Nageshwar Nath temple in Ayodhya is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Swargadwar near Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. After the disappearance of Lord Ramachandra, the city of Ayodhya was lost. King Vikramaditya restored the sacred city. Based on the Nageshwar Nath temple which existed even that day, King Vikramaditya located all the lila sthalis of Lord Ramachandra in Ayodhya.
Nageshwar Nath Temple was originally built by Kush, one of the twin sons of Lord Rama. Being popular, the temple is always teeming with devotees, especially on special occasions. The benefit of darshan here is summed up in the following shloka:
swargadware narah snatva drishtva nageshwaram shivam |
pujyitva cha vidhivat sarvan kaman-avapnuyat ||
“Pilgrims should first bathe at the Swargadwar and then have the darshan of Lord Nageshwar Nath. Then, if his worship is done in the prescribed way, all desires will bear fruit.”
Nageshwar Nath temple too has faced numerous attacks just like the other temples of Ayodhya. The English scholar Vincent Smith wrote ‘Even after facing 27 attacks, this temple has maintained its integrity.’ He also writes that there is no holy place like this in the whole world. It is one of the 108 important temples of Lord Shiva across Bharat bhumi.
Origin of Nageshwar Nath Temple
The origin of this temple is attributed to Kush, the son of Lord Rama. Kush lost his armlet while bathing in the sacred Sarayu river. This armlet was found by a Naga-kanya named Kumudini in the Sarayu river. She took the armlet and went away to the nagaloka. When Kush came to know about the same, he became angry and decided to destroy the nagas.
He attacked and fought with them for 25,000 years. The nagas were tired and restless due to this fight and thus, they meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva for his blessings and protection. Moved by the prayers of the nagas, Lord Shiva appeared at the place where Kush was fighting the nagas and settled the issue. Following this, Kush requested Lord Shiva to stay here in the form of a Shivalinga. This desire was granted.
Later, after marrying the Naga-kanya, Kush constructed a temple which came to be known as Nageshwar Nath temple. The name of the Shivalinga is derived from the fact that the nagas are devotees of Lord Shiva who came to protect them. King Vikramaditya had revived this temple when he revived the entire city of Ayodhya.
The present temple structure was constructed by Naval Rai, the minister of Safdarjung in 1750 CE.
Deity of Nageshwar Nath Temple
The small shivalinga of Nageshwar Nath is the focus point of the temple. Lord Nageshwar Nath is offered regular worship grandly with flowers, bilva leaves, milk, water, etc. Bilva leaves are very dear to Lord Shiva. A golden coloured Deity of Lord Ganesha sits opposite Lord Nageshwar Nath facing him. Also, three medium sized Deities of Nandi, the leader of Lord Shiva’s ganas, sit opposite Lord Nageshwar Nath facing him.
Architecture of Nageshwar Nath temple
Though the road leading up to the temple may look ordinary, the temple structure is a blend of colours and carvings. The bright and colourful temple has been built in the nagara style of architecture with the present structure dating back to the 18th century.
The colourful pillars along with the carvings are a sight to behold. The walkways around the temple can accommodate huge number of pilgrims who perform parikrama i.e. circumambulation of the temple.
The statue of Kush can be seen close to the main entrance of the temple.
Festivals of Nageshwar Nath Temple
Maha Shivratri is the main festival celebrated at the temple. Thousands and lakhs of devotees are expected in the temple on this day.
Pradosh Vrat (Trayodashi of Krishna paksha) every month attracts a huge number of devotees to the temple. These devotees come here to perform the Jal abhishek of Lord Nageshwar Nath.
Shiv Barat i.e. the procession of Lord Shiva is a major attraction here. The birthday of Kush is also remembered and celebrated to an extent.
Temple Timings of Nageshwar Nath Temple
The temple is open from 5 AM in the morning till 8 PM in the evening. The morning arati happens between 5 AM and 6 AM. While in the evening, arati happens between 8 PM and 8.30 PM.
On festival occasions, there are extended timings for darshan and aratis.
How to Reach Nageshwar Nath Temple
If there is one group that is exciting to visit the Nageshwar Nath temple with, it is the Ayodhya-Kashi Yatra group of Tirtha Yatra. You will love the surprises!
Reach Ayodhya using one of the three modes of transportation. You will find the temple very close-by!
By Road: Ayodhya is well connected to cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states by road. Uttar Pradesh state buses are available from major cities in the state 24 hours.
You can even hire private taxis from these cities or from a nearby town where you may be present. Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi are the nearest cities within a distance of 200 kms.
By Rail: Ayodhya city is served by two railway stations. They are Ayodhya Junction and Ayodhya Cantt. Trains connecting major cities and towns of India stop over here.
By Air: The nearest airports are in Gorakhpur 139 kms away and Lucknow 151 kms away. You can fly in here and use the rail or road route to reach Ayodhya.
A government airstrip in Ayodhya is being upgraded to create a new airport though this may take time.
Lord Nageshwar Nath’s desire is fulfilled
As per the scriptures, Lord Shiva is always meditating on the holy names of Lord Rama. Hence, Lord Nageshwar Nath’s appearance in Lord Rama’s very own abode is not surprising.
His desire to have an abode in Ayodhya was fulfilled when the lila of Kush fighting the nagas occurred. Staying near the sacred Sarayu river, Lord Nageshwar Nath is cognizant of the lilas happening in Ayodhya and feels blessed to take his holy bath in the Sarayu where Lord Rama used to bathe every day.
By worshipping Lord Nageshwar Nath, you will be undoubtedly blessed with attentive devotion to the Lord of Ayodhya.
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