Nageshwar, on the Saurashtra coast near Dwarka in Gujarat, is honoured by many devotees as the eighth of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the Lord of serpents who protects from all poison. Its tall seated statue of Shiva can be seen from far across the flat coastal land.
Nageshwar lies on the flat coastal land between Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, at the western edge of Saurashtra in Gujarat. A seated statue of Shiva about 25 m tall stands in the garden beside the temple, visible long before you arrive.
In the Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Smaranam the line reads "Nagesham Darukavane", Nagesha in the forest of Daruka. Pilgrims identify this Darukavana with the area near Dwarka, and the temple is the one most visitors honour as the eighth Jyotirlinga.
Nageshwar means "the Lord of serpents". Shiva wears serpents as his ornaments and is the master of all poisons, having drunk the halahala at the churning of the ocean. Devotees pray here for protection from snakes, from poison and from the poisons of anger, fear and envy in the mind. The Goddess here is worshipped as Nageshwari.
This Jyotirlinga has more than one claimant, and it is right to say so plainly. Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district, Maharashtra, is honoured by many as the true Nageshwar, and Adi Shankaracharya's stotram describes Nageshwar in a beautiful city in the south, called Sadanga, which is usually read as Aundha. Jageshwar in Uttarakhand is also named by some. All these are ancient, sacred Shiva shrines, and pilgrims visit each with devotion.
याम्ये सदङ्गे नगरेऽतिरम्ये विभूषिताङ्गं विविधैश्च भोगैः।
सद्भक्तिमुक्तिप्रदमीशमेकं श्रीनागनाथं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥
Yamye sadange nagare-'tiramye vibhushitangam vividhaish-cha bhogaih
Sad-bhakti-mukti-pradam-isham-ekam Shri-Naganatham sharanam prapadye
I take refuge in Shri Naganatha, the one Lord, adorned with many ornaments and serpents, who dwells in the most beautiful city of Sadanga in the south, and who grants true devotion and liberation.
जो दक्षिण दिशा में सदंग नामक अत्यंत सुंदर नगर में अनेक आभूषणों और नागों से विभूषित होकर विराजते हैं, और सच्ची भक्ति और मुक्ति देते हैं, उन एक प्रभु श्री नागनाथ की मैं शरण लेता हूँ।
📜 History & Origin
The Dwarka region has been sacred since ancient times, and Shiva worship near the coast here is old. The present Nageshwar temple, however, is largely a modern rebuilding of an older shrine.
In the late 20th century the temple was renovated and enlarged with the support of devotees, and the great seated statue of Shiva was added in the garden. It quickly became a landmark of the Dwarka pilgrimage.
Today the temple is managed by the Shri Nagnath Mahadev Temple Trust and is visited by most pilgrims who come to Dwarka, often on the same day as the Dwarkadhish temple and Bet Dwarka.
🏛 Architecture & Structure
The temple is a modern structure with a simple plan. The Jyotirlinga is in a sanctum below ground level, reached by a few steps, so devotees go down into a quiet, cool chamber for darshan.
The linga is of dark stone and is usually covered with a silver serpent with several hoods. Behind it is the image of the Goddess Nageshwari.
Outside, the large seated statue of Shiva, about 25 m tall, rises above a garden and pond, with the flat Saurashtra landscape and the sea around it.
📚 Scriptural Referencesशास्त्रीय संदर्भ
Shiva Purana, Koti Rudra Samhita (Daruka, Daruki and Supriya) · Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Smaranam ("Nagesham Darukavane") · Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram of Adi Shankaracharya ("Yamye sadange")
✨ The Spiritual Experienceआध्यात्मिक अनुभव
After the bustle of Dwarka, the open coastal land around Nageshwar feels calm and wide. Going down the steps into the cool underground sanctum, devotees offer water and milk to the linga and pray quietly for protection.
Many sit for a while afterwards in the garden before the great statue of Shiva, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" as Supriya did.
🙏 Puja & Rituals
Abhishek and pujas can be arranged at the temple counter and through the trust. Confirm the details and charges at the counter before the puja.
Common offerings are water, milk, bel leaves and flowers. Many devotees also offer small silver or metal serpents, nag-nagin, praying for protection from snake-related fears and doshas.
🎉 Major Festivals & Occasions
Maha Shivaratri, with large crowds coming from Dwarka and across Gujarat.
The Mondays of Shravan, with special worship through the month.
Nag Panchami, when devotees pray to the Lord of serpents for protection.
🪔 Daily Worship & Special Ritualsदैनिक पूजा और विशेष अनुष्ठान
Devotees may perform abhishek in the sanctum at set times, usually by paying a small fee and wearing a dhoti, which is available at the temple. Darshan continues through the morning and evening sessions.
Nag Panchami is especially important here, and on that day devotees pray for protection from snakes and from all kinds of fear.
📊 Temple Facts
📿 Prayers to Chant Hereयहाँ पढ़ें ये प्रार्थनाएँ
🚌 How to Reach
By air: Jamnagar airport is about 130 km from Dwarka, and Porbandar about 100 km. Rajkot is a larger airport further away.
By train: Dwarka station is about 17 km from Nageshwar, with trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai and other cities. Okha station is also close.
By road: Nageshwar is on the road from Dwarka to Okha and Bet Dwarka. Autos and taxis from Dwarka make the trip in about half an hour, often combined with Gopi Talav and Bet Dwarka.
Most pilgrims come from Dwarka by auto, taxi or tour bus. The Dwarka darshan tours usually include Nageshwar, Gopi Talav, Rukmini temple and the jetty for Bet Dwarka.
🏠 Where to Stay
Pilgrims usually stay in Dwarka, which has many dharamshalas, guest houses and hotels of every budget, including Gujarat Tourism's stays.
Book early for Janmashtami in Dwarka and for Maha Shivaratri, when the region is very busy.
🧭 Plan Your Visitयात्रा की योजना
- Visit in the morning session, then continue to Gopi Talav and Bet Dwarka, and return to Dwarka for the evening aarti at Dwarkadhish.सुबह के सत्र में दर्शन करें, फिर गोपी तालाब और बेट द्वारका जाएँ, और द्वारकाधीश की संध्या आरती के लिए द्वारका लौटें।
- If you wish to perform abhishek in the sanctum, ask at the counter for the timing and the dress required.गर्भगृह में अभिषेक करना हो तो काउंटर पर समय और आवश्यक वस्त्र के बारे में पूछ लें।
- The coastal sun is strong, so carry water and a cap, especially from March to June.तट की धूप तेज़ होती है, इसलिए पानी और टोपी साथ रखें, विशेषकर मार्च से जून तक।
- Combine your visit with Somnath, about 230 km down the coast, to cover both Jyotirlingas of Gujarat.गुजरात के दोनों ज्योतिर्लिंगों के लिए तट के किनारे लगभग 230 किमी दूर सोमनाथ की यात्रा भी साथ करें।
- If you are following the Maharashtra tradition, you may also wish to visit Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district as part of your yatra.अगर आप महाराष्ट्र की परंपरा मानते हैं, तो अपनी यात्रा में हिंगोली ज़िले के औंढा नागनाथ के दर्शन भी कर सकते हैं।
📍 Location Mapस्थान मानचित्र
📍 Shri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Daarukavanam, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat 361345
🛕 Nearby Tirthas & Placesआसपास के तीर्थ और स्थान
- Dwarkadhish Temple — the great temple of Shree Krishna as King of Dwarka, one of the Char Dhams (about 17 km).द्वारकाधीश मंदिर — द्वारका के राजा श्रीकृष्ण का महान मंदिर, चार धामों में एक (लगभग 17 किमी)।
- Bet Dwarka — an island linked with Krishna's home, reached by the Sudarshan Setu bridge (about 20 km).बेट द्वारका — कृष्ण के निवास से जुड़ा द्वीप, सुदर्शन सेतु पुल से (लगभग 20 किमी)।
- Gopi Talav — the pond linked with the gopis of Vrindavan, known for its yellow clay, gopi chandan (about 5 km).गोपी तालाब — वृंदावन की गोपियों से जुड़ा सरोवर, अपनी पीली मिट्टी गोपी चंदन के लिए प्रसिद्ध (लगभग 5 किमी)।
- Rukmini Devi Temple — the temple of Krishna's queen, just outside Dwarka (about 15 km).रुक्मिणी देवी मंदिर — कृष्ण की रानी का मंदिर, द्वारका के ठीक बाहर (लगभग 15 किमी)।
- Bhadkeshwar Mahadev — a Shiva temple on a rock by the sea near Dwarka (about 18 km).भड़केश्वर महादेव — द्वारका के पास समुद्र में एक चट्टान पर शिव मंदिर (लगभग 18 किमी)।
- Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra — the other great shrine honoured as the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (far away, in Hingoli district).औंढा नागनाथ, महाराष्ट्र — नागेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग के रूप में पूजित दूसरा महान धाम (दूर, हिंगोली ज़िले में)।
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka? +
Usually about 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
How do I reach Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka? +
By air: Jamnagar airport is about 130 km from Dwarka, and Porbandar about 100 km. Rajkot is a larger airport further away. By train: Dwarka station is about 17 km from Nageshwar, with trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai and other cities. Okha station is also close. By road: Nageshwar is on the road from Dwarka to Okha and Bet Dwarka. Autos and taxis from Dwarka make the trip in about half an hour, often combined with Gopi Talav and Bet Dwarka.
What is the entry fee for Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka? +
Free
What is the best time to visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka? +
October to March
What is the dress code at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka? +
Modest, traditional clothing. For abhishek inside the sanctum, men usually wear a dhoti, which is available at the temple.
Which Jyotirlinga is Nageshwar?नागेश्वर कौन-सा ज्योतिर्लिंग है? +
Nageshwar is the eighth of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the traditional list, "Nagesham Darukavane". The temple near Dwarka in Gujarat is the one most pilgrims visit as this Jyotirlinga.
नागेश्वर पारंपरिक सूची में बारह ज्योतिर्लिंगों में आठवाँ है — "नागेशं दारुकावने"। गुजरात में द्वारका के पास का मंदिर वह है जहाँ अधिकतर तीर्थयात्री इस ज्योतिर्लिंग के रूप में जाते हैं।
Is the real Nageshwar in Dwarka or Aundha?असली नागेश्वर द्वारका में है या औंढा में? +
Both are honoured. The Smaranam's "Darukavane" is identified with Dwarka, while Adi Shankaracharya's stotram places Nagnath in a city called Sadanga in the south, usually read as Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra. Jageshwar in Uttarakhand is also named by some. Pilgrims honour each with devotion.
दोनों का सम्मान होता है। स्मरणम् के "दारुकावने" को द्वारका से जोड़ा जाता है, जबकि आदि शंकराचार्य का स्तोत्र नागनाथ को दक्षिण के सदंग नामक नगर में बताता है, जिसे प्रायः महाराष्ट्र का औंढा नागनाथ माना जाता है। उत्तराखंड के जागेश्वर का नाम भी कुछ लोग लेते हैं। तीर्थयात्री हर एक का भक्ति से सम्मान करते हैं।
What is the legend of Nageshwar?नागेश्वर की कथा क्या है? +
The asura Daruka imprisoned a Shiva devotee named Supriya, who kept chanting "Om Namah Shivaya". When Daruka came to kill him, Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga, destroyed the asuras and stayed there as Nageshwar.
दारुक असुर ने सुप्रिय नामक शिव भक्त को बंदी बनाया, जो "ॐ नमः शिवाय" का जप करता रहा। जब दारुक उसे मारने आया, तो शिव ज्योतिर्लिंग के रूप में प्रकट हुए, असुरों का नाश किया और नागेश्वर के रूप में वहीं रह गए।
How far is Nageshwar from Dwarka?नागेश्वर द्वारका से कितनी दूर है? +
About 17 km, around half an hour by road on the way to Bet Dwarka.
लगभग 17 किमी, बेट द्वारका के रास्ते में सड़क से लगभग आधा घंटा।
What are the timings of Nageshwar temple?नागेश्वर मंदिर का समय क्या है? +
Usually about 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Timings may change on festivals.
सामान्यतः लगभग सुबह 6:00 से दोपहर 12:30 बजे और शाम 5:00 से रात 9:30 बजे तक। त्योहारों पर समय बदल सकता है।
Why do devotees offer silver serpents at Nageshwar?नागेश्वर में भक्त चाँदी के नाग क्यों चढ़ाते हैं? +
Shiva here is the Lord of serpents, and devotees offer small silver or metal serpents while praying for protection from snakes, poison and related doshas.
यहाँ शिव नागों के स्वामी हैं, और भक्त साँपों, विष और उनसे जुड़े दोषों से रक्षा की प्रार्थना के साथ चाँदी या धातु के छोटे नाग चढ़ाते हैं।