Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple: Knowing the endangered temple in Kavi Kamboi

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a 150-year-old Shiva temple located in the city of Kavi Kamboi in the state of Gujarat. Located exactly between the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Cambay, at a distance of about 70 km from Vadodara, the temple continues its hide and seek with devotees by plunging under the sea when high tides submerge it and rising again when there is low tide.

Apart from this, during the whole month of Shravan, free food is available for visitors. If you are planning to visit this temple, know the necessary details about it.

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple doesn’t look that extraordinary architecturally, but it is an unusual religious site that has something unique to offer, something you cannot see in other temples . While the low tides, when their time is due, remain within their bounds, the high tides of the sea rise, in all ferocity, encircle and surge upon the Shiva Linga to just recede to peace.

The sea at low tide seems to await the darshan of the Shiva Linga like any other visitor, and goes through the pradakshina and abhisheka procedure at high tide when allowed to enter the premises. The 4-foot-tall Shivalinga slowly unfurls and gradually rises above, displaying all its glory.

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple: Unusual Event

The effect of the waves is such that the whole temple seems to virtually disappear into the sea, then reappear when the time comes. A whole day and night must be set aside to experience the spiritual vibrations of this place. Early in the morning, at low tide, you can visit the temple to meditate peacefully amid the sighs and sniffles of the waves gently reminding you to melt into the wild calm that surrounds you.

If you feel uncomfortable with the idea, you can walk around peacefully, enjoying the feel and rhythm of nature which never seems to break the general peace one can feel in its surroundings. Once you’ve fully savored the puzzle, you can go for lunch at one of these restaurants near the parking lot which is within a half-mile walking distance.

The month of Shravan is when the temple offers free food to pilgrims. After lunch, you are back at the temple, to return to the breathtaking view of the submerged temple. The temple and Shiva Linga should be viewed with the backdrop of the sea behind it as it simply offers the visual meaning of the word magnificence.

The flowers placed on top of the Shiva Linga by the devotees are carried away by the high tides and float on the surface of the sea. Once the high tide has receded, it is time to return to prayer. It is amazing how nature performs jal abhishek to Shiva Linga itself twice a day.

This is exactly where Mahi Sagar and the Sabarmati River combine. The scenario coupled with the reverberating chants of the priests never fails to enchant. It gives a totally different facet to the image. Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is popularly known as the endangered Shiva temple in India. You just have to see it to believe it.

Stambheshwar temple: legend associated with this mandir

Shiva Linga was installed by Lord Kartikeya according to scriptural legends. Tarkasura was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. The demon Tarakasur takes this opportunity to ask God for immortality. When Lord Shiva granted it, Tarakasur started his expedition to Triloka, or the three worlds and caused chaos. Lord Shiva created Kartikeya to end the threat. Lord Kartikeya killed Tarakasur in a duel but also felt pangs of guilt, for killing Tarakasura.

Lord Vishnu intervened and convinced him that everything was done for the good of the people. Kartikeya was still unhappy with the resolution. He wanted to get rid of the sin he had committed by killing a devotee of Lord Shiva. So, according to the advice of Lord Vishnu, Karthikeya asked Vishwakarma (the deity of architecture) to build three Shiva Lingams which he intended to install in three different places. He performed all the ritual worship here in these three holy places which were called Pratigyeshwar, Kapaleshwar and Kumareshwar.

Kartikeya poured holy water on the Lingam at Kapaleshwar and prayed for peace for Taraka’s soul. He also offered sesame seeds to Lord Shiva and got rid of his sins. This place is more widely known as Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple. The Shivlinga here is set up exactly on the site where Tarakasur was killed.

Although the temple authorities set opening and closing times for visiting the temple, it is best to invest a day of your time there. Don’t miss the chance to watch the Shiva Lingam rise under the tides inch by inch against the dark, shimmering backdrop of the ocean.

How to reach the Mandir

You can get to the Mandir by road, train and plane.

The Narmada River flows through Narmada district, Vadodara district boundary and Bharuch district as the last destination before reaching the sea. You can spot various sites on your way to the temple from here. Buses run to and from Bharuch, Rajpipla, Chanod and Dabhoi. Alternatively, you can reach the Sardar Sarovar dam site by private vehicle. Bharuch is the nearest railway station. Therefore, you can also get here by train. As the nearest airport is in Vadodara, you can also fly to this place.

.Disclaimer: The information is based on assumptions and information available on the Internet and its accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed. Boldsky does not confirm any entry or information related to the article and our sole purpose is to provide information. Boldsky does not believe in or endorse any superstitions.

Article first published: Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 3:00 p.m. [IST]