Nageshwarnath Temple - Lord Shiva Temple in Ayodhya

 

Nageshwarnath Temple is dedicated to God Shiva who was also known as Nageshwar Nath or Lord of Snakes located at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. Lord Shiva is also the presiding god of this temple. The temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingams in its sanctum sanctorum. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here in a big way, and Shiv Barat procession is taken out during these celebrations which is particularly significant. During the festival time of Mahashivratri the temple receive thousands of devotees.

 

 

The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush, the younger son of Lord Rama. Legend is that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is believed that the temple survived in good shape until the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya even though the rest of the city was turned into ruins. The present temple was rebuilt in 1750 by the minister of Safdar Jung, named Naval Rai.

 

 

The Nageshwarnath Temple attracts numerous devotees during Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi, also known as Pradosh Vrat or Pradosh Vratam, in Southern India. The Shiva Barat or the procession of Lord Shiva is a significant attraction here. October to March is the best time to visit Ayodhya.

 

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Aarti Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM

 

Nageshwarnath Temple Ayodhya is well connected by air, train and road from all big cities in India. Lucknow International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 152 Kms from Ayodhya. Ayodhya is about 158 Kms from Gorakhpur Airport, 172 Kms from Prayagraj Airport and 224 Kms from Varanasi Airport. Ayodhya and Faizabad are major railway stations of the district and are well connected to almost all major railway stations. Services of Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses are available 24 hours a day, and it is very easy to reach Ayodhya from all major cities and towns.