Nageshwar Temple, Dwarka

Significance

Nageshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas named in the Shiva Purana, on the coast of Saurashtra near Dwarka. Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra and Jageshwar in Uttarakhand are also venerated as this Jyotirlinga.

History and legend

The Jyotirlinga legend tells that Brahma and Vishnu once argued over which of them was supreme. Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light and sent them to find its ends. Vishnu admitted he could not find the base; Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top and was cursed. The Jyotirlingas mark the places where Shiva appeared as that column of light.

A large seated statue of Shiva stands in the temple grounds and can be seen from the road.

Before you go

• Most pilgrims combine Nageshwar with the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, and with Beyt Dwarka.
• The coast is hot from April to June; October to March is more comfortable.