Nageshwara Jyotirlinga temple. Darukavanam,Dwarka, Gujarat

We relate Dwarka  to Lord Krishna but it is also abode of Lord Shiva. Shiva's temple here is one among the 12 Jyothirlingas listed in Shivpurana.

After worshipping  Somnath at Veraval we were fortunate enough to visit yet another Jyothirlinga the very next day at Dwarka.  Situated in a scenic, serene spot: this temple is known as Nageshwara Jyothirlinga . It's about 17 Kms  from Dwarka on the way to Beyt Dwarka.

An imposing idol of Shiva, 25 feet high  greets us when we reach the temple.

This deity here is a swambhu. The Lingam in the temple is seen in a niche in floor of the sanctum. I also found it was covered with a glass dome. What is visible is a glass dome with a Lingam inside.The hood of the Naga is seen above the Lingam. The Nageshwara manifested here after protecting his devotee from the clutches of a demon. Just outside the temple there is a shrine for Shanishwara under the Peepul tree.

Jamnagar is the nearest airport.
Do add this to your itinerary when you plan to visit Dwarka.

This temple is  between Dwarka and Beyt dwarka.
Temple timings- Temple remains open through out the day.
Timings 5 am-9 pm
Here cows and pigeons move freely among the devotees. They do not disturb anyone.They also feel safe under the Lord's gaze.

Many autos ply from the city of Dwarka at reasonable fee. They offer packages of all important temples like Beyt Dwarka, Gopi Talav, Nageshwara temple and Dwarkadeesh temple and a visit to beach to watch the Sun set. The beach is beautiful and I have captured some pictures of same. Check this link for the same,

Dwarkadeesh Temple Dwarka, Jagat Mandir-Gujarat

Dwarka, Lord Krishna's abode has a magical charm. Everything here you see belongs to him. Krishna's favourite, the cows and their calves roam the city of Dwarka very freely  as it is  their master's land. They do not trouble anyone. They are very docile and they are respected. 

Lord Krishna's  Dwarakadeesh temple towers upon the city,its yellow flag fluttering atop as if beckoning His devotees .The temple is very huge and is situated upon Gomti creek known as Jagat Mandir, the universal shrine.The spire is 43 meters high and has intricate patterns and the flag flying atop is 52 yard of cloth which  is visible from as far as 10 Kms. The temple is built of soft limestone . 

Idol of Krishna is always decked up with fine silks and he is worshipped by devotees lovingly by singing hymns. Devotees carrying gifts, fruits and flowers for their dear Krishna visit the temple in big processions dancing to the beats of drums and singing Krishna's glory.It is really a spectacle to watch.

The evening aarti worship should not be missed at any cost , The whole atmosphere is charged as everyone starts chanting Krishna's various names . The clang of bells, beating drums, the worship offered to Lord gives one the  feeling that Lord Krishna is just amidst you.

There are timings for various darshans . During closure of the temple Krishna is put to sleep by singing lullabies and I could see many small children sitting near Him . Here Krishna lives, It is not the idol alone we see . We feel His presence and He is treated like a young child . See, feel and  blessed if you ever get a chance to visit Dwarka.

There are many other shrine dedicated to Devaki, Balram, Uddav, Pradhuymna around the main shrine.

Mobiles phones and electronic gadget strictly prohibited in the temple. There are safety lockers available where one can leave them before one enters the temple.

it is better to avoid the services of Pandas /guide who offer help to go inside the temple.

The nearest airport is Jamnagar. 

It is 471 Kms from Ahmedabad.

One can also visit , Somanth temple Veraval while making a visit to Dwarka. 

Gopi Talav - Dwarka, Gujarat

The name of Lord Krishna resonates everywhere in Dwarka. Here  everything is related to Krishna's life. The people here take pride in saying Krishna lived in their land.

20 Kms North West of Dwarka there is a Holy place called Gopi Talav. This village as you see in the photos is very  colourful , lively and each house here is a Mandir related to Krishna's life.

The soil in this place is smooth and yellow and is known as Gopi chandan; used by devotees of Krishna to make Tilak .

There is a sacred tank here with a well in the center and the Gopi chandan is extracted from it. One would find small shops selling Gopi chandan in this village. 

It is very interesting to see how fondly the villagers live in the memories of Krishna and His Gopis. It is believed that Gopis met  Krishna here and merged with Him in this place.

Certainly a place not to be missed. It is on the way to Beyt Dwarka.