Nageshwar Temple

Nageshwar, near Dwarka on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, is counted as the eighth Jyotirlinga. Set between Dwarka and the island of Bet Dwarka, the temple is marked from afar by a towering seated statue of Shiva, and is tied to the legend of the demon Daruka and a devotee named Supriya whose faith Shiva rewarded here.

The eighth Jyotirlinga of Darukavana

The Shiva Purana sets the story of Nageshwar in Darukavana, a forest ruled by the demon Daruka. When the demon imprisoned the Shiva-devotee Supriya, the Lord appeared as the Jyotirlinga to protect his devotee, and is worshipped here as Nageshwara, the lord of the nagas (serpents).

The temple and the great statue

A large seated image of Lord Shiva, around 25 metres tall, rises beside the temple and is visible from a distance across the flat coastal land. The shrine itself lies below ground level, its sanctum reached by a descent, in keeping with many old Shaiva temples.

Architecture

Rebuilt in recent times in the Nagara style, the temple is simpler than the older Jyotirlingas, but its setting near Dwarka — one of the Char Dham and the city of Krishna — places it on one of India’s great pilgrim circuits.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the chief festival, and the Mondays of Shravan bring a steady flow of devotees. Many combine the visit with Dwarka and the Bet Dwarka crossing.

Darshan timings

The temple is generally open from about 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis. Entry is free, and the site is easily covered alongside a Dwarka pilgrimage.

How to reach Nageshwar Temple

• By road: about 17 km from Dwarka, on the way to Bet Dwarka.
• By train: Dwarka is the nearest railhead.
• By air: Jamnagar (~140 km) is the nearest airport.

Tips for your visit

• Pair the visit with Dwarkadhish temple and Bet Dwarka.
• Early morning is calm and cool.
• The giant Shiva statue is a striking spot to pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

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