Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Bhavnagar, Gujarat - Gujarat places
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Bhavnagar, Gujarat - Gujarat places
The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, located approximately 28 kilometers from Bhavnagar Railway Station in Gujarat, is a unique Hindu temple situated at Koliyak Beach. It stands out as one of the most extraordinary ocean temples in India and is a popular pilgrimage destination in Bhavnagar. Here are some key details about the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple:
1. **Location**: The temple is situated about a kilometer into the sea, making it an extraordinary and distinctive pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. **Unique Feature**: The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is known for its exceptional feature of being submerged in the sea during high tides and emerging during low tides. The temple has five self-manifested Shiva lingams on a square platform, with each lingam having a Nandi sculpture facing it. When the tides recede, the temple reveals itself, allowing devotees to visit and seek blessings.
3. **Legend**: According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War. Feeling guilty for their actions during the war, they sought redemption. Lord Krishna instructed them to follow a black cow and a black banner. When both the cow and the banner turned white, they would be forgiven. After following the cow and banner for a long time, they reached Koliyak Beach, where the transformation occurred. Lord Shiva, impressed by their prayers, appeared in the form of lingams for each brother, and the temple was named Nishkalank Mahadev, signifying purity and innocence.
4. **Annual Fair**: The temple hosts a famous fair known as 'Bhadarvi' on the new moon night of the Shravan month as per the Indian calendar. The fair begins with the raising of a flag by the Maharajas of Bhavnagar, and this flag remains hoisted for 364 days until the next temple festival.
5. **Pilgrimage Process**: Devotees visit the temple by walking barefooted from the shore during low tide. Before entering the temple, they wash their hands and legs in a lake called Pandavas Lake. The temple visit is entirely dependent on the schedule of high tides and low tides, especially during the new moon and full moon days.
**Timings**: The temple timings depend on the tides and are usually between 10 AM and 2 PM. Devotees need to be mindful of the tidal schedule when planning their visit.
The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple offers a unique and spiritually enriching experience due to its location and the incredible phenomenon of being submerged by the sea and reappearing during low tides. It holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and tourists alike, offering a deep connection to both nature and spirituality.