According to the Shiva Purana, a merchant named Supriya was a devoted follower of Shiva. One day, while travelling by sea, he was attacked by a demon named Daruka.
Supriya called on Shiva with complete devotion. The Shiva Purana tells us that Shiva appeared as Nageshvara to protect his devotee. The demon was overcome and Supriya was kept safe.
Shiva resides here as Nageshvara. Naga means serpent, and Ishvara means lord. In the Puranic tradition, Shiva is regarded as the lord of serpents — he wears a garland of snakes around his neck.
The temple stands near Dwarka, close to the Arabian Sea coast. The Puranas describe this entire region as part of the Dwarka Mahatmya — the greatness of Dwarka.
According to the Shiva Purana, this place at Nageshvara is connected to Shiva's protection of his devotee Supriya.
The Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat. It stands near Dwarka Dham — one of the Char Dhams (four great pilgrimage sites). This is why pilgrims visiting Dwarka have traditionally come here for darshan as well.
The temple complex includes a large seated statue of Shiva. The statue is of modern construction, but the Shivalinga itself is considered ancient. In the Puranic tradition, the significance of this place is woven together with the broader glory of the Dwarka region.
- The temple is open throughout the year, and devotees come daily for darshan.
- Pilgrims visiting Dwarka Dham have traditionally included Nageshvara in their visit.
- A large seated statue of Shiva can also be seen within the temple complex.
- Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan bring the largest gatherings.