Lord Shiva is the creator of the universe and one of the main three deities of the universe. Lord Shiva is known by different names like Mahakal, Sambhu, Nataraja, Mahadev, Bherav, Adiyogi in different places of India. And they are worshiped in many forms including Shivling, Rudraksh. There are almost hundreds of temples found in India which are exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees come from every corner of the country to visit these temples. One such temple of Lord Shiva is also in Gujarat, for which Shiva devotees reach from all over India. The name of this temple is Stambheshwar Mahadev. This temple automatically submerges in the sea twice a day and then becomes visible again when the water recedes. This is the first Shiva temple in the country to be submerged in this way. The story related to this temple is found in Skandpuran.
According to the legend, this temple was built by Lord Shiva's son Kartikeya with his tapobal. However, this temple disappears not due to any miracle but due to natural reasons. At least twice a day the water level of the sea rises so much that the temple is completely immersed in it and after that the temple becomes visible again as soon as the water level recedes. Devotees from far and wide come here to witness this event. This is such a sight that every Shiva devotee wants to see with his own eyes. It is said that this temple of Shiva is about 150 years old and there is a 4 feet high Shivling here. This Shiva temple located in Vadodara, Gujarat is very popular because of being submerged and because of its mythological belief.
According to the Skandpuran, the Tadkasur demon had obtained the desired boon from Shiva by doing severe penance. It was a boon that no one except Shivputra could kill him. Tadkasur had created a hue and cry in the entire universe as soon as he received this blessing. Distressed, all the gods and sages prayed to Lord Shiva to kill him. After the prayers of sages and deities, 6-day-old Kartikeya was born from the White Mountain Kund. After which he killed her. It is said that Kartikeya was embarrassed when he came to know that Tarakasura was a devotee of Shiva and asked Lord Vishnu for a way of atonement. On which Lord Vishnu suggested him to install a Shivling at this place. Which later came to be known as Stambheshwar Temple.
