Shri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

About Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

The Nageshwar temple is situated on the route between Gomati Dwarka and Beyt or Bait Dwarka island in Gujarat. This holy shrine's underground location makes it special and unique. The temple's sanctum, or garbhagriha, is located in a chamber two feet underground, where the Shiva lingam is placed facing south.

The lingam is three-faced (known as tri-mukhi) and measures 40 cm in height and 30 cm in diameter. Alongside Lord Shiva as Nageshwara resides Goddess Parvati as Nageshwari. Also known as Nagnath temple, this holy shrine is one of the most visited temples in Dwarka and attracts millions of devotees for Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Significance of Shri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Lord Shiva, as Nageshwar, takes all the fears away from his devotees and makes them the strongest. This sacred temple where Lord Shiva resides symbolises protection from the poisons of life. Let us understand the importance of Shri Nageshwar Mahadev temple through its cultural and astrological aspects:

• Cultural Significance of Nageshwar Mandir in Hinduism

As per Shiva Purana (Koti Rudra Samhita, Chapter 28), Lord Shiva appeared to rescue his devotee from the demon Daruka. This act by Lord Shiva represented his role as the ultimate protector and destroyer of all evils.

Even a hymn in the ‘Dvadasa Jyotirlinga Strotam’ mentions the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga history as ‘Nagesam Darukavane’, which hints at the temple’s presence in the Darukavana forest. Many devotees believe that just visiting this sacred temple can remove fear and all poisons of life (physical and spiritual).

• Astrological Significance of Nageshwar Jyotirlingam

The astrological significance of Shri Nageshwar Mahadev temple is directly connected to Rahu and serpents. In astrology, Rahu, the chayagraha, rules over serpents and gets exalted in the zodiac sign Gemini. In this way, devotees born under the Gemini sign get under the special protection of Lord Shiva as Nageshwar.

Worshipping here can remove ‘Sarpa Dosha’ from the birth chart and clear life’s problems. If one wants to balance the ill effects of the mighty Rahu, then donating a pair of Naag and Naagin provides relief. This brings protection and peace to the devotee and clears his negative karma.

Mythology and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga History

One of the ancient texts, Shiva Purana, mentions the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga history and claims that Shri Nageshwar Jyotirling temple was extended in sixteen yojanas (traditional Indian units of measurement) and is situated on the western shores of the sea. Let us explore other mythological beliefs and stories associated with the holy shrine:

• The River of Milk and Cream

One of the largest epics, Mahabharata, highlights the origin of the Nageshwar Mahadeva temple. Once, the Pandava brothers wandered into a dense forest. Bhima, the mightiest of all, discovered a flowing river of milk and cream nearby.

Curious, he followed the river and found a self-manifested Shiva lingam. Many claim this is the exact spot where the Nageshwar Temple exists today.

• The Devotee Supriya and Demon Daruka

The Shiva Purana mentions that once, a demon named Daruka captured Supriya, a devotee of Lord Shiva. While imprisoned, she kept chanting, ‘Om Namah Shivaya,’ and asked for protection. Lord Shiva, as the protector, manifested there, killed the demon Daruka and freed her and the other captives.

Exploring Nageshwar Mandir’s Architecture

The Shri Nageshwar Mahadev temple stands as an example of the architectural excellence of both Hemadpanti and Panchyatan styles. According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the temple was first constructed by Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, approximately 2500 years ago. Inspired by the architecture of Western India, it also follows the principles of Vastu Shastra.

Highlights of the Nageshwar Temple Architecture

The temple’s architecture is divided into Rangamandapa, Anatarala, and Garbhagriha. One of the interesting features that makes the architecture of the Shri Nageshwar Jyotirling temple unique is its association with the Sayanam posture. This posture symbolises a human resting position, where different body parts represent various sacred temple areas.

• Mahadwar: The main gate of the temple serves as a foot of the human body. This is where devotees begin their journey to meet the Lord Shiva as Nageshwar.
• Entrance Porch: At the temple entrance, Lord Ganesha and Hanumanji’s idols are placed, offering protection and blessings to the devotees. It also symbolises the hands.
• Sabha Mandapa: The ‘Rangamandapa’, the Sabha Mandapa symbolises the human abdomen. It is used for practising devotional practices and has a ‘pyramidal roof’.
• Antarala: The Antarala connects the Sabha Mandapa and the temple’s Garbhagriha and symbolises the chest. It also places the Lord Shiva’s vahana, Nandi’s statue.
• Garbhagriha: The innermost sanctum of the temple home to the divine self-manifested tri-mukhi Shiva lingam. The sanctum is in an Octagon shape and symbolises the head.
• Shikhara: The Shikhara (known as the spire) rises above the Garbhagriha of the temple and is around 31 feet tall.

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