Tour Details

In Gujarat, there are two significant Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva: the Somnath Jyotirlinga and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the holy city of Dwarka, which is primarily known as the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. 

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (Dwarka): The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve auspicious Jyotirlingas and is located in the Saurashtra region, a short distance from the main city of Dwarka. 

Location: It is situated on the coast near the holy city of Dwarka.

Mythological origin: According to the Shiva Purana, a demon named Daaruka captured and imprisoned a Shiva devotee named Supriya and many others. The prisoners began chanting the mantras and prayers taught by Supriya, which angered Daaruka. In response to Supriya's prayers, Lord Shiva appeared and defeated the demon. Shiva then took the form of a Jyotirlinga and established his eternal presence at the site to protect his devotees.

Architectural features: The temple features an underground sanctum where the main shivling is placed. The temple faces east, while the shivling faces south, a rare and significant directional alignment. A massive, 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose is also a prominent feature of the temple complex.

Connection to Dwarka: While Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga,Nageshwar  and Dwarka are closely linked as part of a significant pilgrimage circuit. Dwarka is the site of the Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, and a trip often includes visiting both the Jyotirlinga and Krishna's kingdom.

Somnath Jyotirlinga: The Somnath Temple  is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolizing Lord Shiva's eternal presence.

Location: The temple is in Prabhas Patan, a coastal town near Veraval, on the Arabian Sea.

Mythological origin: The legend, found in the Shiva Purana, states that the moon god, Chandra (also called Soma), was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha, to lose his luster. To be freed from the curse, Chandra prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva appeared and partially relieved him of the curse, which is why the moon waxes and wanes. As a token of gratitude, Chandra built the original golden temple for Shiva at this spot. The lingam was subsequently named Somnath, meaning "Lord of the Moon".

History of destruction and rebuilding: The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout history, most famously after being looted by the Turkish invader Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. The current structure was reconstructed in 1951, with the active involvement of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.

Architectural features: The temple is a stunning example of Chalukya-style architecture, with a massive spire and a golden kalasha (pot) at the top. The location on the seashore and the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) add to its spiritual significance.

Unique feature: For centuries, the temple's fame attracted invaders who were fascinated by stories of a levitating jyotirlinga. A loadstone was believed to have held the original iron lingam in place, creating a powerful magnetic field.