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,

Beyt Dwarka and Rukmini Mandir, Gujarath

Beyt Dwarka is an island believed to be the original abode  Lord Krishna.
The idol here was worshipped by Rukmani and the temple was established by Sri Vallabhacharya.
This is the place where Krishna met ( Bett) his friend Sudhama and hence came to be  known as Beyt Dwarka.

 One has to take a ferry  from Okha Port Jetty to reach Beyt Dwarka.
Okha port is at a distance of 32 Kms from the main Dwarka city .
The boat ride takes about 20-30 minutes . The enchanting view of the deep blue sea ,picturesque surroundings and company of sea gulls which fly above the boat makes the ride mesmerising.

The temple is situated at a distance 1.5 -2 Kilometers  from the jetty.Main deity is Krishna and there is also a shrine for Krishna and Rukmani.

No electronic gadgets are allowed and there is total ban on using cameras.

Matterns of concern-
No safety  measures are in place for the boat ride. No one to regulate the crowd.
The boat carried 150-200 people and not even a single life jacket in the boat.
Though I enjoyed the ride ,I shudder to think what would happen in case of a mishap.
Authorities must take steps to make the trip a safe one for the devotees.

Rukmani Mandir is situated at a distance of  2 Kms from the Jagat mandir - Dwarkadeesh temple.
The temple dates back to 12th century and is an architectural marvel The temple has richly carvings on the  spire and walls .
 I have included pictures of the boat ride and Sea birds and that of Rukmani Mandir.

                                                                          Rukmani Mandir

Pictures below of Boat ride to Beyt Dwarka.