata Astram.
This Jyotirlinga manifestation of Shiva is worshipped as Nageswara. Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram near Purna in Andhra Pradesh and another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara Jyotirlingam. According to the Shiv Purana, any one who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga shall beget all material happiness and divine status in the end.
Structure of Nageshwar Temple :
Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. There is a story for this position. A devotee by nameNaamdev was singing bhajans in front of the Lord. Other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the southside. To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.
History of Nageshwar Temple :
Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka, India has quite a few interesting legends attached to it. According to Shiv Purana, Supriya, an ardent Shiva devotee, was once attacked by a demon Daaruka while he was in a boat. The demon put him in prison along with several others at Daarukaavana, his capital, where he stayed with his wife Daaruki. Supriya told all prisoners to narrate the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daaruka learnt about this, he ran to kill Supriya. However, at that instant, Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlingam and vanquished Daaruki with the Paasupata Astram.
Worship:
Shivaratri is celebrated with great fervor at this temple. Many devotees come from far away places on that day to experience the festive air and seek divine blessings.
Interesting things to Visit:
Lighthouse:
Besides its several temples, Dwarka is also famous for the Forts and Monuments in Dwarka. The splendid architectural designs of these structures is a real visual treat. A notable name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Lighthouse in Dwarka.
Sabha Mandapa:
Besides its beautiful temples, Dwarka is also celebrated for the Forts and Monuments in Dwarka. The impressive architectural designs showcased by these structures is a genuine visual treat. A prominent name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka.
History of Sabha Mandapa, Dwarka
Dwarkanath Temple:
Dwarka serves as the entrance to the western parts of India. It owes its name to the word ‘dwar’ which refers to door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, a name to reckon with is that of Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka. Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka, India is the main temple of this place that is dedicated to Lord Krishna
Rukmini Temple:
Dwarka serves as the doorway to India’s western parts. The word ‘dwar’ which means door, has given this place its name. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, a popular name is that of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka. This small temple, positioned 1.5 kms to the north of the city, is an architectural masterwork. Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is devoted to Rukmini, the most important amongst Krishna’s 16,108 wives.
Nearest Visiting places:
Lakhota Museum:
One of the most striking remnants of the rich past of imperial India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered as a definite must have, if you are planning a tour schedule to Gujarat. Almost the whole of the former princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, stunning rich glory of the times gone by, standing as a witness to an era of richness which still heavily influences the way of life of not just Jamnagar but the whole of the province of Gujarat. Home to a history, which the city proudly holds even today, the long list of the various Museums Of Jamnagar are led by the exotic beauty of the museums like Lakhota Museums, Jamnagar.
Museum of Antiquities:
Welcome to the Museum of Antiquities, featuring a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture in full scalereplica including the Charioteer of Delphi, panels from the frieze of the Parthenon, and other famous and intriguing works, as well as original Roman coinage. The Museum of Antiquities on the University of Saskatchewan campus offers a rare opportunity for anyone interested in art or antiquity.
Rangmati River:
A definite must include, if you are planning a Tour to Gujarat, Jamnagar promises to charm all the tourists to her land. Rich in history as well as heritage, a Tour to Jamnagar is one of the easiest ways of knowing more about the rich heritage of Gujarat. Well maintained, almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is a sight for sore eyes, which has grown around the course of the Rangmati River, Jamnagar.
Bala Hanuman Temple:
The city of Jamnagar in Gujarat has had an elaborate history that dates back to the time of its foundation in the year 1540 A.D.It is by virtue of this highly illustrated history that Jamnagar offers a wide range of attractions for its tourists. Among theseTourist Attractions in Jamnagar, the Holy Places in Jamnagar are visited by the tourists form various parts of India and the
world. Among these, the Temples in Jamnagar and more importantly, the Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar deserve a special mention.
Rozi and Bedi Ports:
Jamnagar, a city in the state of Gujarat is located in the Gulf of Kutch. Adinath Mandir sharp line of distinction can be drawnbetween the coastlines of Jamnagar to that of other sea coasts of India. Although the Jamnagar coastline is tidal by nature, yet they offer a few of the most spectacular beaches as well as picnic spots in the country.In addition to this, the presence of as many as 42 islands in this region makes the Gulf one of the most attractive touring destinations in India. One such destination is Rozi and Bedi Ports, Jamnagar.
Timing :
The temple is open for darshan from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm in the morning and from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm in the evening.
Address: Nageshwara Mahadeva Dwarka,Gujrat,India
District: Jamnagar
Nearest City: Porbandar
Best time to visit: October to March
Climate/Weather: Min 14°c Max 48°c