In India, there are numerous ancient Shiva temples, each associated with various legends. Among these, there is a unique Shiva temple in the state of Gujarat, near the renowned Somnath Temple.
This extraordinary temple is called the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple. It is said that this distinctive temple becomes visible twice a day, right before your eyes.
Legend has it that the temple, situated near the sea, performs its own Abhishek (a ritual of pouring sacred liquid) for Lord Shiva. The temple is named Stambheshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Ancient Origins and Reconstruction
The construction of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple dates back to the 7th century. It was initially built by saintly figures known as ‘Chavdi Saints’.
Later, the temple underwent reconstruction under the guidance of Shri Shankaracharya. Inside the temple, the idol of Lord Mahadev is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum.
Near the temple, there is the Trilochan Gad fort, built to safeguard the revered Somnath Jyotirlinga, making it a prominent tourist attraction in Gujarat.
Location and How to Reach
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the village of Kavi Kamboi, approximately 175 km away from the capital city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
It is situated about 15 km from the ancient Somnath Temple. If you plan to visit the Somnath Temple, you can easily include a visit to Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple in your itinerary.
To reach the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, travelers can take trains or flights to major cities like Dwarka, Porbandar, or Diu.
From these cities, there are bus and train services available to reach the temple. If you are traveling from Ahmedabad or Vadodara, there are bus and train services to facilitate your journey.
Starting your trip from Somnath, you can easily find buses or auto-rickshaws to reach the temple. The temple also offers parking facilities for private vehicles.
The Legend of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple
According to the Shiv Puran, an asura (demon) named Tarakasur obtained a boon from Lord Shiva, ensuring his invincibility, except from Shiva’s own son.
To fulfill this destiny, Kartikeya, Shiva’s son, was born after six days of intense penance by Tarakasur. Kartikeya eventually defeated the demon, but Shiva was saddened by the devotee’s death.
In penance, Kartikeya established a Shivling at the spot where he had slain the asura. This place came to be known as Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Enigma of Temple Submergence in the Sea
The temple is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Khambhat. Twice a day, during high tides, the sea water submerges the temple.
During this phenomenon, the sanctum sanctorum witnesses the Abhishek of the Shivling, and as the waters recede, the temple becomes visible again.
This unique occurrence, where the temple appears and disappears in front of the eyes, adds to the mystical aura of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple.
