Nageshvara Jyotirlingam:-
Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana (Śatarudra Saṁhitā,Ch.42/2-4, referred as "nagesha darukavane"). Nageshvara is believed as the first Jyotirlinga on the earth. There are three major shrines in India which are believed as identical to this Jyotirlinga. Those are the Jageshwar temple near Almora in Uttarakhand state, the Nageshwara temple near Dwaraka in Gujarat state and the Nagnath temple in Aundha in Maharashtra state.
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Nagnath which means Lord with snake around his neck. Hence, Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple is believed to offer protection from all poisons, and revering Nageshwar Linga provides the way to a poison-free life.The main deity of this temple is Nagnath (Lord Shiva) and his consort is none. The holy tree of this temple is Mango tree. The holy water of this temple is spring water.
Shiv Purana, narrate the tale about the temple and it says that Shiva started to reside here in the form of Jyothirlinga after killing the demon by name Daruka. The place got its name from the demon Daruka who had appealed to the god before his death that the place be named after him. Hence the name Naagnath. Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.
Legends:-
The Shiva Purana says Nageshvara is in the Darukavana, which is an ancient epic name of a forest in India. Darukavana finds mention in Indian epics like Kamyakavana, Dvaitavana, Dandakavana,etc. According to a narrative, the Balakhilyas, a group of dwarf sages worshipped Shiva in Darukavana (Dwarka - Van means Forest of Dwarka) for long time. To test their devotion and patience, Shiva came to the Darukavana as an digambara (nude) ascetic, wearing only Nagas[serpants] in his body. Wives of sages were attracted and ran after the ascetic, leaving back their husbands. Sages got very disturbed and frustrated with this. They lost their patience and cursed ascetic to loose his linga. Shivalinga fell on the earth and whole world trembled. Brahma and Vishnu came to Shiva, requested him to save earth from destruction and take back his linga. Shiva consoled them and took back his linga.(Vamana Purana Ch.6 and 45) Shiva promised his divine presence in Darukavana as Jyotirlinga for ever. Later Darukavana became favourate place of Nagas and Vasuki worshipped Shiva here for long and there after the Jyotirlinga came to be known as Nagnath or Nageshvara. Also, there is a narrative in the Shiva Purana on the Nageshvara Jyotirlinga. It says, a demon named Daaruka attacked a Shiva devotee by name Supriya and imprisoned her along with several others in his city of Darukavana. This place was a city of snakes and Daaruka was the king of the snakes. On the insistence of Supriya, all the prisoners started to chant the holy mantra of Shiva and instantly Lord Shiva appeared and vanquished the demon and later started to reside here in the form of a Jyotirlinga. It is also said that a demoness 'Daaruka' and worshiped Mata Parvati. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Daruka, Mata Parvati gave her a boon that she would be the queen of the forest(where she meditated) and the forest would be called 'DARUKAVANA'. Devi Parvati gave her the power to shift the forest.To save denoms, Daruka used her special powers she had got from godess Parvati. She shifted the entire forest into the sea. From here they continued their operation against hermits. They used to kidnap sages and kept them in their new place. Once they captured a great Shiva devotee, Supriya. Arrival of Supriya changed the situation. He made all captives recite powerful Om Namaha Shivay mantra of Lord Shiva. Taking this as a rebellion, demons decided to kill Supriya, but they failed as Lord Shiva appeared there and saved him. Daruka realized her mistake. Then Shiva and Parvati stayed there. Lord Shiva once again assumed the form of Jyotirlinga with the name Nageshwar and Goddess Parvati was known as Nageshwari. Lord Shiva said that he will show the correct path to one's who will worship him.
About Jyothirlingam:-
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the route - from Dwarka to the Bet Dwarka (island), on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. This holy place is also known as Nagnath. There is a story for this position. A devotee by name Naamdev was singing bhajans in front of the Lord. Other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord.
Speciality of naganath Jyothirlingam:-
-Like the jyotirling of Mahakaaleshwar Ujjain, the Sivalinga here is also facing south with the Gaumukh facing East.
-This shivlinga shows small chakras on the top.
-It is made of the popular stone ’Dwaraka Shila’.
-Shape of lingam is like oval trimukhi Rudraksha.
Specialities of Aundha Naganath Temple:-
Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase 'Daarukaavane Naagesham'.
The Mahadwar (1) is the feet of the Body. The devotees enter the Temple from the feet, proceed through the Entrance Porch.
(2) flanged on the sides by the Divine Consorts GANESHJI and HANUMANJI at the hands of the Body, move to the Rangamandapa.
(3) at the chest and abdomen, worship the NANDI in Antarala
(4) to finally reach the SHIV-LINGA in Garbhagriha
(5) which is the Head of the Body.
Basically the Temple is on 3 levels. The Garbhagriha. Is 4’-6” below ground level. The rangmandapa is 2’-0” above ground level. At an intermeidate level is the Antarala where the Nandi is situated guarding the Shiva Linga in Garbhagriha. This is the transition level between the devotees in Rangamandapa and the God in Garbhagriha. The Pujaris (Pandits) represent this transition stage.
The original floor level of the Garbhagriha with Shiv Linga and Rangamandaap was 4’-6” below Ground Level. The level of Rangamandap is now raised 2’-0” above Ground Level to facilitate healthy light and ventilation in the sultry hot climate, and also to check the inward flow of rain water.
The Rangmandapa (Main Hall), 76’-0” x 84’-0” with a ceiling height of 20’-0”, gives sufficient volume of space and can accommodate 1250 devotees at a time. It is provided with large windows on opposite sides and a Samran (Pyramidal roof) above which has ventilators to keep the area airy and ventilated on occassions of Mahapuja etc.
At the Entrance Porch, the two Divine consorts – Ganeshij And Hanumanji are housed in beautifully carved Gokhlas. They are provided with smaller Shikharas, where as the front and side entrance porches have smaller Samrans.
Stores are provided on both sides of Garbhagriha to meet with the requirements of contemporary Pujaries. Dholaks, Nagaras, Divine Ornaments and accessories are stored here. A rear side access is provided for Pujaries.
With its grandeur of shikharas and samrans the temple soars to a height of 110’-0” above ground level. Also, a lot of decorative elements like arches, fluted round columns, Lotus shaped capitals and bases, marble jalis add to the style of the temple. Religious symbols like kalash and swastik are incorporated in the design of parapets and chhajjas. Lions are placed all around the temple as if to guard the holy place from evil. The Shikhars and Samrans are also decorated beautifully.
The architectural beauty of the Nagesh Temple is simply exquisite. This temple built with stones during the Pandava period is strong. The four walls of the temple are very strong and the corridors are large. The court
The structure of the Naganath temple is very beautiful. Inside it, there is another shrine called Runamochan teerth. Both these shrines are called “Mother-in-law- Daughter-in-law” shrines. Every 12 years, at the time of Kapila Shashti, kashi Ganga offering as “Padarpan” is performed. During this the water in the teerth kund looks crystal clear. Again at a specific time it becomes ‘Shivala Yukt”.
Close to the Naganath temple, there are several statues of various divines. Besides these there are many more idols of animals, soldiers relating some stories. These stones idols are very beautiful to look at. At a huge corner, there is an idol of Paravti, who is sulking with Shiva trying to pacify her. This statue is amazing to look at with its stunning features. It is unmatched in its expression of emotions.
Aurangazeb was intolerant towards other religions and wanted to destroy this Hindu temple. When he tried, thousands of bees came out of the temple and attacked Aurangazeb and his army. He left the demolition work midway and went away. The devotees rebuild the broken temple.
Sometimes snakes with their hoods open can be seen standing guard on the Naganath Linga idol. When they drink the milk left in cups for them, is never known.
About Legend:-
In reference to Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva testified the severity in the devotion and patience of dwarf seers or Balkhilyas abiding in Darukavana long years ago in disguise of a nude ascetic on whose body only snakes were creeping and crawling. At the sight of such appalling feature of an unknown saint, the wives of all dwarf seers jerked with astound and fear. Hence, they ran away from their native abode due to which their respective husbands cursed that ascetic to lose his linga. Consequently, a shivalinga fell on the ground since that ascetic was none other than lord Shiva himself. The entire globe started trembling with scare as the cyclone of ruin were swirling high. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, as per their assigned deity duties, came to admiring Shiva with an urgent urge to save the earth. In return, mighty Shiva assured them that the world would be saved since his eternal mark in the form of Shivalinga would embellish Darukavana forever. Subsequently, that forest became famous spot of Nagas and Vasuki for pleasing their favorite deity every year in front of Nageshwar or Nagnath.
First story is like this: When Dakshaprajapati (Father in Law of Lord Shiva) held a Mahayagna, he did not invite Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati (Wife of Lord Shiva) could not tolerate this insult of her husband by her father.. She jumped into the Yagnakunda (holy fire) and gave up her life. This made Lord Shiva very unhappy and sorrowful. He started to wander in the forests. He reached a huge ravine called Amardaka and began to live there.
Even here, he had to face some humiliations. As a result, he felt dejected and turned his body into ashes. After some time, Pandavas came here during their Vanvas (life in forests) and built a hermitage for themselves. Their cows used to go to the river to drink water. After drinking water, milk used to automatically flow into the river as if the cows were offering milk to the river.
One day Bhima (one of the pandavs) saw this miraculous event. He promptly told Dharmaraja (Yudhisthir) about the same. Then Dharmaraja said, "Surely, some great God must be living in this river". Then the Pandavas started removing the water from the river. The middle part of the river was so hot that the water here was boiling. Bhima lifted his mace and attacked the river thrice. And there was a way. Soon there was a spring of blood. Lord Shankara's Linga could be seen as the JyotirLinga.
Daruka tried to kill Shiva devotee:-
On the west coast in an area of 16 Yojanas, demons Daruka and Daruk and others were living. Harrasing hermits was their favourite pastime. These hermits sought the help of the sage Orvamuni.
Hearing the problem, Orvamuni cursed Demons that they would be destroyed. Consequently, devas launched an attack on the Demons. This made demons worry about their fate.
Demon Daruka was blessed with some special powers from Goddess Parvati. Using his powers he lifted the entire forest and put it in the middle of the sea. Securing the safety, they continued their operation harassment with vengeance.
From their secured bastion they used to go by boats and capture the hermits and imprison them in the island. Once it so happened that they captured Supriya, a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Supriya was such a great devotee that he never took even water without performing pooja of the Lord Shiva. He continued his routine even in the captivity.
Enraged by Supriya's devotion to the Lord Shiva, demons decided to put him to death. Supriya prayed to Lord Shiva for his life. The Lord appeared, opened his third eye and destroyed all demons. The Lord laid open the entire island for all the four classes of people for living. On the other hand, Parvati here granted a boon to Daruka. As a result, at the end of that era, only Demons would be created and she would rule Daruka. Lord Shiva accepted this. Then Shiva and Parvati stayed there. Lord Shiva once again assumed the form of JyotirLinga, with the name Nageshwar and Goddess Parvati was known as Nageshwari.
Temple Timings and Pujas:-
On a normal day, the doors of Nagnath Jyotirlinga open at 4 am. During the first hour, Pooja and Rudrabhishek is performed by temple priests. The temple closes at 9:00 pm on the normal day, but during Holy Shravan month, the timings are extended.
Unlike Somnath or Rameshwaram or Srisailam, here the devotees enjoy the privilege of offering Abhishek themselves on Jyotirlinga.
Mahanaivadya and Aarti 12 noon and 12:30 p.m..
Shri Shayanarti pooja between 8:30 p.m and 9:00 p.m.
06:00 am – Devotees are allowed inside the Garbhagriha (only for special Puja and Darshan.)
04:00 pm – Sringaar Darshan
04:30 pm – Entry inside Garbhagriha is closed for Devotees
19:00 pm – Sandhya Aarti
· Rudrabhishek
· Dudhabhishek
· Rudrabhishek with Bhog
· Char Somvar(four Mondays) ek amavas Rudrabhishek
· Char Somvar ek amvas Rudrabhishek with dudh(milk)
· Char Somvar ek amvas Rudrabhishek with Bhog
· Rudrabhishek for one year somvar
· Rudrabhishek with milk for one year somvar
· Ek Somvar 1008 Bilva patra Abhishek
· Ek Somvar 1008 Mahamrityunjaya Jaap
· Laghurudra by 11 brahimns
· Ek Shravan mas Jalabhishek
· Ek Shravan mas dudh and bilva patra abhishek
· Ek Shravan mas akhand Jyota
There are also two pujas for Mahashivaratri.These are-
· Mahashivaratri char prahar Puja
· Mahashivaratri Laghurudra by 11 brahmins.
Festivals:-
The main religious festivals of this shrine are Magh Month (Thai Aattru) festival in January-February, Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) in August-September, regional New Year and English New Year days, Makar Sankranti, Special pujas are performed in the temple for Lord and Goddess Ambika on Deepavali, Pradosha days – 13th day of New Moon or Full Moon days, procession of Lord in Kailash Vahan, 29 day Brammotsavam in May-June, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Maha Shivarathri in February - March and 10 day Ashada Purnima (Aadi Pooram) in July-August.
Other Temples in Dwarka:-
Rukmani Devi Temple :-
This small temple, 1.5km north of town, is an architectural masterpiece. Rukmini is the most important of
Beyt Dwarka :-
Offshore from Okha, the island of Beyt Dwarka is associated with Lord Krishna. The main temple here, built in the 19th century, has several shrines and images of Lord Krishna and his 56 consorts.
Gita Mandir, Dwarka:-
Located towards the Western Ghats of Dwarka, the amazing Gita temple is situated near the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir. The temple was built in 1970 by the leading business tycoons of India who are renowned in the world as well “Birlas”. The temple tempts to venture the ethics of the most sanctified book Bhagavad Gita.
Jageshwar:-
The temples at Jageshwar, in the background of Darukavana, the holy deodar forest, believed by most to
house the Nagesh Jyotirlinga.
Gomti Ghat Temples:-
Gomti is one of the most sacred bank rivers of India. It is no less than the holy river Ganaga that falls down from the heaven directly. The river itself endow various Ghats as well as shrines where devotees where the devotees perform plenty of rituals. The river could also be seen from the famous Dwarkadhish Temple. The temple is located at the same place where river Gomti meets the giant deep and blue ocean. The temple is believed to be an image of river Gomti, it is said to be brought on the land from heaven by Vasistha Muni.
Triveni Tirth :-
A river is holy in Hinduism, and the meeting place of 3 rivers-Hiran, Kapil and mythical Saraswati-with the Arabian sea, is triply important. The Triveni tirth is an important place of pilgrimage, specially to immerse ashes and pray for dear departed.
Bhalka Tirth :-
The spot where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and struck by a arrow hile sleeping in a deerskin. It is said Lord Krishna was cremated at Dehotsarga at Triveni Ghat.
Sabha Mandapa:-
Besides its beautiful temples, Dwarka is also celebrated for the Forts and Monuments in Dwarka. The impressive architectural designs showcased by these structures is a genuine visual treat. A prominent name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka. History of Sabha Mandapa,
Rangmati River:-
A definite must include, if you are planning a Tour to Gujarat, Jamnagar promises to charm all the tourists to her land. Rich in history as well as heritage, a Tour to Jamnagar is one of the easiest ways of knowing more about the rich heritage of Gujarat. Well maintained, almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is a sight for sore eyes, which has grown around the course of the Rangmati River, Jamnagar.
Bala Hanuman Temple:-
The city of Jamnagar in Gujarat has had an elaborate history that dates back to the time of its foundation in the year 1540 A.D.It is by virtue of this highly illustrated history that Jamnagar offers a wide range of attractions for its tourists. Among theseTourist Attractions in Jamnagar, the Holy Places in Jamnagar are visited by the tourists form various parts of India and the
world. Among these, the Temples in Jamnagar and more importantly, the Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar deserve a special mention.
Rozi and Bedi Ports:-
Jamnagar, a city in the state of Gujarat is located in the Gulf of Kutch. Adinath Mandir sharp line of distinction can be drawnbetween the coastlines of Jamnagar to that of other sea coasts of India. Although the Jamnagar coastline is tidal by nature, yet they offer a few of the most spectacular beaches as well as picnic spots in the country.In addition to this, the presence of as many as 42 islands in this region makes the Gulf one of the most attractive touring destinations in India. One such destination is Rozi and Bedi Ports, Jamnagar.
Lakhota Museum:-
One of the most striking remnants of the rich past of imperial India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered as a definite must have, if you are planning a tour schedule to Gujarat. Almost the whole of the former princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, stunning rich glory of the times gone by, standing as a witness to an era of richness which still heavily influences the way of life of not just Jamnagar but the whole of the province of Gujarat. Home to a history, which the city proudly holds even today, the long list of the various Museums Of Jamnagar are led by the exotic beauty of the museums like Lakhota Museums, Jamnagar.
Location:-
The sacred embodiment of lord Shiva namely Nageshwar Jyotirlinga had been established in Dwarka, Gujarat as a religious shrine to visit at least once in life in order to be blessed with salvation or Moksha (the practice of getting alleviation from the complexities of life forever).
Transportation:-
By Air - Jamnagar, 145 kms away, is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Dwarka is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line connected to Jamnagar, Rajkot (217 kms) and Ahmedabad (378 kms).
By Road - There is regular bus service from Jamnagar, Rajkot and other nearby towns connected to Dwarka.
Where to Stay:-
There are many small and medium hotels in Dwarka, but it’s better to stay in Jamnagar (145KM from Dwarka).
No comments:
Post a Comment