Shree Stambheshwar Mahadev
Disappearing temple Gujarat:
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, while believed to be about 150 years old based on historical records, is claimed by local legends and its website to have much older origins. According to the Skanda Purana, after the mythological warrior Kartikeya defeated the demon Tarkasur, he felt remorseful as Tarkasur was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Following Lord Vishnu’s advice, Kartikeya established and worshipped Shivlings to find solace, one of which is the Stambheshwar Temple.
India is home to many ancient and mysterious temples. One of them is the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple in Gujarat, known for its unique phenomenon of disappearing twice a day. Also called the Gayab Mandir or the Lost Temple, this temple attracts visitors from far and wide.
Set in the village of Kavi Kamboi in Jambusar, Gujarat, it’s believed that the Devas, led by Lord Kartikeya, installed the Stambheshwar Mahadev Linga after defeating the demon Tarakasur. The Skanda Purana mentions a pillar called Vishwanandak Stambh, which the Devas set up at the Mahi Sagar Sangam Teerth Kshetra.
Despite being a demon, Tarakasur was a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Through intense penance, he pleased Lord Shiva and asked for a boon to shield him from death. However, as death is inevitable, Lord Shiva asked him to request another boon. Tarakasur then wished for a blessing stating that only the six-day-old son of Lord Shiva could kill him. After granting this wish, Tarakasur wreaked havoc in the three worlds. To end his destruction, Lord Shiva created Lord Kartikeya from the flame of his third eye, and Kartikeya ultimately defeated Tarakasur. In another version of the legend, Kartikeya, impressed by Tarakasur’s devotion to Lord Shiva, installed a Shivlinga at the site where he defeated the demon.
The temple is located a few meters from the seashore and submerges during high tide, reappearing during low tide. As the sea level rises twice a day, the temple gets submerged, with only the top remaining visible. The sanctum, or garbha griha, is fully covered with seawater during high tide and reemerges when the water recedes.
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