Nageshwar Mahadev is one of the 12 Jyotirling forms of Hindu God Shiva. The story of Nageshwar Mahadev is a classic example of the power of Bhakti in Hinduism.
As per Puranas, there lived a Shiva Bhakta named Supriya. She used to do all her work as an offering to Lord Shiva.
A demon named Daruk was unhappy with the Shiva bhakti of Supriya as it had created peace and prosperity in the region.
Daruka and his wife Daruki were ardent devotees of Shiva and Ma Parvati. The couple had got several boons from Maa Parvati.
Daruka and his wife Daruki were ardent devotees of Shiva and Ma Parvati. The couple had got several boons from Maa Parvati.
The demon devised numerous methods to unsettle and cause obstacles to Supriya. But her devotion remained steadfast.
One day, Daruka kidnapped Supriya and took her to his kingdom.
Here too she continued with her prayers and mediation.
This angered the demon and he decided to kill her.
The threat of death did not move Supriya. She continued with her prayers.
Pleased with the intense devotion of her devotee, Shiva appeared in the prison in the form of Nageshwar Mahadev.
But Shiva could not kill the demon as he was armed with boons from Maa Parvati.
But Shiva could not kill the demon as he was armed with boons from Maa Parvati.
Mahadev Shiva then gifted his devotee the Pashupatastra.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, at Aundh (Aundha in Hingoli District) in Maharashtra, is one among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
Another Nageshwar Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat, also claims that it is a Jyotirlinga Temple and both have similar stories of origin.
Another Nageshwar Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat, also claims that it is a Jyotirlinga Temple and both have similar stories of origin.