Kavi Kamboi Temple ,(Stambheswar Mahadev Temple)
Kavi Kamboi Temple is a unique and mysterious Hindu temple located in the village of Kavi Kamboi in the Jambusar district of Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its underwater structure. Twice a day, during high tide, the temple is submerged underwater, and only the top of the shikhara (tower) is visible. During low tide, the temple emerges from the water, and visitors can enter and worship the deity.
History and Legend of Kavi Kamboi (Stambheswar) Temple
According to legend, Kavi Kamboi Temple was built by Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is said that Lord Kartikeya installed the lingam (sacred stone) at the temple after defeating the demon Tarakasur.
The temple is believed to be over 1,500 years old. However, there is no concrete historical evidence to support this claim. The earliest known mention of the temple is in a 12th-century text.
The Architecture of Kavi Kamboi (Stambheswar) Temple
Kavi Kamboi Temple is a unique example of Indian architecture. The temple is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by a moat. The main temple structure is a two-story building with a shikhara (tower) on top. The shikhara is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and symbols.
The underwater structure of the temple is made of sandstone and is supported by pillars. The lingam is located in the center of the main temple structure.
Festivals and Events at Kavi Kamboi Temple (Stambheswar)
Kavi Kamboi Temple celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year. The most important festival celebrated at the temple is Maha Shivratri. During Maha Shivratri, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Other important festivals celebrated at Kavi Kamboi Temple include:
- Navratri: Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and special rituals are performed.
- Hanuman Jayanti: Hanuman Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. On this day, special prayers are offered to Lord Hanuman at the temple.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. On this day, a large idol of Lord Ganesha is installed at the temple and special rituals are performed.
How to Reach Kavi Kamboi Temple
Kavi Kamboi Temple is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
By air: The nearest airport to Kavi Kamboi Temple is Vadodara Airport, which is located about 75 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kavi Kamboi.
By train: The nearest railway station to Kavi Kamboi Temple is Jambusar Railway Station, which is located about 10 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to Kavi Kamboi.
By road: Kavi Kamboi Temple is well-connected by road to major cities in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. You can take a bus or taxi to Kavi Kamboi from any of these cities.
best time to visit kavi kamboi temple
The best time to visit the temple during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant. The summer months (April to June) can be very hot and humid, and the monsoon season (July to September) can be rainy and dangerous.
- October to March: The weather is pleasant during these months, making it ideal for sightseeing.
- Maha Shivratri (February/March): This is a major festival celebrated at the temple, and thousands of devotees visit the temple during this time.
- Navratri (September/October): This is another major festival celebrated at the temple, and it is a great time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Gujarat.
Tips for visiting Kavi Kamboi Temple
- The best time to visit Kavi Kamboi Temple is during low tide, when the shivling is visible.
- It is advisable to dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- You can carry a camera to capture the beauty of the temple and its surroundings.
- You can also carry a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the shivling.
- It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season, as the high tide can be dangerous.
Things to do in Kavi Kamboi
In addition to visiting Kavi Kamboi Temple, there are a few other things you can do in the village. You can visit the nearby Kavi Kamboi Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. You can also visit the Kavi Kamboi Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birds.
Conclusion
Kavi Kamboi Temple (Stambheswar Mahadev Temple) is a unique and mystical Hindu temple located in the village of Kavi Kamboi, in the Jambusar taluka of Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its disappearing shivling. The shivling is submerged in water twice a day, during high tide, and reappears during low tide. This unique phenomenon makes Kavi Kamboi Temple a popular tourist destination and a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
FAQs
Is Kavi Kamboi Temple really underwater?
Yes, Kavi Kamboi Temple is really underwater. Twice a day, during high tide, the temple is submerged underwater. Only the top of the shikhara (tower) is visible during high tide. During low tide, the temple emerges from the water, and visitors can enter and worship the deity.
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