Stambheshwar Mahavdev is an ancient temple situated in the town of Kavi Kamboi. The shrine is located between the shores of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Cambay in Gujarat. Everyday, this Shiva Temple gets submerged in water during high tide hours and again reappears when the tide level comes down
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as the Submerging temple is one of the most unusual Shiva shrines in India.Situated in Kavi Kamboi, Gujarat, this 150 year old Shiva Shrine is flanked by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Bay of Cambay on the other. According to Kumarika khand in Skand Purana, this Shivling was established by Bhagwan Kartik after he killed Tarkasur. What makes this Shivlingam unique is that it can be seen only during low-tide hours. At high tide, it totally disappears, thus earning the name ‘disappearing temple of Mahadev’.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple History
Stambheswar Mahadev Temple is a 150 year old temple. It is also known as the disappearing Shiva temple. It can be seen only during low tide, as it submerges into the sea during high tide.
Mythology
The legend of Stambheshwar Mahadev temple in Gujarat goes like this. It is believed that Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Mahadev killed a demon Tarakasur. Tarkasur was a wicked demon who killed innocent people and drank their blood. But Kartikeya was saddened by his deed. He wanted to redeem himself because he killed a demon who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Hence, Vishnu saw this and tried to console him by saying that such demons had to be killed. In spite of all this, when Kartikeyan was bent non redeeming himself, Lord Vishnu suggested that he must lay Shivlingas to worship Lord Shiva.
One of the Shivlingas which he laid down is at Kavi Kamboi, Gujarat. It is now known as the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple. It is believed that the sight of flowers floating in the sea fulfils wishes of the devotees.
Interesting Facts
- The temple gets submerged into the sea twice in a day. Once in the morning and once in the night. The Shivling gets two natural ‘Jal Abhishek’ in a day.
- Mahi Sagar or the Arabian Sea unites with Sabarmati river at this site.
- Flowers that are offered to the Shivlingam floats on the sea when it gets flooded with sea water. This is the most cherished view because the sea looks like a beautiful garden. It feels that Mother Nature herself is doing the ‘Jal Abhishek’ for the Shivling.
- The deity or the Shivling in Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is worshipped with oil instead of milk.
Architecture
Located in the midst of mother nature, the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple provides the devotees with the most divine darshan of Lord Mahadev. If you are in the sanctum of the shrine, you will be able to hear the sound of the waves from all sides.
The temple is in the shape of a pentagon and is connected to the shore by a bridge. The Shivling is 4 feet tall. It submerges into the water of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Cambay twice a day.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple Timing
Hundreds of devotees flock to Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple on the day of Amavasya to offer late night prayers to the Lord. Worshipping the lord when surrounded by water on all sides is a unique experience. You will have to complete your pooja before the high tide begins. Once the high tide begins, the temple starts submerging into the Arabian Sea.
Shravan is the best month to visit Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple. It is an auspicious month for Lord Shiva.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple Darshan Timings
The temple darshan timings in the day are mostly between 9 AM to 3 PM. The night darshan duration is the longest on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) due to the low tide. While on a Poornima, or Full Moon Day, the temple closes at 9 PM. No one is allowed to enter the temple after that. The temple totally submerges in the water between 8:00 – 9:00 PM on this day. On Ekam, counted from Amavasya, the night darshan time starts from 9: 15 PM, and goes on till 3 AM. By Pancham, the fifth day, the timings move to 1 PM to 4 PM. Furthermore, it shifts from evening to midnight by the tenth day.
The darshan between 2:00 – 3:00 PM is the best. Water starts rising after 2:00 PM. And within an hour and a half, the entire temple gets submerged. At this time, you can get your darshan, as well as witness the holy site.
Though there are temple darshan timings, tourists must visit Stambheshwar Mahadev temple in the night and early morning to witness the disappearing and re-appearing phenomena of the temple.
Food & Water
Though there are few stalls on the beach, it is advisable to carry your own food and water. The Stambheshwar Ashram also provides lunch between 11:30 – 1:30 PM.
How To Reach Kavi Kamboi
Kavi Kamboi is around 78 km from Vadodara. You can reach Vadodara by train and bus. Vadodara Railway Station is an active railway station and nearest to Kavi Kamboi.
Kavi Kamboi is well connected to cities like Vadodara, Bharuch, and Bhavnagar by road. It is advisable to take a private cab from Vadodara to Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple.
Places to Visit
There are a number of attractions in Vadodara for you to see. Sayaji Baug Vadodara Museum, Sursagar Talav and MS University are beautiful locations that you must visit in Gujarat.The EME temple, made of aluminium sheets is a unique sight.
Accommodation
The Sambheshwar Ashram on the shore is the best location for you to stay if you want to reside close to the temple and witness its beauty.
