Located on the Dwarka coast in Gujarat, Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is the eighth on our spiritual journey. It is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and is closely associated with several mythological tales. This temple came into existence when a demoness named Darukaa ( wife of Daruk demon ) prayed to Devi Parvati and attained many blessings. Filled with the pride of her power, Daruk started killing innocent people, including the sages and rishis. Eventually, Lord Shiva, in the form of Nageshwara, came and destroyed Daruk.
Nageshwar means, the “Lord of serpents“. Lord Shiva is seen having the serpent king Vasuki around his neck.
Where is Nageshwar temple located?
Nageshwar Temple is located on the present-day Dwarka coast, Gujarat. The temple is situated on the beautiful Dwarka coast, offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea. Dwarka itself is a city steeped in mythology. Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga showcases traditional Nagara-style architecture, with intricate carvings and a tranquil ambiance. The temple’s history is connected to the legend of Lord Shiva and has undergone several renovations. In our ancient texts, Nageshwar temple is said to have existed in Darukavan.
Darukavan means woods or Jungle that belongs to Daruka.
Legend of Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
The story of Darukavan
Once upon a time, There lived a demon couple. The husband was called Daruka, and the wife was Darukaa (meaning Wife of Daruk). Darukaa was a supreme Devi bhakt. She used to perform prayers with pure heart to Devi Gauri. On the other hand, Daruk, the husband, was cruel. He used to disturb the penances of sages, beat up the ordinary public, and create atrocities.
Darukaa had a boon from Devi Gauri that, within the region of her jungle, Nobody could go against her wishes, and she was the Lord of that region. Using this as the base, Daruka’s demon started creating havoc in the area, and Nobody could defeat him as his wife, the Lord of that region. Finally, Lord Shiva came as Nageshwar and saved the people. This was when Lord Shiva started living in the Darukavan Nageshwar jyotirlinga.
The Pandavas constructed the Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
When Devi Sati immolated herself in fire due to her father’s insult to her husband, Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva started losing himself. He carried the body of Devi Sati and started walking all around the universe. Devi Adi Parashakti came to Narayana and asked him to destroy the body of Devi Sati and appease Lord Shiva. Hence, Shree Hari Narayan used his chakra to destroy the body of Devi Sati.
After this, Lord Shiva went to a lake called Amartak and drowned himself. Aeons later, in the Dwapara Yuga, when Pandavas were in exile, they started to notice that the lake’s water was warm throughout the year, and there was a cow that used to pour the milk into the river. When Yudhisthir saw this, he quickly realized that there was something divine beneath the water. Then, the Pandavas started drying up the water of the lake. Bheema used his mace to splash the whole water out, and they found the Shiva Linga of Nageshwar. Eventually, they constructed the temple around it. This temple started to be called the Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
This is present in the coast of Dwaraka which the capital of Lord Shree krishna.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga history
- The Darukavan Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the oldest Jyotirlingas, dating back over 2,500 years, with its current Aundha Nagnath temple constructed by the Seuna dynasty (Yadavas of Devagiri) in the 13th century.
- It was originally a seven-story temple until Aurangzeb, an anti-Hindu ruler, destroyed the upper portion during his rule.
- Ahilyabai Holkar, known for preserving and renewing many temples in North India, oversaw the reconstruction of the upper portion of the temple.
- Ahilyabai’s statue, located outside the temple, serves as a reminder of her significant contributions to its preservation.
- The newly built upper portion of the temple is now painted in white, enhancing its appearance and historical significance.
How to reach Aundha Nagnath temple
The Nageshwar Temple, also known as the Aundha Nagnath Temple, is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. To reach the temple, you can follow these general directions:
By Air:
- The nearest major airport is Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train:
- The nearest railway station to the Nageshwar Temple is Parbhani Railway Station. It’s well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra and other parts of India. From Parbhani, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.
By Road:
- The temple is located in the Aundha Nagnath village in Hingoli district, Maharashtra. You can drive to the temple using your own vehicle or hire a taxi from nearby cities and towns.
- Hingoli is the nearest major town, and you can reach Hingoli by road from cities like Aurangabad, Parbhani, or Nanded. From Hingoli, you can continue your journey to the temple.
Interesting Facts about Nageshwar Temple
- There is much ambiguity about which of them is the main Nageshwar temple. Some people believe that the Aundha Nagnath temple is the actual Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, while others believe that the one on the coast of Dwarak is the actual Darukavan Nageshwar temple. There also a part of devotees who believe that Jagshwar temple of Uttarakhand is the actual Darukavan Nagehswar jyotirlinga.
- Nageshwar temple is the lord of Serpents, Hence it is believed that this temple safeguards the pilgrims from all kinds of Poison including the deadly snake Poison.
- Official website: Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Gujarat tourism
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