What is the meaning of Nageshwar? What are the special features of this Jyotirlinga? Why is this Jyotirlinga famous ? What is the mystery behind its manifestation ?

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located 25 kilometers from Dwarka Puri in the outskirts of Gujarat. Nageshwar means "Lord of the Snakes." Those who have a serpent defect in their horoscope should offer metal snakes here. Doing so neutralizes any negative effects of the serpent defect on their life. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga was established for the welfare of people, with both Lord Shiva, who was pleased with the devotion of Supriya and Goddess Parvati, who was pleased with the demon Daruka.

The Origin Story of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga :

A long time ago, there was a dense and prosperous forest along the western coast of the sea, where a demoness named Daruka and her husband, Daruk, resided. The forest extended to 128 miles in all directions. This forest was the center of Daruka’s luxury, and it had the peculiar characteristic that whenever Daruka went somewhere, the entire forest would also move with her. Goddess Parvati had entrusted Daruka with the care of this forest, and she roamed freely there with her husband. Having received a boon from Goddess Parvati, Daruka became extremely arrogant, while her husband Daruk was an exceedingly powerful demon. Daruk and Daruka, along with other demons, spread terror on Earth. This evil couple slaughtered innocent people and ruined religious sacrifices, causing fear and unrest to spread across the entire Earth.

The people, suffering from this constant torment, went to the sage Aurva and shared their distress with him. Sage Aurva, in order to protect those who sought refuge, cursed Daruka and Daruk severely: "If these demons cause harm to living beings on Earth or obstruct their virtuous deeds and rituals like sacrifices and offerings, their lives will come to an end at that very moment."

Hearing Sage Aurva's curse, a wave of fear swept through the demons. When the deities learned of the curse, they took advantage of the situation and attacked Daruka and Daruk. Daruka and Daruk were in a dire predicament because if they fought the deities, they would die due to the sage's curse, but if they do not fight, they would starve after their defeat.

In this moment of crisis, Daruka invoked the boon she had received from Goddess Parvati. Proudly, she said, "With the boon of Bhavani, I can transport this entire forest anywhere I wish!"

Using her unique power, Daruka transported the entire forest into the ocean. Now, this forest was settled in the depths of the sea. The demons began to dwell in the water, but they continued to torment innocent creatures even here.

One day, several boats carrying humans arrived in the sea. The demons captured the people on these boats and shackled them in chains. They began to threaten them repeatedly.

Among these captives was a merchant named Supriya, who was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Supriya would not eat without worshiping Shiva and also taught his companions the practice of Shiva worship.

When Daruk learned that Supriya was a devotee of Lord Shiva, he threatened Supriya with death. However, Supriya was not afraid and maintained his patience, trusting in Mahadev. He continued to meditate on Lord Shiva and chant his mantras, praying, "O Lord of the Gods! Please protect me. I am under your care, and you are my life and soul. Please rescue me from this crisis."

Hearing Supriya's heartfelt prayers, Lord Shiva appeared from a burrow. Along with Him, a magnificent temple emerged, an exquisite structure with four doors. Inside this temple was a wondrous, radiant Shiva Lingam, and the entire Shiva family was present as well.

Supriya had a divine vision of Lord Shiva and worshiped Him. Pleased with his devotion and surrender, Lord Shiva immediately used the Pashupatastra to destroy Daruk's chief demons, their servants, and all their weapons. Thus, Lord Shiva protected His devotee, Supriya.

Subsequently, Lord Shambhu blessed the forest and declared that henceforth, people of all four varnas—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—would adhere to their respective duties in this forest. Here, noble sages would reside, and the tamasic demons would never enter this forest. The teachers, propagators, and proponents of Shiva Dharma would dwell here, making this place a perpetual center of Shiva devotion.

At that moment, the demoness Daruka, in distress, praised Goddess Parvati. Pleased with her humble prayers, Goddess Parvati appeared and asked, "Tell me, what can I do for you?" Daruka humbly replied, "Mother, please protect my lineage."

Goddess Parvati, smiling, said, "I promise you that I will certainly protect your lineage." Then, Goddess Parvati said to Lord Shiva, "My Lord, this decision of yours will hold true at the end of the Yuga. Until then, it is essential that the tamasic creation continues to exist."

Goddess Parvati, pleading with Lord Shiva, said, "O Lord, this demoness Daruka is a part of my own power and is the strongest among the demonesses. Therefore, she will rule over the demon realm. Please fulfill my words."

Goddess Parvati expressed her desire, saying, "O Lord, I wish that Daruka and other demonesses who will bear offspring live together in this forest."

Lord Shiva replied, "If this is your wish, then listen to me—I will reside in this forest, and anyone who comes here and lovingly worships me will become a universal emperor. At the end of the Kali Yuga and the beginning of the Satya Yuga, the son of Mahasen, Veersen, will come here. He will be my great devotee and an invincible warrior. Upon his arrival, he will become a universal emperor."

Thus, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati decided to reside in the forest. In the form of the radiant Lingam, Lord Shiva became known as 'Nageshwar,' and Goddess Parvati became known as 'Nageshwari.' Both are greatly revered by those who follow truth and righteousness. In this way, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, which fulfills the desires of all three worlds, came into existence. Devotees who listen to the story of the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga with reverence are liberated from all sins and sorrows of life and have all their desires fulfilled.

Verified from Puran.....................

Writer :- krishna