Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

The term "Nageshwar" refers to the deity who is believed to be the god of snakes and is often depicted with a snake coiled around Lord Shiva's neck. As such, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple is renowned for its ability to alleviate ailments related to venom and poisonous substances. 

The lingam at the temple, which resembles a Tri-mukhi Rudraksha, is black in color and located in Dwarka. Along with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati is also worshipped at the temple. The temple holds significant spiritual importance and is known for its Rudrabhishek ritual, which was performed by Lord Krishna. Additionally, the great Hindu philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya established the western Kalika Peeth in the vicinity of the temple.

Pauranic Story of Nageshwar Jyotirling

There was a famous demoness named Daruka, who had received a boon from Goddess Parvati and was living in arrogance. Her husband, Daruka, was a powerful demon. She had brought many demons along with her and was spreading terror in society.

He used to destroy auspicious deeds such as yajnas and kill saintly persons. He was a notorious demon who caused the destruction of dharma. He had a forest that extended over sixteen leagues along the western coast, full of all kinds of wealth, where he resided. Wherever Daruka went, she took along the forest, which was adorned with trees and various objects, for her own pleasure. Goddess Parvati had entrusted Daruka with the responsibility of taking care of that forest, which remained under her influence due to her boon. The suffering common people went to Maharshi Aurva and told him about their troubles.

Maharshi Aurva, who was following the duty of protecting refugees, cursed the demons. He said that any demon who commits violence against living beings and destroys yajnas on this earth will die with his own hands at that very moment.

The information about the curse given by sage Aurva became known to the gods, and they attacked the wicked demons. The demons were faced with great difficulty. If they killed the gods in battle, they themselves would die due to the curse, and if they did not kill them, they would be defeated and die of hunger. At that time, Daruka helped the demons and, using the boon of Bhavani, took the entire forest and settled it in the sea. In this way, the demons left the earth and, living fearlessly in the sea, began to torment creatures there as well.

Once there was a righteous and virtuous Shiv devotee named Supriya who was a merchant. When he was traveling on a boat through the sea route, a fierce and powerful demon named Daruka attacked him.

The demon Daruk abducted Supriya along with all the other people and took his to his stronghold where he imprisoned him. Since Supriya was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, he always remained engrossed in his worship. Even in captivity, his devotion to Lord Shiva did not diminish, and he inspired his fellow prisoners to also become devotees of Lord Shiva. Soon, all of them became devotees of Lord Shiva, and the stronghold echoed with their devotional chants.

When Daruk learned of this, he became enraged. He saw Supriya meditating in the prison, and he reprimanded him, saying, "Merchant! Who are you conspiring against me with, keeping your eyes closed?" Despite his angry threats, Supriya remained unaffected.

The arrogant demon Daruk ordered his followers to kill this devotee of Lord Shiva. Even in the face of death, the devotee remained fearless and continued to call out to the fearful and benevolent Lord Shiva. "Oh Lord! You are our everything, you are my life and soul."

Upon hearing the prayer of this dear merchant, Lord Shiva appeared from a cave along with a beautiful temple with four doors. In the center of the temple, there was a divine lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) shining brightly, and all the members of Lord Shiva's family were present with him. The merchant Supriya had the opportunity to see and worship Lord Shiva along with his family and the lingam.

Lord Shiva, pleased with Supriya's worship, took the Pashupatastra and destroyed the chief demons, their followers, and all their resources, weapons, and equipment. To play a leela, Lord Shiva, who is capable of taking on a physical form, also gave a boon to the forest that from now on, all four castes - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras - will follow their respective dharma in this forest. The best sages and monks who propagate the religion of Shiva will reside in this forest, and there will be no place for tamasic evil demons.

Parvati assured Lord Shiva of protecting his clan and said, "Lord, your words will be true until the end of this era, and until then, this tamasic creation will continue to exist. This is my opinion." Mother Parvati then appealed to Lord Shiva, saying, "I am also under your protection, and I am yours. Therefore, please confirm the promises that I have made. This Rakshasi Daruka is powerful among the Rakshasas because of my power and divinity. Therefore, she will rule over the kingdom of the Rakshasas. The wives of these Rakshasas will give birth to their Rakshasa sons, who will live in this forest together. This is my idea."

Upon hearing the request from Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva said to her, "Beloved! Listen to me as well. I will gladly reside in this forest to protect and take care of my devotees. Any person who, with devotion and faith, follows the Varna Ashrama Dharma and has a vision of me, will become an emperor."

At the end of Kali Yuga and the beginning of Sat Yuga, the son of Mahasena, Veer Sen, will become the king of kings. He will be my greatest devotee and a great warrior. After he sees me in this forest, he will become a Chakravarti Samrat.

After this, the divine couple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati joked and laughed with each other, and they stayed there. In this way, the Jyotirlinga form of Lord Shiva, who is dear to his devotees, came to be known as Nageshwar and Goddess Parvati also became known as Nageshwari.