India is a country of diverse cultures and religions, and it is home to some of the most spectacular temples in the world. One such temple is the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple located in the state of Gujarat. This temple is not just a religious site, but it is also a natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and beauty of Stambheshwar Mahadev.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Overview
Stambheshwar Mahadev is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu deities. This temple is located on the banks of the Arabian Sea in the town of Kavi Kamboi, in the district of Bharuch, Gujarat. What makes this temple unique is that it is situated on an island that gets submerged in the sea during high tide and resurfaces during low tide, making it accessible only during certain times of the day.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Story
The story of Stambheshwar Mahadev dates back to ancient times when Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati decided to spend time on the island where the temple is now located. They stayed there for many years, and the people of the nearby village would often visit them to seek their blessings.
However, one day, a group of arrogant villagers arrived and started misbehaving with Lord Shiva and Parvati. Enraged, Lord Shiva decided to leave the island, but before doing so, he declared that the island would sink into the sea and only appear during low tide when people would be able to visit his linga.
True to his words, the island gradually started sinking and eventually disappeared into the sea. The people of the village were left devastated and regretted their behavior towards Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Years passed, and the story of the island and the temple was passed down from generation to generation. Eventually, a saint named Gajanan Maharaj decided to find the island and the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva and was granted a vision of the island and the linga. With his followers, he reached the island and established a temple there.
Today, Stambheshwar Mahadev is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The story of Lord Shiva and the sinking island is still told with great reverence, and the temple remains a symbol of the power and mercy of Lord Shiva.
History of Stambheshwar Mahadev
The history of Stambheshwar Mahadev dates back to ancient times, and the temple is believed to be around 5000 years old. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva himself manifested in the form of a linga (a symbolic representation of Shiva) at this spot. The temple was built in the 14th century by the Chaulukya dynasty and was renovated in the 18th century by the Gaekwads, the rulers of Baroda.
Significance of Stambheshwar Mahadev
Stambheshwar Mahadev is considered to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas (lingas of light) of Lord Shiva, and it holds great significance for Hindus all over the world. It is believed that a visit to this temple can wash away all sins and bring good fortune to the devotees. The linga at this temple is also unique as it is divided into two parts, representing the male and female aspects of Shiva and his consort Parvati.
The Natural Wonder of Stambheshwar Mahadev
Apart from its religious significance, Stambheshwar Mahadev is also a natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world. The island on which the temple is located disappears during high tide and reappears during low tide, creating a unique spectacle that is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Visitors can only access the temple during low tide, and they must be careful as the water level can rise quickly during high tide.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Darshan
Stambheshwar Mahadev is a unique temple located in the state of Gujarat, India. What makes this temple special is that it is situated on an island that gets submerged in the sea during high tide and re-emerges during low tide. This creates a natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world.
To have darshan (worship) at Stambheshwar Mahadev, visitors must first reach the town of Kavi Kamboi in the district of Bharuch. From there, they can take a boat to the island on which the temple is located. It is important to check the tide timings before planning a visit as the temple can only be accessed during low tide.
Once visitors reach the island, they can have darshan of the linga (symbolic representation) of Lord Shiva, which is divided into two parts, representing the male and female aspects of Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple is believed to be around 5000 years old and holds great significance for Hindus as it is considered to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas (lingas of light) of Lord Shiva.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and footwear as the terrain can be uneven. Visitors must also carry their own food and water as there are no facilities on the island. The best time to visit Stambheshwar Mahadev is during low tide, which usually occurs early in the morning or late in the evening.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Timings
The temple of Stambheshwar Mahadev is accessible only during low tide. It is important to check the tide timings before planning a visit as the temple can be reached only during that time. Generally, the temple can be accessed for about 4-5 hours a day during low tide. It is recommended to visit the temple during early morning or late evening when the tide is low.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Festival
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fervor at the Stambheshwar Mahadev temple. During this festival, thousands of devotees come to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Special poojas and rituals are performed, and the atmosphere is filled with the sounds of bhajans (devotional songs) and mantras. Apart from Mahashivratri, other important Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi are also celebrated at the temple.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Accommodation
There are no accommodations available on the island where the temple is located. Visitors can stay in nearby towns like Bharuch, which is around 40 kilometers from the temple. Bharuch has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses to suit every budget. Visitors can also opt to stay in Kavi Kamboi, the town from where the boats to the island depart. There are a few budget hotels and lodges available in Kavi Kamboi. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during the festival season when there is a rush of visitors to the temple.
How to Reach Stambheshwar Mahadev
Stambheshwar Mahadev is located on an island in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat, India. Here are the different ways to reach the temple:
By Road: The nearest town to the temple is Kavi Kamboi, which is located around 5 kilometers away. Kavi Kamboi is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and other parts of India via roads. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from Bharuch or Vadodara to reach Kavi Kamboi. From there, visitors can take a boat to the temple island.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Stambheshwar Mahadev is Bharuch Junction, which is located around 40 kilometers away from Kavi Kamboi. Bharuch Junction is well-connected to major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. From Bharuch Junction, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kavi Kamboi and then take a boat to the temple island.
By Air: The nearest airport to Stambheshwar Mahadev is Vadodara International Airport, which is located around 80 kilometers away from Kavi Kamboi. Vadodara airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kavi Kamboi and then take a boat to the temple island.
Boat Ride to the Island: To reach Stambheshwar Mahadev, visitors need to take a boat ride from Kavi Kamboi to the island where the temple is located. The boat ride takes around 10-15 minutes and offers scenic views of the Arabian Sea. The boats are available from early morning till evening, depending on the tide timings. Visitors are advised to check the tide timings before planning a trip to the temple.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple?
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple’s origin and construction are not clear, but it is believed to have been built by Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.
What time to visit Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple?
The best time to visit the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is during the low tide period, which usually occurs twice a day. It is advised to visit the temple during the early morning hours to avoid the rush of visitors.
Which temple goes underwater?
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is the temple that goes underwater. During high tide, the temple gets completely submerged in the sea, and visitors can only access it during low tide.
What is special about Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple?
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is famous for its unique location and design. The temple is situated on a small island in the Arabian Sea and is only accessible during low tide. The temple’s lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva, is said to have been self-manifested.
Which temple disappears in water?
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is the temple that disappears in water. The temple gets completely submerged in the sea during high tide and re-emerges during low tide.