Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vadodara - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

At a distance of 75 Km from Vadodara and 160 Km from Ahmedabad, Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is a 150 years old Hindu temple located in the town of Kavi Kamboi near Vadodara in Gujarat. Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated between Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Cambay, it is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, and among the prime places to visit near Vadodara. The temple is mainly supported on pillars, hence called 'Stambeshwar Mahadev.' Popularly known as the Disappearing Shiva Temple, the temple is unique because the temple submerges every day during high tide and as the tide starts to get low it again starts emerging out of the sea, unveiling the 4 feet high Shiva lingam.

History & Mythology of Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple structure that you see today is almost 150 years old. However, the Shiva Linga was there for thousands of years. According to the mythology, the Shiva Linga in Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple was installed by Lord Kartikeya himself. Legend says that, Lord Kartikeya feels guilty after killing the demon Tarakasura. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya installed Shiva Lingas at three places and offered his prayers in order to absolve his sin of killing a great devotee of Lord Shiva. And, Stambeshwar Shiva Linga is one among them. The temple is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana, which refers to a pillar called Vishwanandak Stambh set up by the Devas at the Mahi Sagar Sangam Teerth Kshetra.

Architecture of Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

The architecture of the temple is very simple and is built on pillars which is why it is referred to as 'Stambeshwar Mahadev. Popularly known as the Disappearing Shiva Temple, the shrine is present a few feet away from the seashore and is in the Arabian Sea. The temple is unique because it submerges every day during high tide and as the tide starts to get low it again starts emerging out of the sea, unveiling the 4 feet high Shiva Linga. Recently, state authorities have added a pinnacle at the top, which remains the only visible part during high tide.

When the low tides replace the high tides, devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers, creating a scene where it appears as though the water itself is paying homage to Lord Shiva. The transition from high to low tide is truly magnificent, drawing millions of tourists year-round to witness this natural spectacle. Additionally, the confluence of the Mahi Sagar and Sabarmati Rivers adds to the site's distinctiveness.

There are no fixed visiting hours for the temple; access is dictated by the tides. The optimal time for a visit is between 2 PM and 3 PM, as high tide will commence shortly thereafter, preventing entry into the temple.

Festivals of Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

Maha Shivratri is a significant festival honoring Lord Shiva, celebrated with immense enthusiasm at the Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple, which experiences a substantial increase in visitors during this period. The month of Shravan, revered for its dedication to Lord Shiva, is characterized by intensified devotion and temple attendance. The temple's remarkable occurrence of vanishing and reemerging with the tides is particularly evident on Purnima and Amavasya days, rendering these dates especially favored for visits.

Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit the Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple near Vadodara. The temple is open to visitors of all religions, offering a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking spiritual experiences or to witness the unique phenomenon of the temple submerging in the sea.

Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple Timings

There are no fixed timings for visiting the temple. The tides determine when you will be able to reach the temple to offer your prayers.

Date Darshan Time Darshan Time
Ekam 09:15 To 15:45 21:15 To 03:45
Bij 10:30 To 16;30 22:30 To 04:30
Trij 11:15 To 17:15 23:15 To 05:15
Chouth 12:00 To 18:00 Midnight To 06:00
Pancham Sunrise To 07:00 13:00 To 16:00
Chath Sunrise To 07:45 13:15 To 19:15
Satam Sunrise To 8:00 14:30 To 20:30
Aatham Sunrise To 09:45 15:15 To 21:15
Naum Sunrise To 10:00 16:00 To 22:00
Dasham Sunrise To 10:45 16:45 To 22:45
Agiyaras 05:30 To 11:30 17:30 To 23:30
Baras 06:30 To 12:30 18:30 To Midnight 00:30
Teras 07:15 To 13:15 19:15 To Midnight 01:15
Choudash 08:00 To 14:00 20:00 To Midnight 02:00
Poonam - Amavastha 09:00 To 15:00 21:00

Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

The optimal period for visiting the Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple is from November to February, as the weather during these winter months is agreeable for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. Purnima and Amavasya are the best days to visit the temple. Access to the temple is restricted to low tide hours, since it may be underwater during high tide. It is recommended that visitors check the temple's website or reach out directly to confirm the specific visiting hours for their intended day. Additionally, it is prudent to avoid visits during the monsoon season and the summer months as the region experiences heavy rains, and intense heat.

How to Reach Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple

Vadodara International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 7 Km from Vadodara Railway Station. It has well-connected flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Vadodara Railway Station is well connected by trains with Bhuj, Surat, Trivandrum, Delhi, Rameshwaram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Okha, Veraval, Pune, Indore, Bhavnagar, Kota, Darbhanga, Puri, Varanasi, Vishakapatnam, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Sawai Madhopur, Goa, Amritsar, Cochin, Kolkata, Udaipur, Jabalpur, Porbandar, and Jamnagar. Vadodara is well connected by road with all the major cities of Gujarat along with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Surat, Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, Indore, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. About 75 Km, travelers can reach Shri Stambeshwar Mahadev Temple by taking a bus or hiring cab from Vadodara.