The site is historically known as 'Darukavana' (The Forest of Daruka). It is mentioned in the Shiva Purana as a site of immense spiritual significance. While there are other locations claimed as the 'true' Nageshwar (such as Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra), the Dwarka site remains the most widely accepted and visited location in the primary Jyotirlinga pilgrimage circuit.

The Underground Sanctum and the Colossal Icon

The modern temple architecture is simple and functional, designed to manage large crowds. However, the 82-foot Shiva Statue is a landmark of contemporary religious art, becoming an iconic image of the region. The Garbhagriha (sanctum) is located below the ground level, requiring devotees to descend a few steps. The Lingam itself is made of **Dwarka Shila** (a type of local stone) and features three-headed rudraksha carvings.

Legend tells of a demoness named Daruka who imprisoned a group of Shiva devotees led by a merchant named Supriya. Supriya continually chanted the name of Shiva, which enraged the demons. When they tried to kill him, Lord Shiva appeared from the earth in the form of a Jyotirlinga and annihilated the demons. Shiva then remained there as Nageshwar to protect his devotees from all poisons and serpent-related fears.

The worship at Nageshwar is particularly focused on **removing the fear of death and poisons**. Devotees perform 'Rudra Abhishek' to seek protection from 'Sarpa Dosha' (serpent-related astrological afflictions). The tradition here allows devotees to sit close to the Lingam and perform personal offerings, creating a very intimate spiritual experience despite the grand scale of the external statue.

Maha Shivaratri is the primary festival, where the entire complex is lit up and the giant statue is decorated with massive garlands. The Shravan Mondays also draw large crowds from across Gujarat. During Janmashtami, pilgrims visiting Dwarka naturally spill over to Nageshwar to pay their respects to the Lord of Snakes.

A popular modern belief is that the **giant Shiva statue acts as a beacon**. Sailors and fishermen in the Arabian Sea claim they can sometimes see the silhouette of the statue during high tides, guiding them toward the coast. There is also a local story that during the renovation by Gulshan Kumar, the underground water springs near the sanctum became sweet and pure, which devotees take as a sign of the Lord's approval of the temple's revival.