Information of Nageshwar Mahadev Temple (Nagnath Temple), Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat

Nageshwar Temple, which is also known as Nagnath Temple is located close to the west shore side of Gujarat. It is situated on the way amid Gomati Dwarka and Bait Dwarka Island. Nageshwar Temple is dedicated to lord Nageshwar, a form of lord Shiv. The Jyotirlinga preserved in Nageshwar Temple is termed as Nageshwar Mahadev. It attracts considerable number of devotees throughout the year.

Nageshwar Mahadev Temple (Nagnath Temple) Religious Significance

Nageshwar Temple is very important Hindu pilgrimage centre. There is a narrow path with growing bushes which direct to the temple compound. The temple is beautifully maintained and the lofty tower of the temple can be observed from long distance. One of the key attractions of the place is the superb idol of lord Shiv which is situated next to the temple. The statue is counted among the biggest and stunning construction in India.

In Hindu religion, Naga denotes Snake and it represents the nerves of human body. In this context, Naganatha specifies the key energy network of human spinal column. Furthermore, it is also believed that the Snake like power bear a resemblance to the cleverness of human soul. Hence, Nageshwar acts as a Jyotirlinga which is regarded as a symbol of spiritual wisdom for people. The Jyotirlinga situated in Nageshwar Temple is considered as highly powerful as it can protect from every toxic substance. It is believed that those individuals, who pray to Nageshwar Linga, become safeguarded from poison and the ritual is well practised here by individuals.

Nageshwar Mahadev Temple (Nagnath Temple) Mythology & History

In accordance with Shiv Purana, at the present place of Nageshwar Temple, there lived a demon named Daruka, who was tremendously cruel. He contrived sages and saints and also demolished their ashrams. At certain point of time, a great devotee of lord Shiv named Supriya reached to the place where the demon Daruka lived with his wife. Supriya was a merchant who sailed goods through ship and was attacked by Daruka. Daruka imprisoned Supriya along with every sailors of the ship to his capital. Supriya even though he was in prison, did not stop praying lord Shiv and also made every person in the jail to worship the god. The demon did not like that and told Supriya not to worship lord Shiv. However, Supriya did not paid attention to his words and therefore punished to death. He begged lord Shiv to protect him from Daruka and begun to meditate. The other sailors also started to chant Shiv mantra. In unison, lord Shiv appeared as a form of Jyotirlinga which was covered with snakes. Within a moment the demon as well as his army were abridged into ashes. Since then the Jyotirlinga which is the manifestation of lord Shiv is worshipped as lord Nageshwar. In Shiv Purana, it is also believed that any person who reads the birth and enormity of this Jyotirlinga can precipitate every earthily happiness and heavenly status.

Nageshwar Mahadev Temple (Nagnath Temple) Architectural Significance

Nageshwar Temple is created from stones. It is considered that the temple was created throughout the era of Pandava. The four walls of Nageshwar Temple are robust, having big halls. The largest hall of the temple is supported by 8 columns. It has an elliptical shape. The linga of lord Nageshwar in the temple is situated in the small underground. It is faced toward south direction. There is also a legend behind this. It is said that once a Shiv devotee named Naamdev was singing Shiv song in front of the linga. Hence, other devotees had requested him to stand in other side and not to hide the linga. On this request, Naamdev asked them to propose one direction where lord Shiv do not exist so that he will stand there. On this question, the furious devotees carried him to the south direction. To their amazement, they observed that the linga itself moved to the south direction. The temple is well planned and more of all, the structure of the deity is set according to the rituals so that the devotees, would find it convenient to offer prayer with serenity in the soothing ambiance.