Friday, October 15, 2010

Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Koliyak



heavy tides/water Retrieves

Nishkalank Mahadev Temple in Koliyak, Bhavnagar, Gujarat is full of wonders and awe. This temple is buried inside the sea. On a heavy tide day, all that can be seen are the flag and a pillar. It is beyond ones comprehension that there is a Lord Shiva Temple just under the fierce sea. This temple is still in use, and people visit this place on foot! The temple has 5 distinct swayumbu Shiva lingams inside. This is definitely one of the best spiritual destinations!

The following temple story dates back to Mahabaratha era.  Pandavas killed all the Kuravas and won the battle. Pandavas were grief stricken knowing they acquired sins for killing their own relatives. In order to find redemption for their sins, Pandavas met Lord Krishna. To remove the sins, Krishna hands over a black Flag and a Black COW. He asks the Pandavas to follow it, when both Cow and flag turns white, they all will be pardoned. Krishna also advises them to do penance to lord Shiva, after that. The angst stricken brothers followed the cow wherever it went and carried the flag. They walked for days, to different places and the color did not change. Finally, when they arrived at the Koliyak Beach, both cow and the flag color turned to white. Pandavas were exalted. And all the 5 brothers sat for deep penance, meditated on lord Shiva.  

Lord Shiva impressed by the brothers showed up in lingam form to each brother. As they meditated, each lingam appeared in front of each brother. In total there were 5 (Swayumbu) lingams that showed up on their own.  Pandavas were delighted to see this and they worshiped all the five lingams with great devotion.  Lord Shiva here is known as Nishkalan Mahadev. ‘Nishkalank’ has many meaning they are clean, pure, guiltless, to cleanse, to purify, etc.  It is said that Pandavas established Nishkalank or Nakalank Mahadev on a Amavasai of the Indian calendar month of Bhadarva. The famous fair popularly known as ‘Bhadarvi’ is held on the no moon night in month of Sharvan (August), as per the Indian calendar. An idol of Lord Shiva was established in an island, over the sea about 3 km to the east of Koliyak. Each lingam has a Nandhi facing it. The lingams are spread across a square Platform. There is a pond called Pandavas pond and devotees’ first wash their hands and legs and only then they visit the Lord Shivas shrines.

one of the lingas


The Main Deity

one of the 5 lingas



the remaining 2 lingams



Now the island is under heavy tide.  This is one of the rarest of rare temples. The sea everyday withdraws, paving way for the devotees to offer their prayers. This temple is located in the middle of the sea, and devotees’ young and old alike walk all the way to reach this temple. The water just around the temple pave the way, and this is a rare sight.  And after 7 pm, the temple is again covered under the fierce tide.
water 
retrieving

temple inside the water!

Devotees’ throng this temple during Amavasai (no moon day), it is to be noted here that the tides are very active during full moon day and no moon day, yet devotees patiently wait for the tides to retrieve. There is strong belief that when loved ones are cremated their ashes are immersed in these waters and by doing so, one attains salvation or moksha. Besides ash, milk, curds and whole coconut are offered to the lord here. The temple festival is initiated by hoisting the flag by the clans of Maharajas of Bhavnagar. This flag is on for 364 days and is changed only during the next temple festival. And for the records, the flag has never fallen down or washed away by the tides. It stands undisturbed by the ferocious tides and has seen the deadliest earth quake that killed more than 50,000 people in 2001.

This is a wonder beauty. The devotees worship not many temples that are buried under the sea. However, this temple stands as an exception. Please visit this temple at least ones in a lifetime to experience the spirituality that resonates from this temple!

May Lord Shiva Bless us all with Happiness, Prosperity, and Health & Wisdom!!

70 comments:

  1. Om Namasivaya...!!

    Praying God to give me a chance to visit this temple soon with family...God is great..!!
    Do anyone know the shortest route to reach this temple from chennai? And which are the days,months better suited to visit this place?

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    Replies
    1. yes. We are from chennai visited on 28.12.2013. morning 700 am to 800am. shortest route is to Ahmedabad from chennai. Then Ahamedabad to Bhav nagar. (around 180 km)
      Stay at Bahv Nagar. Bhav nager to koliyak is 25 km.

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  2. @ Amudha,

    Thank you for your comments!

    I personally think that that there are no shortest routes to reach Bhavnagar in Gujarat. However there are many flights to Gujarat and travel time is just couple of hours. Any other mode of transportations will easily take 2 days or more to reach Gujarat. All the days are best to visit the temple. Everyday Water recedes for couple of hour, during that time you may want to visit the temple. Either ways one has to wait till water recedes. Temple festivals is conducted in Shravan/shavana(july-August) month.

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  3. Hi i am being form the koiliyak and now in Mumbai.
    I brought up at the sea shore for which so nice history i read here.

    Thaks lot for giving intrnational identity to Nishkalank

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    Replies
    1. hi Purvi
      i have booked my tickets for december 2nd weekend 2016 to visit the temple. can you please help with the time water recides in decmeber month? my mail id is velauthan@gmail.com. please help me with the information. thanks in advance

      Delete
  4. Hey Sir,

    Please update more details of travelling map and distance in gujarat for the ancient temple like Nishkalank .

    I would like to join and help you in this matter if possible .

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    Replies
    1. Hey

      Welcome to Gujarat for showing interest

      1. Dwarka
      Best route is from Rajkot, around 250 km away from Rajkot Dwarka is most popular Place n pilgrim in Gujarat Famous for Lord Krishna and there r so many more temple like Okha where is Real Dwarka in sea
      There is one Jyotirling in Dwarka (4km away from Main Temple)

      2. Somanath
      Earlier it was in Junagadh district but now it is in Gir Somnath
      Best n fastest route is also from Rajkot around 170 km
      Before Somnath the most popular Forest GIR Forest famous for tigers n lions in Junagadh main Gir Forest is in Sasan 45 km away from Junagadh
      Somnath Temple is also very ancient time and famous for Lord Shiva's one of the most important Linga

      3. Laxmi Vilash Palace

      This palace is situated in Vadodara build by Gayakavad S
      Amazing place Entry Fee is 225/- to 250/- approx for indian only
      For Forgings it is High

      4. Pawagadh
      This place is famous for Devi Durga (Kali) near to Vadodara(45 kmaway from BRd )

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    2. This is Ashish Dubey from Vadodara and I had visited all intresting place in Gujarat very well n know all route by bike also

      Any questions for the same ie Saurashtra Gujarat u can contact me on 8849692626

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    3. Hey
      But the most beautiful place is in Gujarat is Kutch White Ran
      Here Mandvi also a good n peaceful beach
      . Kotheshwar n Narayan Sarovar is border of Indo Pak and very close to sir Crik Line which divide India and Pakistan also in Kutch around 100 km away from Bhuj
      . Mundra port is one of the most important Economic Zone of indian Govt
      . Kandla port also famous
      .

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  5. Sure, will add more info on travelling and the distance. Any help from your end is also highly appreciated :) BTW, I am not a Sir, I am a girl and my name is Kamala. R. You may call me by my name and i'm fine with it.

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  6. HEY SORRY,

    kAMALA i would like to inform you that koliyak is my native place and i passed 22 years there ; my childhood passed at the same sea shore and we like that place very much.

    We visit over there every two months

    What about you???????????

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    Replies
    1. hello Purvi,
      this is mekala ramesh from mumbai.
      since u r the native of koliyak, i would like u to guide us during our visit.we r planning to go there on 8 th feb of 2012.kindly tell us how to go from bhavanagar..Basically we are all from chennai.If u reply to my mail id ,i will be more glad.mine is mekala.ramesh@gmail.com.
      give u r cell no sothat i can contact u .
      Iam in mumbai right now.
      thanks.

      Delete
  7. That is very nice to know. I am from Bangalore. I have visited most of the temples in south India. Would love to visit as many temples as I can. :)

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  8. Hai Kamala,
    Thanks for the informative post.
    I need a clarification. Does water recedes everyday. I am going to be in bhavnagar this 30 n 31 August. Could you please tell if I can go there. Think 29 is the no moon day

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  9. Sorry for the delay. I had been on 2 months pilgrimage with no access to internet. To answer your Question, yes water recedes every single day!

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  10. we visited koliyak.....It is wonderful.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mekala, could u pls send me some pics of d nishkalak mahadev temple in koliyak. There are 2very beautiful temples in d sea in Gujarat, nishkalank near Bhavnagar nd Bhadkeshwar in Dwarka. Am confused between the two. If possible pls help!

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  11. There is a Bharath Darshan Train of IRCTC starting from Madurai on September 12, 2012 covering Pushkar, Panch Dwaraka (Nath Dwar, Kankroli Dwaraka, Dakor Dwaraka, Dwarakanath , Bet Dwaraka), Somanatham and Nishkalank Mahadev. Yathra ends at Madurai on 25th September.

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  12. I lost a friend there who was swept by the tide.. I wonder why no safety measures are taken for devotees...

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  13. I want to know the timings to go inside the temple and to return back. The information is good.Regards,S Srinivasa Rao from hyderabad

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  14. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  15. Can anybody tell me the timings of visit to the temple. thanks
    R. Natarajan

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  16. My wife is 67 Yrs and having problems in walking. Can she reach the temple by foot. Is there arrangements like doli/dandi to carry her to the temple.Thanks
    R. Natarajan

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sir,
      Not sure if there is an arrangements. The temple
      It is at a short distance from the shore; To visit this temple, one has to wait till the water recedes.

      Delete
  17. which are the days,months better suited to visit this place?

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  18. can some body tell me roughly the time taken to visit the temple from the shore and return back to the shore

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    1. I have visited the place four years back in IRCTC tour. I walked approx 2 km in slush from sea shore. There is no definite path . The Shiva lingams are in the open and people are performing pujas. It is a very small elevated area with beautiful view on all side. You will feel as if you are in another world.

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  19. SHIVAAYA NAMA I AM VERY EXPECTION COMEING ON A TEMPLE

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  20. Wonder if I am so blessed to get an opportunity to visit this place n get the blessings of the Lord. Amazing...Wish all spiritual souls to get an opportunity visit this holy place at least once in their lifetime. Om Namaha Shivaaya

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  21. Wonder if I am so blessed to get an opportunity to visit this place n get the blessings of the Lord. Amazing...Wish all spiritual souls to get an opportunity visit this holy place at least once in their lifetime. Om Namaha Shivaaya

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  22. I'm planning to visit on 6th and 7th feb 2016, whether this sea recedes happenes every day.

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  23. Hi Tamilan, Did you visit Koliyak on 7th feb. I do like to visit the temple in May. Could u pls update your experience and share travel guide n tips from Bhavnagar. My email I'd is rajasudhan55@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Tamilan, Did you visit Koliyak on 7th feb. I do like to visit the temple in May. Could u pls update your experience and share travel guide n tips from Bhavnagar. My email I'd is rajasudhan55@gmail.com

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  25. Hi All,
    Nice place and good information.

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  26. Hi
    i want to go the temple but tell me the best time to go visit it.

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  27. Hello can some one guide on how to reach this temple and timings.

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    Replies
    1. yes, first you need to reach Ahmedabad and then to Bhavnagar which is around 180 KMs from Ahmedabad, from Bhavnagar you need to catch ast taxi or Auto to Koliyak which is 30 Kms from Bhavnagar Bus Stand.
      I go the opportunity to have the darshan of Mahadev in the month of April, 2016. I reached the destination aound 11 am inn the morning & had the darshan of Nikaland Mahadev at 6PM, Darshan is really amazing, i would suggest the Mahadeve lovers to have the darshan once. Jai Shiv Shanka, Jai Mahadev. Regards...Kiran

      Delete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  29. Amazing chain of information. we are visiting Ahmedabad on 3Rd June and pray to have Darshan at this temple on the 4th which is a new moon day. Would this be possible? If so what time would be appropriate. Could anyone guide me please. My email address is srinirav@gmail.com.

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  30. Har Har Mahadev, can anybody help me with the best suited month and day to have the darshan of Baba here,my email id is Sohan.khettry@gmail.com

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  31. how to reach this place from Bhavnagar? I need city bus route

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  32. You could use a private conveyance preferably a taxi as it is about 23 km away on State Highway 37 roughly a half hour ride each way.

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  33. I sincerely pray to Lord Nishkalankeshwar to bestow us an opportunity to visit Bhavnagar and Pray HIM at this Temple and get HIS blessings and attain MOKSHA.
    Waiting for that rare opportunity.
    Sundar

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  34. I am planning to visit ahmefabad,dwarka,somnath.pl help me and guide how to reach this temple by car from ahmefabad r dwarka RR somnath.

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  35. I pray to Lord Nishkalank Mahadev Temple. This is miracle & Amazing. This is definitely one of the best spiritual destinations of gujarat,

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  36. I pray to Lord Nishkalank Mahadev Temple. This is miracle & Amazing. This is definitely one of the best spiritual destinations of gujarat,

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  37. To suggest we flew to Ahmedabad and used the services of Messrs Compass Tourism, who arranged an Innova for the travel. We first went to Nishkalank Mahadeva temple at Koliyak near Bhavnagar and proceeded to Somnath the same afternoon. We had Darshan at Somnath in the evening. Stayed at shub Suvidha for the night and left at first light the next day to Dwarka. We went straight to Bet Dwarka and then returned to Dwarka via Darukavanam where he prayed to Nageshwara Lingam. We had Darshan at the local temples in the evening. Stayed at Hotel Gortin and left for Ahmedabad at first light on the third day. By the afternoon we were back at Ahmedabad, where we did local visiting. We flew back the following morning.

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  38. Nice, informative post. Good job, Kamala.

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  39. Nice, informative post. Good job, Kamala.

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  40. We were there on 25th June 2016 [Panchchami thithi, Krishna Paksham]. The sea recedes at different times depending upon the day's thithi. On Krishna Paksha Panchchami it recedes starting about 10.15 a.m. and by 11.00 it is totally withdrawn. We started our walk into the sea at around 10.30, water reaching up to our chest and receded to flat surface soon enough. We were there till about 11.30 and returned to the shore. The ground below is slippery. With ||Sivaya Nama: Om|| on your lips, walking in a straight file you can reach there, do all that and return by HIS Blessings. Good luck. Rest of the details are already given by others.

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  41. Hello friends, could someone pls send me some pics of d nishkalak mahadev temple in koliyak. There are 2very beautiful temples in d sea in Gujarat, nishkalank near Bhavnagar nd Bhadkeshwar in Dwarka. Am confused between the two. If possible pls help!

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  42. Hi
    We plan to visit by end sept . Any way we can find out when water will recede and we can have darbhanga of lord In this extraordinary place

    Raghu coonoor

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  43. Thanks for the information. Gujarat is a name that symbolises rich culture & history, lush landscapes, delectable food, lovely people and splendid examples of architectural beauty. A unique blend of rustic charm and modernity, welcomes you with open arms. Also, check weather in Gujarat.

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  44. Hi
    We plan to visit by end sept . Any way we can find out when water will recede and we can have darbhanga of lord In this extraordinary place

    Please give the information so that we are meet the load Shiva
    Please send the information at my email is : mitesh_444@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Praying God to give me a chance to visit this temple soon with family...God is great..!!Do anyone know the shortest route to reach this temple from hyderabad? And which are the days,months better suited to visit this place?

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  46. Hi... can anyone tell me is December the best month to visit Nishkalank Mahadev temple? and everyday water will go down and give route to the temple in December? please give info.

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  47. Hi All
    i have booked my tickets for december 2nd weekend 2016 to visit the temple. can you please help with the time water recides in decmeber month? my mail id is velauthan@gmail.com. please help me with the information. thanks in advance

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  48. how to reach from bhav nagar station; is there any local conveyance to reach there.

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  49. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!!
    commentaries

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  50. Har Har Mahadev!!!!!
    After our first visit last year in June, He has again beckoned me in less than a year and i am grateful for the opportunity granted. We would be there on Pradosham day i.e. 8th April, 2017 and would like to know when it would be best to access the abode in the Sea on that day if you can guide please

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  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. Thank you very much for the information!!! :) :) :) Its great to know lot from your blog, keep posting more articles with good pictures. Definetly your blog is a sharing with friends type. Meanwhile I will also get to lots of latest Kerala news in malayalam from this new blog. Have a Good Day!

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  53. Hey

    This is Ashish From Vadodara
    Intrested Sir n Madam to visit Gujarat specially Saurashtra can contact me n
    ensure that I can guide over www at any time with fastest route

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  54. Hi I live in England
    To reach and pilgrimage in India may needed more than a year. Being a foreign settled Hindu . The only holy place is India for us. Because we are Hindus and every often we want to visit India. We need more help from Indian foreign affairs to consider more timed visa for people like us. Which will increase more Hindus like us can visit and spend there. Current government has to think and help us for this matter . Om Namah Shivaya.

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