Nageshwarnath Ayodhya: History | Significance | Architecture

The holy river Saryu runs through the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh where Ayodhya is located. Both the Faizabad district and the Faizabad division in Uttar Pradesh, India, have their administrative headquarters there. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, the city's legislative body, oversees the administration of Ayodhya City.

The Hindu deity Rama of the Kosala Kingdom was born in the fabled city of Ayodhya, which is often known as modern-day Ayodhya. The epic Ramayana is set there. Ayodhya (Awadhpuri) has been recognised as the first of the seven most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus due to the belief that it is the location of Rama's birth. Ayodhya is one of the seven most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus since it is thought to be the location of Ram's birth. At Rama's purported birthplace, it is thought that a temple once stood there. Babur, the Mughal ruler, had it razed, and the Babri mosque was built in its stead.

Hindu fanatics that wanted to erect a massive Rama temple at the location destroyed the mosque in 1992 as a result of the disagreement over the location. From August to October 2019, a five-judge Supreme Court full bench heard the title petitions and decided that the land belonged to the government according to tax records. They also ordered that it be given to a trust so that a Hindu temple might be built there. Additionally, it mandated that the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board receive 5 acres of alternative property from the government so that it might construct a mosque in place of the Babri mosque, which was demolished. In August 2020, work on the Ram Mandir began. Not only is the historical significance of Ayodhya important, but also Ayodhya is famous for its tourist attractions, especially the temples. The most famous one among them is Nageshwarnath Temple, Ayodhya.

Nageshwarnath Temple:

Nageshwarnath Temple is Ayodhya’s pride. The temple's presiding deity is Lord Shiv. The Nageshwarnath Temple is one of the numerous temples in Ayodhya, which epitomises India's rich culture. The religious city is home to a number of temples, including the Nageshwarnath Temple. The Nageshwarnath Temple is another example of how different sects have traditionally coexisted peacefully and prospered alongside one another since ancient times. What is now commonly referred to as secularism was really termed as "Sarva Dharma Sambhav" in Hindu India. It is located on the banks of Saryu River. The best time to visit the temple is during the Shivratri festival.

History as in the Legend:

Many anecdotes concerning Nageshwarnath temple, which is located on the bank of the Saryu River, may be found in ancient manuscripts. One such narrative goes that when Lord Rama Kusha's younger son was bathing in the river Saryu, he lost his amulet. Kusha made numerous attempts to locate the amulet but was unsuccessful. Kusha interpreted the loss of the amulet as a negative omen. This made him depressed. But he had no idea that a Nag Kanya who adored him had chosen the amulet. The Nag Kanya gained Kusha's respect by returning the amulet. Because Nag Kanya was a devout devotee of Shiva, King Kusha erected the Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya. Kush built this shrine in her honour because she was a Shiva lover. The temple was in fine condition even during Vikramaditya's reign. The current temple was established in 1750 by Naval Rai, a minister of Safdar Jung.

Significance:

Many of the city's cultural and religious landmarks were destroyed by the ravages of time and the brutal Muslim invaders. Ayodhya received the attention it deserved under the Gupta period. By rehabilitating numerous historical and religious sites in Ayodhya, King Chandragupta Vikramaditya made a significant contribution. He also repaired the Nageshwarnath Temple. Baba Nageshwaranath is revered even in religious views as the representative of Ayodhya, with followers travelling from all over the nation to seek God's blessings. The importance of the city increases as a result of this historic Shiva temple in Ayodhya. According to a different theory, the temple stood the test of time up until the reign of Chandragupta II, commonly known as Vikramaditya. However, the rest of the city was a shantytown. Vikramaditya was also able to find Ayodhya thanks to the Nageshwarnath Temple, which he later renovated. At Shivaratri, when the event is celebrated here with tremendous pomp, it is especially important to visit this temple. Don't skip visiting this stunning temple if you're in Ayodhya.

Architecture:

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga was designed with the human body in mind and constructed in the western architectural style while adhering to Vaastu Shashtra principles. It is split into five major sections or parts:

1. Worshippers approach through the temple's main gate, known as Mahadwar (the feet).
2. Entrance Porch (hands): it is located between the two holy statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh, which stand in for the two hands.
3. Abdomen and chest, or Sabha Mandapa: It is said that the main prayer hall's prayer seats represent the human abdomen and chest.
4. Nandi, Lord Shiva's chariot, is worshipped here in Antarala.
5. The primary Shiva Linga is housed in the garbhagriha, which is equivalent to the head of a human body.

Idol/Deity:

Nageshwarnath Temple, located near Theri Bazaar, is devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as Nageshwar Nath or Lord of Snakes. A gorgeous Shiva lingam may be found in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. The Nageshwarnath Temple, as the name suggests, is devoted to God Shiva, also known as Nageshwar Nath or Lord of Snakes. He is also the presiding god of this temple.

Festivals celebrated:

The festival celebrated with the greatest pomp, show and splendour is Shivratri. Shiva is worshipped with the greatest devotion. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple in the time of Shivratri. The other festivals celebrated here are as follows:

1. Dussehra
2. Shrawan Milni
3. Holi
4. Durga Puja
5. Navratri
6. Makar Sankranti

Temple Address:

Nageshwarnath Temple, Near Ramkot, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Darshan Timings:

This temple is open on all days. The darshan timings are between 5 am to 8 pm.
The entry fee is absolutely free.
Arati Timing: 5 am to 6 am in the morning/ 8 pm to 8:30 pm in the evening
Bhog Timing: 12 pm to 2 pm.