Nageshwar Temple situated in Dwarka is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. Also sometimes known as Nagnath Temple, the main deity here is Lord Shiva, also known as Nageshwar Mahadev. According to the Shiva Purana, those who pray at the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga become free from all poisons, snake bites and worldly attractions.
Unlike other Nageshwar Temples, the statue or the Linga here faces south. A major highlight of Nageshwar Temple is the massive 80 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva. The temple itself is characterised by typical Hindu architecture. The Nageshwar Shiva Linga is made up of stone, known as Dwarka Shila, having small chakras on it. It is in the shape of 3 mukhi Rudraksha.
The importance of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga stems from the fact that it is believed to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Designed on the principles of Vaastu Shastra, the temple is planned on the Sayanam (sleeping) posture of the human body. On the festival of Maha Shivaratri, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple witnesses grand celebration, drawing flock of devotees from all across the globe.
History :
There are many stories regarding Nageshwar temple but the most popular one revolves around the naming of Darukavanam (of Dwarka) and the establishment of Nageshwar.There was once a fierce demon Daruk inhabiting the forest with his wife Daruka. Due to a boon granted by Parvati, Daruk had become quite arrogant and stubborn. He along with his Daruka started interfering and destroying Hindu festivities. He even captured Supriya (a great devotee of Shiva) and many others and imprisoned them in a hidden dungeon. Supriya continued all Shiva Puja rites everyday and also wore the holy ash/ Bhasma daily besides donning Rudraksha and uttering the Om Namah Shivay Shiva Mantra. Lord Shiva was moved on seeing this unconditional trust and devotion and he appeared at the place. It was then that a divine Jyotirlinga got established there. Lord Shiva vanquished the demons and the place became famous as Darukavanam while Linga came to be known as Naganath.
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