Nageshwara Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar Jyotirling temple is located on the route between the town of Dwarka and the island of Beyt Dwarka via Gopi Talav route. It is stored in an underground sanctuary by one of the 12 Swayambhu Jyotirlingas in the world. There is a huge statue of lord Shiva you can see far from the temple and the height of the statue is around 25 meters. Several archaeological excavations claim five early cities on the site. Nageshwar was believed to be known as "Darkavana", the ancient epic name of the Indian forest.

If you are on a tour to Devbhumi Dwarka, you must plan your one day trip starting from Dwarka to Nageshwar, Gopi lake, Beyt Dwarka and Shivrajpur beach. You can also plan pooja at Nageshwar Jyotirling. Here are few options available for your reference.

History of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:

The Legend of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is a part of the Shiva Purana and it is one of those temple myths, which people in Dwarka narrate with deep devotion. There was a demon named Daruk who had been given a special blessing which had made him so powerful. He used to go round and capture people and throw them into his fort city Darukavana. One of the prisoners was a devotee of Shiva called Supriya. Supriya was not going to give up even when she was in the prison of a demon where she was chanting the name of Lord Shiva. He managed to convince the other prisoners to follow him.

Daruk heard the chanting and got furious and rushed in to kill Supriya. That is when Lord Shiva himself came, killed the demon and decided to stay in the same place in the form of Jyotirlinga. The Shivling which Supriya had placed there was named Nagesha - the tenth Jyotirlinga. This temple was built in 1750 by Naval Rai who was a minister during the rule of the Mughal governor Safdar Jung.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan & Aarti Timings:

The temple is open all 365 days of the year with no weekly holiday. During Maha Shivratri and Shravan month the temple operates on extended timings. On Maha Shivratri it stays open the entire night. During regular visits, the morning session from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm is the most comfortable time for darshan.

Things to do in Nageshwara Jyotirlinga:

1. Darshan of the Jyotirlinga
2. Attend the Mangal Aarti or Shayan Aarti
3. See the 25-Metre Shiva Statue
4. Visit Gopi Talav
5. Offer Abhishek Puja
6. Walk Around the Temple Complex
7. Plan a Visit During Maha Shivratri

Places to Visit Near Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:

If you are on a Jyotirlinga pilgrimage circuit across India, the closest Jyotirlinga from Nageshwar is Somnath Temple in Veraval, about 230 km south-east of here. Many devotees cover both Gujarat Jyotirlingas in one trip. The drive takes about 5 hours along the coast road.

Travel Tips for Visiting Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:

1. Remove footwear before entering; use the shoe stand near the main entrance and keep the token safe.
2. Visit early morning around 6:00 AM on weekdays for a peaceful darshan and smaller crowds.
3. Avoid weekends, Shravan Mondays, and major festivals as the underground sanctum becomes very crowded.
4. Carry a water bottle and light snacks; food options near the temple are limited.
5. Dress modestly; clothes covering shoulders and knees are recommended as it is an active religious site.
6. Do not arrive between 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM as the temple remains closed in the afternoon.
7. In April–June summer, bring sunscreen, a cap, and stay hydrated due to strong Saurashtra heat.
8. Plan 1–1.5 hours for darshan and exploring the temple complex.

Where to Stay Near Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:

1. Stay in Dwarka (18 km away) where most accommodation options are available.
2. Dharamshalas near Dwarkadhish Temple – very affordable and basic rooms for pilgrims.
3. Budget & mid-range hotels in Dwarka – common options along the main road (Rs 800–Rs 2,500 per night).
4. Gujarat Tourism guest house – government-run accommodation with decent facilities.
5. Stay in Jamnagar (132 km away) if you prefer a bigger city with more hotel choices.

Disclaimer: Timings and other details mentioned on this page are based on the latest available information and may change without prior notice. Visitors are advised to verify details locally before planning their trip.