Nageshwar Nagnath Temple lies on the way from Gomati Dwarka towards Bait Dwarka Island along the coastal belt of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga installed here at Nageshwar is known as Nageshwar Mahadev, thereby making it perennial pilgrimage center attracting thousands of devotees throughout the year. Nageshwar temple happens to be one among twelve jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva – considered holiest shrines dedicated to Him. This mighty Jyotirlingam stands for an emblem toward safeguarding against all types of toxins and venomous substances. Whoever offer their prayers at this particular shrine of Nageshwar Linga shall remain protected from poisonous effects, according to Rudra Samhita sloka referencing Daarukaavane Naagesham.
History Behind the Nageshwar Temple
The story of how the Nageshwar Temple came to be is very interesting. It is said that there was once a cruel demon named Daruka who liked to hurt people. But he was also a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. A merchant named Supriya went to see Daruka because he wanted to meet this famous devotee of Shiva. Daruka lived in the forest of Darukavanam with his wife Daruki.
Supriya was an experienced Shiva worshipper. Daruka then asked Supriya to teach him how to worship correctly, including all the rules and procedures for Tapa (penance). Supriya refused, fearing that Daruka would use the powers from his Tapa to hurt others. Daruka did not take the refusal lightly. He became angry and began to torment Supriya. But Supriya remained steadfast in his belief in Shiva.
Darshan Timing of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Aarti Timing: –
- Mangal Aarti – from 5 am to 5.30 am
- Mahabhog Aarti – from 12 to 12:30
- Mid-day bath – from 4 to 4:30
- Shayan Aarti – 08:30 to 09:00 pm
The Significance of the Temple
The temple is of great religious and archaeological value to the Hindu community. This is the tenth Jyotirlinga temple. Jyotirlingas are shrines of Lord Shiva who is extremely important in the Hindu religion. It is believed that Shiva self-manifested at these places in the form of light. The temple is most famous for having inside it a gigantic idol of Lord Shiva which stands at the height of 125 feet and 25 feet wide.
The Shiva Purana speaks about this Holy Temple. In the Rudra Samhita, it is explained that this temple can save people from any kind of poison and, particularly, snake venom. That is how in the meaning of the word ‘Nageshwar’ it was confirmed as- “God of the Serpents”.
Meditating in the temple with Nageshwar in mind can be offered to remove all spiritual and physical poisons that believe it or not, anything carries such as sin, anger, temptation, and distraction. Another popular belief is that whoever pays at this temple will not be harmed by snakes.
With Lord Shiva, the temple keeps shrines of other Hindu deities. It houses the idols, and reflections of Lord Hanuman an incarnation of Shiva, and Lord Ganesha his son. The temple also has a region dedicated to Shiva’s vahana(mount), which is the celestial bull Nandi.
Architectural Significance
The architecture of the Nageshwar Temple is a synthesis of art and tradition. If physically this building is attractive, on the cognitive level the symbolic meaning that stands behind its structure is much more interesting.
The temple gently slopes towards the beautiful Nageshwar Lake. It has been constructed in raft style-meaning to say that the foundation of this temple is massive and there is no rock strata beneath it. The walls of the temple have been made out of RCC and are coated with anti-rust chemicals. Porous and feather-light structured serene Porbandar stone blankets the building.
Beauty! Not just in design but actual spiritual beauty that shows through its great architecture. A structure built under the precursory ancient principles of Vastushastra, the science of positioning, and directions. Just to pick from a western architectural style, the entrance happens to face west. This is so that while devotees are worshipping Lord Shiva, they automatically face the Sun God.
The design of the temple is symbolic of the human body. Because devotees enter through the feet, Mahadwar represents them as it is located at the feet. The entry porch between two idols- Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha- represents hands in a human body. Sabha Mandap-a hall wherein prayers are seated-is abdomen and chest-of-the-body<->finally-GarbhaGriha (where Shiva Linga is centrally placed) this becomes head<->the-body.
The temple rises to a height of 110 feet. Many beautiful formations comprise arches and cylindrical flute-shaped columns, pure marble jails, and lotus-themed capitals that decorate the religious palace. Scattered on the walls of the temple are likenesses of the religious insignia Swastika and Mount Kailash which further relate it as being a Hindu-based one.
The temple is split into three parts. The first part sits 6 inches below the ground and is called Garbhagriha. The next part, known as Rangamandapa, rises 2 inches above the ground. At last comes Antarla which protects the Garbha Griha and stands as a pathway between Lord Shiva and his followers.
The Best Time to Visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is accessible all year round by the pilgrims. Thus, one can visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Shrine at any time of the year. However, the site is better visited during the time of the early winter season that extends for the months from October to February.
The climate is most pleasant and comfortable during these months. One is free from the intense heat of the summer and from drenching in the heavy monsoon rains. It’s just mild and comfortable that adds to the excitement of your trip; most of the vital festivals and auspicious occasions also witness their celebration in this month like Diwali, Navratri.
Conclusion
I trust you found the information and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple quite interesting. Nageshwar is a name given for the king of all cobras that rest writhing around Lord Shiva’s neck all the time. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a very important shrine to the believers, as it is presumed to be the abode of Lord Shiva’s mystic force.
Prayer temple. To pray for the good of serpents helps many people to believe in the safety of the temple from snakebite; this increases the temple’s significance to many who throng it
to take part in the thousands.
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Hi there, I’m Sunita Sukla content writer at TempleAll and a passionate traveller by heart. I am thrilled to create content that inspires travellers around India. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wander around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.