The Lost Temple: Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

India has its fair share of mysterious temples. But have you ever heard of a disappearing one? Here is a story of perhaps one of the most fascinating auras to surround a temple to be built in the country.

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Located in Kavi Kamboi, Gujarat, the temple is more than a century old. It is situated between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Cambay. There is nothing particularly remarkable about the architecture of the place and yet it remains one of the more popular sites of worship. The reason is the disappearing act that the temple pulls.

The shiva linga inside the temple is one of the most ancient ones in the world. According to legend, Kartikeya- the son of Shiva, built three temples to absolve himself from the sin of having killed an ardent devotee of Shiva- the demon Tarakasur. Lord Vishnu suggested that he build shiva lingas and worship them to rid himself of the guilt. Kartikeya thus built three shiva lingas with proper customs, in the presence of Goddess Parvati and other Gods. Stambheshwar temple is considered to be one of these three.

But the thing that makes the temple even more special is that it goes out of sight. As mysterious as it sounds, the reason behind it is completely scientific. As the temple is located into the sea, it is completely surrounded by water. Therefore, the temple simply submerges during high tide and reappears during low tide. The Garbha Griha or sanctum sanctorum is flooded with sea water. Only the pinnacle of the temple remains visible during this period, as it was only recently constructed.

The four-feet-high shiva linga reappears as soon as the water recedes. It is almost as if the structure plays hide and seek with the visitors. But that is the unique charm of the place.

People usually spend a whole day in the temple premises. In the early morning hours of low tide, one can enter the peaceful area and meditate. Devotees spend long hours praying to the God Shiva. Then during the hours of high tide, one can witness the temple getting submerged and going out of sight.

The black sea in the night, decorated by the floating flowers and offerings of the temple, is a glorious sight to behold. Worshippers sit on the shore to be able to bear witness to this beautiful scene. The temple disappears and reappears atleast twice per day.

It is believed that anyone who comes to this shrine to perform a puja receives a blessing from Lord Shiva himself. Many international devotees undergo long journeys to pay their homage here.

The disappearing Shiva Temple, as it is also popularly known, remains one of the more popular destinations for devotees in the country.

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