Gujarat's Vanishing Temple: Witness the Wonder of Stambheshwar Mahadev

Nestled near the Arabian Sea, about an hour's drive from Patan, Gujarat, lies the village of Kavi Kamboi. This unassuming village holds a unique treasure - the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as the ‘Disappearing Temple.’

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

While historical records suggest the temple is around 150 years old, local legends and the temple’s website claim a much older origin. According to the Skanda Purana, the mythological warrior Kartikeya, after defeating the demon Trakasur, felt remorseful as Tarkasur was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu advised Kartikeya that while killing an evil being wasn’t a sin, to find solace, he should establish and worship Shivlings. Following this, Kartieky installed three Shivlings in different locations, with Stambheshwar Temple being one of them.

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The Gayab Mandir

The temple’s unique characteristic lies in its proximity to the sea, During high tide, the seawater washes over the temple, submerging its exterior and even the inner sanctum, leaving only the towering 4-foot Shivalinga (Mahashivratri 2024: Donate These Things To Attract Financial Bliss In Your Life) partially visible. As the tide recedes, the temple gradually emerges, revealing its weathered facade and intricate architecture. This breathtaking phenomenon occurs twice daily, leaving both travellers and devotees spellbound. This unique disappearance and reappearance have earned the temple the popular nickname ‘Gayab Mandir,’ meaning ‘disappearing temple’ in Hindi.

According to the website, the temple receives its name ‘Stambheshwar,’ which translates to ‘God with pillars,’ due to the sturdy pillars on which it stands. The rising and falling tides influence the temple rituals and prayers, which are meticulously planned according to the season. Devotees visit the temple only during low tide to offer prayers and perform traditional pujas. On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri (Mahashivratri 2024: Bring These 3 Plants Home For Lord Shiva's Blessings), large crowds flock to the temple, many rushing to perform rituals before the rising tide temporarily conceals their deity.

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How to Reach Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple is situated 75 km from Vadodara and 160 km from Ahmedabad, accessible by road.

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Image Courtesy: Stambheshwar Mahadev