Ayodhya is a place of religious and historical sites that are always intricately entwined with each other. There are many such places like Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Hanuman Garhi, a temple for lord Hanuman, etc. Just like these places, Sri Nageshwarnath temple is an important site too. A temple is built in devotion to Lord Shiva, yet it is also connected to Lord Rama. Devotees and pilgrims often visit this temple to seek blessings and good luck and, hopefully, go further in their spiritual journey.
History Of Sri Nageshwarnath Temple
The Sri Nageshwarnath Temple is situated in Ram Paidi in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Rama. According to the legend, Lord Rama’s son Kush established the temple in his dedication. He lost his armlet in the Saryu River, which was retrieved by a Nag-Kanya who fell in love with Kush. She was a devotee of Lord Shiva and so Kush built this temple for her.
During his rule, Lord Rama divided the city of Ayodhya into eight parts called the Parganas. Each pargana was governed by Lord Rama’s trusted companions, including the Sri Nageshwarnath Temple. This shows that not only was it important due to its religious context but it also added value to the city’s culture and history.
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Architectural Style Of Sri Nageshwarnath Temple
This temple is one of the oldest in Ayodhya. It is a perfect example of a structure that has withstood the passage of time. Its primary architectural style is North Indian, accompanied by intricate carvings on the pillars and beautiful wall designs. It is truly a sight to behold.
The sanctuary of Lord Shiva is stationed right in the centre of the temple. The inner passageways are built in such a way that brings calm and peace to whoever walks inside. As the legend says, Kush built the temple, which was present and known even during the time of Vikramaditya. The current temple was built in 1750 by Naval Rai, minister of Safdar Jung. Since the temple is old, many renovations have taken place to keep the true structure and design well-maintained so that people can see and learn about its history.
Conservation Of Sri Nageshwarnath Temple
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The locals are trying everything to sustain the perfect blend of modernity, history, and spirituality of the Sri Nageshwarnath Temple. There have been some amazing changes in and around the temple, in various aspects, to keep the temple alive. The temple team has ensured that the premises are always kept clean. They instruct visitors and devotees not to litter the place unless they want to be fined. There are organised cleaning sessions allowing everyone to get rid of any waste present. A clean temple is a happy temple.
As mentioned earlier, the temple is ancient and requires restoration to allow people to visit this momentous piece. Many people are involved in the conservation of architecture to safeguard its cultural and historical significance. Eco-friendly measures have been taken to ensure that most, if not all, materials are environmentally friendly and do not harm the surroundings. They aim to reduce the impact humans have had on the environment for years and years.
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Essential Information
Ayodhya is a place of mystery and wonder, a mix of India’s spirituality and history. Sri Nageshwarnath Temple is one such site that connects our country’s past and present. Here is some important information that you should know before visiting the temple to avoid any hindrance.
Perfect Timing: Make sure you are always on time, or else you will miss the beauty of the morning prayer at the Sri Nageshwarnath Temple. The temple is open all week long from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Plan your visits so that you can witness both the morning and evening prayers.
Entry Fee: Usually, historical and cultural sites charge an entry fee, but you are in for a treat as there is no entry fee to enter Sri Nageshwarnath Temple. You do not need to spend a single penny to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings at any time of the day. It is open to all without any charges.
Dress Code: As a religious place, everyone is expected to dress decently. Everyone must be covered appropriately and behave with decorum to respect God and others visiting the temple.
Medicine: If this is your first time travelling to Ayodhya, you must carry some essential medicines. Carrying your medicines is a must, even if you are a frequent traveller. You can take medication for colds, coughs, headaches, stomach aches, mild fever, etc. If you are someone who suffers from chronic illnesses, then consulting your doctor before you leave for your trip is necessary. Always carry the medicines that you need to take without fail. Make sure to let people travelling with you know about your ailments so that in case of an emergency, you have help.
How To Reach
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By Air—The closest airport to Sri Nageshwarnath Temple is the Lucknow International Airport, which is 152 km from Ayodhya. It is also 158 km from the Gorakhpur Airport, 172 km from Prayagraj Airport, and 224 km from Varanasi Airport. Depending on flight availability and your plans, you can choose whichever airport.
By Rail – The closest railway stations are Ayodhya and Faizabad. These stations are well-connected to all the major stations in the country. You can decide whichever station you want depending on where you are travelling.
By Road – If you are keen on a road trip, then you are in luck as all the roads from major cities are in good condition, guaranteeing you a smooth journey. If you want to travel by bus then both private and public buses are available. The Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses travel to Ayodhya from all the major cities.
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Now that you have a fair idea of what and how the Sri Nageshwarnath temple came about, it is time to book your trip to Ayodhya to enjoy a time of serenity and peace in the sacred city of Ayodhya. Immerse yourself in the culture and mystery of this divine temple.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Nageshwarnath Temple
How tall is the Sri Nageshwarnath Temple?
The Sri Nageshwarnath Temple stands at a height of 70 feet which looks magnificent as you gaze up to it. The towering height only adds to its already existing beauty.
Is the temple built on a river bank?
Yes, it is built on the river banks of Sarayu. This river has many references in the Indian Epic Ramayana. It holds important significance to the temple along with the legend behind its origin.
Who built the Sri Nageshwarnath Temple?
According to the legend, Lord Rama’s son Kush built the temple for a Nag-Kanya who was a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Which festivals are celebrated in this temple?
Shivratri is a festival that is a must for tourists to see if they come to visit around this time. You get to witness the Shiv Barat procession take place. They celebrate these festivals with love and excitement.
When is the best time to visit Sri Nageshwarnath Temple?
The period between October to March is the best time to visit this temple. The weather is pleasant, it is neither too hot nor too cold. Furthermore, during this time you can celebrate Maha Shivrathri during February or March.
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