The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the village of Kavi Kamboi in Jambusar, Gujarat, India. It is situated between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Cambay, just a few metres from the shore.

  • The temple is known as the “Disappearing Shiva Temple” because it is submerged twice a day during high tide and reappears during low tide. This phenomenon is due to its proximity to the seashore and the tidal fluctuations.
  • It is one of the oldest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple gets its name “Stambheshwar Mahadev” from the pillars (stambha) that elevate the structure slightly above the ground.
  • The temple houses a 4-foot high Shivalingam, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva.
  • According to legend, the temple was installed by the Devas, headed by Lord Kartikeya, after their victory over the demon Tarakasur. This legend adds to the temple’s mystique and religious significance.
  • The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is also known as the Gayab Mandir, meaning “Disappearing Temple”, or the Lost Temple. These alternative names highlight the temple’s unique characteristic of disappearing and reappearing with the tides.
  • While the architecture of the temple is simple, its location and the phenomenon of its submergence make it a significant pilgrimage site and a popular tourist attraction.

Overall, the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture and religious belief intertwined with the natural environment. Its unique location and the daily spectacle of its disappearance and reappearance make it a fascinating destination for both devotees and tourists alike.