The Nilkantheshwar Temple sits at the edge of the village of Zadeshwar, a few kilometres south of Bharuch, where the Narmada broadens towards the sea. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in his Nilkantha form — "the blue-throated one" — and draws pilgrims from across south Gujarat. The setting on the riverbank is the main attraction: the wide, tidal Narmada estuary, the light on the water in the early morning, and the long views across to the south bank.
Zadeshwar is easily reached by auto-rickshaw from Bharuch. A short walk from the temple along the riverbank leads to a ghat where local fishermen launch boats. The area is quietest on weekday mornings; festival days bring large crowds.