This Shiva Linga in Gujarat’s unique temple keeps disappearing- Here’s why

Pic courtesy: Stambheshwar Mahadev - Ancient Shiva Shrine (Facebook)

Mumbai: In India, there are thousands of temples. Each temple has a unique feature that attracts devotees from across the globe. One such temple is the Stambeshwar Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Situated in Kavi Kamboi (about 52 kilometers from Vadodara in Gujarat), this Mahadev shrine finds a mention in an ancient scripture that narrates the legend behind the foundation of this temple.

The temple structure is about 150 years old while the Shiva Linga is believed to have been installed by Lord Kartikeya himself. What’s peculiar about the temple is that the idol disappears during high tides. One can see the Shiva Linga only during low tides.

According to the Kumarika Khand in the Skanda Purana, Lord Kartikeya had installed the Shiva Linga after killing demon Tarkasur. While the Gods hailed Kartikeya for his victory, he was upset because he had killed a big devotee of his father- Lord Shiva. And hence, in order to get rid of the guilt, he approached Lord Vishnu who asked him to install three Shiva Lingas. Thus, this shrine of Lord Shiva came into being.