Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

Introduction to Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is a unique Hindu Temple in Koliyak, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. It is one of the most unusual temples in India as it completely submerges during the high tides in the sea. Only the flag and the 20-foot pillar of the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple are visible during high tides. Devotees can see the temple only when the waves subside.

Legend of the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

The temple legend dates back to the Mahabharata era. The Pandavas killed the Kauravas and won the battle. They felt guilty for killing their relatives in the Kurukshetra war and worried about their sins. The Pandavas met Krishna and asked him to relieve them of their sins. Krishna handed over a black flag and a black cow. He told the Pandavas that their sins would be pardoned when they turned white. He also advised them to do penance to Shiva once their sins were forgiven.

As Krishna advised, Pandavas started following the cow along with the flag. They walked for many days to different places, but the cow's color did not change.

When they arrived at Koliyak beach, the cow and the flag turned white. Pandavas performed penance at this place and meditated to Shiva. While meditating, each lingam appeared before each brother. Five Swayambu lingas were formed. The Pandavas were delighted and worshiped all the five lingams with great devotion. That is why Shiva here is known as Nishkalank Mahadev. 'Nishkalank' means 'clean, guiltless, pure, to cleanse, to purify', etc.

The Architecture of the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

It is said that the Pandavas established Nishkalank Mahadev on a No Moon day (Amavasya) in Bhadarvo (mid-September) month, 5,000 years ago.

The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is built on a small area of land surrounded by water. It is 2000 ft long and 500 ft high. There is no Gopuram, Mandap, or Courtyard here. The temple's presiding deity is Shiva, in the form of Nishkalank Mahadev.

Devotees can reach the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple only when the water levels recede. The tides are ferocious, especially during No moon and Full Moon days. So, devotees eagerly wait for the waves to slow down on these days. Devotees reach the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple by walking barefoot from the shore during low tides. They first wash their hands and legs in a pond named the Pandavas' Pond and visit the temple. Devotees worship five distinct Swayambu Shiva lingas on the flat floor. They can visit the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple only twice in 24 hours. Devotees offer milk, curd, and whole coconut to the deity.

The Nishkalank Mahadev Temple was built with special care to withstand high tides and is truly an architectural marvel. The temple's structure remains a mystery to modern engineers and other experts.

Festivals in the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

'Bhadarvi' is the famous fair conducted in the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Shravan month. The clans of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar hoist the flag and initiate the fair. It will be there for 364 days until the next fair. The flag has never fallen or been washed away by the tides. It stands undisturbed by the ferocious waves and has also survived the deadliest earthquake that killed over 50,000 people in 2001 in Gujarat.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple

Devotees firmly believe that the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple can wash off all their sins. There is a strong belief that dead people would attain salvation if their ashes were immersed in the water here.