Situated near the town of Dwaraka in Gujarat, Nageshwar temple is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in India. It is one of twelve Jyotirlingas (the most sacred places dedicated to Lord Shiva) in India. Nageshwar temple, also known as Nagnath temple, symbolizes the elimination of evil from the place. According to Shiv Purana Lord Shiva after defeating a demon named Daruka lived there in the form of Jyotirlinga. It is also believed that the place got the name of Daruka from that demon. Presently Dwaraka is the changed name of Daruka.Nageshwar temple attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of the country. A popular believe among the local people is that whoever prays at the temple gets cured of all sorts of poisons. Shivalinga in the temple faces to south whereas Gomugam faces to east. There is an interesting legend about the position of the Linga in the temple. Acocording to the legend once a devotee named Namdev was singing Bhajan in the praise of Lord Shiva. He was asked by other people present there to stand aside and not block the view of the image of Linga. He was engaged in the arguments with those people. People enraged by his attitude moved him forcefully to the south direction of the place. To everyone?s astonishment the image of Linga also moved in a position facing south direction. This myth about the position of Linga in the temple is quite popular among local people. On the occasion of Maha Shivratri the temple witnesses sea of devotees thronging there from far and wide. Nageshwar temple is just 18 km from the town of Dwarka. State run buses and private vehicles like taxis and cars are available from Dwarka to the temple. Jamnagar which is about 135 km away from Dwarka serves as the closest airport to the town. Jamnagar is well connected by regular flights to Mumbai. Dwarka railway station is served with daily trains connecting it other parts of the state and the country.
