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Stambheshwar Mahadev - Kavi Kamboi
23/11/2025
(Stambheshwar Mahadev Kavi Kamboi | Disappearing Temple Gujarat | Ocean Tide Shiva Temple | Bay of Khambhat Temple | Skanda Purana History | Kartikeya Tarakasura Story | High Tide Low Tide Temple | Gujarat Spiritual Destinations | Unique Shiva Temple India | Kavi Kamboi Darshan Timings)
Imagine standing on the golden sands of the Arabian Sea, bowing your head in prayer before a majestic ancient Shiva Linga. The waves gently lap at your feet. You spend a few hours soaking in the spiritual energy. But when you look back later that afternoon—the temple is gone! It hasn't been destroyed; it has simply vanished into the womb of the ocean, only to re-emerge the next morning.
Welcome to Stambheshwar Mahadev, popularly known as the "Disappearing Temple of Gujarat".
Located in the small coastal town of Kavi Kamboi near Vadodara, this temple is one of India’s most mysterious and unique spiritual destinations. For travelers looking for something beyond the ordinary, GyaanTrek brings you a comprehensive guide to this awe-inspiring wonder where nature performs the Jal Abhishek (water offering) to Lord Shiva twice every day.
In this ultimate travel guide, we will cover the history, the science behind the tides, the best time to visit, and essential travel tips for your journey to Kavi Kamboi.
The Mystery: How Does the Temple Disappear?
The most intriguing aspect of Stambheshwar Mahadev is its hide-and-seek game with the ocean. But is it magic? Or is it a marvel of geography? The temple stands just meters away from the seashore in the Bay of Khambhat. This particular coastline experiences some of the most extreme high and low tides in the world.
- The Submersion (High Tide) :
- The Revelation (Low Tide) :
During high tide hours, the sea water levels rise significantly. The water enters the temple premises and completely submerges the Shiva Linga and the sanctum sanctorum. From a distance, all you can see is the temple flag (Dhwaja) fluttering above the water surface.
As the tide recedes, the water slowly pulls back, revealing the temple structure inch by inch. The floor is washed clean by the sea, and devotees can once again walk up to the Shiva Linga to offer prayers.
This natural cycle happens twice every 24 hours. It creates a humbling experience for visitors, reminding us of the immense power of nature and the divine presence that exists in harmony with it.
Mythology & History: The Story of Skanda Purana
While the visual spectacle is what draws tourists, the spiritual significance of Stambheshwar Mahadev is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The story is mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
The Guilt of Lord Kartikeya
The legend dates back to the time when Lord Kartikeya (the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) defeated the demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura was a terror to the Devas, but he was also a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He had performed severe penance to please Shiva.
When Kartikeya killed Tarakasura to save the world, he felt a deep sense of guilt for killing a great devotee of his own father. He felt the burden of this sin and sought a way to repent.
The Installation of the Linga Lord Vishnu consoled Kartikeya and advised him to establish Shiva Lingas at three different places and offer prayers to seek forgiveness. Following this advice, Kartikeya installed three Lingas in the region of Stambhatirth (now known as Khambhat).
- Pratigyeshwar
- Kapaleshwar
- Stambheshwar
The Installation of the Linga Lord Vishnu consoled Kartikeya and advised him to establish Shiva Lingas at three different places and offer prayers to seek forgiveness. Following this advice, Kartikeya installed three Lingas in the region of Stambhatirth (now known as Khambhat).
The name "Stambheshwar" comes from the idea of a pillar (Stambh), representing the stability of faith. Since then, sages and devotees have worshipped this site, believing it to be a place of redemption and peace.
Stambheshwar Mahadev Tide Timings (Important)
This is the most critical section for your trip planning. Since the tides change daily based on the lunar cycle (Moon's position), there is no fixed time like "10:00 AM" every day.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Frequency : | Twice a day (Morning & Evening) |
| Full Submersion | Happens during High Tide |
| Darshan Time | Happens during Low Tide (Water recedes) |
| Best Days to Visit | Poonam (Full Moon) & Amas (New Moon) |
GyaanTrek Pro Tip:
On Full Moon (Poonam) and New Moon (Amas) days, the tides are more vigorous. The water level rises higher and recedes further back, making the view spectacular. However, always check the local Gujarati calendar (Tithi) or ask the temple trust office before planning your exact arrival time.
Generally, the temple is open for Darshan from early morning to late evening, but the "entry" to the Linga is restricted during high tide hours for safety.
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