Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarka: Lord of the SerpentsNear Dwarka, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat

About this guide

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, near Dwarka on the coast of Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Shiva is worshipped as Nageshwar, the Lord of Serpents, who protects his devotees from all poisons, of the body and of the mind.

This is YatriSutra's devotee guide to Nageshwar: the legend of the devotee Supriya, the history of the temple, how darshan works, the rituals, the sacred calendar and practical advice for your visit. It is written from temple, government and scriptural sources listed at the end of the page.

The divine story of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

According to the Shiva Purana, a demon named Daruka and his wife Daruki ruled the Darukavana forest by the sea and tormented good people. Daruka captured a merchant named Supriya, a great devotee of Shiva, and imprisoned him with others.

Even in prison, Supriya kept chanting Shiva's name and taught the other prisoners to do the same. When Daruka attacked him, Shiva appeared from the earth, destroyed the demons and freed the prisoners. At Supriya's request, Shiva stayed in Darukavana as Nageshwar.

YatriSutra devotee tip: chant Om Namah Shivaya in the temple as Supriya did. Devotees believe the mantra protects against fear and harm.

Why devotees visit Nageshwar

Devotees come to Nageshwar to seek protection from poison, snakebite and every kind of harm, and to pray for courage in hard times, remembering Supriya's faith. Many visit as part of a pilgrimage to Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna, so a single journey brings together Shiva and Krishna.

Some traditions place the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga at Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra or Jageshwar in Uttarakhand, and all three are revered. For the pilgrims of Gujarat and of the Dwarka yatra, this temple near the sea is Nageshwar.

History and architecture of Nageshwar Temple

The site has been a place of Shiva worship for a long time. The present temple was rebuilt in the 1990s and is known for the large seated statue of Lord Shiva, about 25 metres tall, that stands in the open beside it and can be seen from far away.

• A modern temple in a simple north Indian style, painted in soft colours.
• The giant seated Shiva in the temple garden, a favourite of pilgrims.
• A sanctum below the hall, where the Jyotirlinga is kept.

Inside the temple

The Jyotirlinga sits in a sanctum a few steps below the hall and is covered with a silver serpent. Devotees can see it from the hall, and on some occasions may be allowed to offer abhishek. Images of Parvati and other deities are found in the temple.

Nageshwar darshan guide: timings and queues

The temple is usually open from early morning to evening, with a break around midday. General darshan is free. On festivals and during the Dwarka pilgrimage season, queues can be long, so check timings locally before you go.

Your darshan, step by step

• Leave footwear at the counter.
• Pass the giant Shiva statue and enter the temple hall.
• Have darshan of the Jyotirlinga in the sanctum below.
• Offer your prayer and, if allowed, abhishek.
• Collect prasad before leaving.

Aarti, puja and rituals at Nageshwar

The day includes morning abhishek and aarti, a midday bhog and the evening aarti. Devotees often perform rudrabhishek and offer silver or copper serpents as a prayer for protection. Book pujas through the temple office and keep your receipt.

Sacred calendar: Mahashivratri and Shravan

• Mahashivratri: the biggest festival, with night-long worship.
• Shravan: Mondays draw large crowds.
• Nag Panchami: an especially meaningful day at the shrine of the Lord of Serpents.
• Janmashtami: many pilgrims visit Nageshwar while in Dwarka for Krishna's birthday.

Devotee etiquette

• Dress modestly and remove footwear.
• Follow the temple's rules on photography inside the sanctum.
• Keep the queue moving on crowded days.
• Use official counters for pujas and offerings.

Darshan for elderly and differently-abled devotees

The temple grounds are flat, but the sanctum is a few steps below the hall. Elderly devotees can have darshan from the hall if the steps are difficult. Visit in the morning to avoid the heat, and carry water.

Tips for pilgrims visiting Nageshwar Temple

• Combine with Dwarka, about 17 km away, and with Bet Dwarka.
• Visit early to avoid the coastal heat.
• Carry water and a hat, as the grounds are open.
• Allow time for photographs at the giant Shiva statue.

YatriSutra devotee tip: visit Gopi Talav on the way between Dwarka and Nageshwar, linked with the gopis of Lord Krishna.

Connected sacred places

• Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, the seat of Lord Krishna and one of the Char Dham.
• Bet Dwarka, the island linked with Krishna's home.
• Rukmini Devi Temple near Dwarka.
• Gopi Talav between Dwarka and Nageshwar.
• Somnath Jyotirlinga, often combined on a Gujarat yatra.