About Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is a temple of Lord Shiva on the road between Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. It is revered by many as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Shiva here is worshipped as Nageshwar, Lord of serpents. Devotees believe that praying here protects against poison of every kind, both physical and spiritual. The temple is easy to recognise from far away because of the huge seated statue of Shiva that rises beside it.
The Shiva Purana tells of a devotee named Supriya who was imprisoned with others by the demon Daruka in a forest called Darukavana. Supriya kept chanting Shiva's name, and Shiva appeared, destroyed the demon and stayed here as the Jyotirlinga. Other temples, such as Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra and Jageshwar in Uttarakhand, also claim to be the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, but the Dwarka shrine is the one most pilgrims visit on the Gujarat circuit. The modern temple was renovated in the 1990s.
The temple has a simple, peaceful layout. The linga is set in an underground sanctum, and the main hall is bright and spacious. Outside, the large seated statue of Shiva, about 25 metres tall, sits in an open garden and is a favourite spot for photographs. Small shops near the entrance sell flowers, offerings and souvenirs.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, with an afternoon break. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | About 6:00 AM |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
By air
Jamnagar Airport is about 130 km away; Porbandar Airport is about 110 km away.
By train
Dwarka Railway Station is about 17 km away.
By road
Autos, taxis and tour buses run from Dwarka. Most visitors combine it with Dwarkadhish and Bet Dwarka in a day.
Festivals at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry for all.
- Plan a half-day trip from Dwarka covering Nageshwar, Gopi Talav and Bet Dwarka.
- Carry water and a hat, as the coastal sun is strong.
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter darshan.
- Shared tour vehicles from Dwarka are an affordable way to see all nearby sites.
Places to visit near Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- Dwarkadhish TempleKrishna's famous temple, about 17 km away
- Gopi TalavPond linked with Krishna's gopis, a few km away
- Bet DwarkaIsland with Krishna temples, reached via Okha and Sudarshan Setu, about 15-20 km away
- Rukmini Devi TempleTemple of Krishna's queen, near Dwarka
Frequently asked questions
How far is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga from Dwarka?
It is about 17 km from Dwarka, roughly a 25-30 minute drive.
What are the Nageshwar temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with an afternoon break.
Which is the real Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?
The temple near Dwarka is the most widely visited, but Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra and Jageshwar in Uttarakhand also have traditional claims.
How tall is the Shiva statue at Nageshwar?
The seated Shiva statue is about 25 metres tall.
What is the aarti time at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?
Morning Aarti: About 6:00 AM; Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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