Nageshwarnath Temple

Nageshwarnath Temple near Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya is one of the oldest and most historically significant Shiva temples in the city, believed to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama. According to local tradition, Kush lost his armlet while bathing in the Saryu River, and a water nymph who retrieved it and fell in love with him asked him to build a temple to Lord Shiva as the condition of its return. The temple is unique in Ayodhya for its Shaivite character in a city predominantly associated with Vaishnava worship. The Nageshwarnath Mela held here during Shivratri is an important local festival. The temple sits near the ghats of the Saryu and is part of the traditional pilgrimage circuit of Ayodhya.