Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located near Abrama town in the Valsad district of Gujarat, India. The temple is located on the Wanki River’s bank. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is one of Valsad’s most prominent temples, with several forms of Shivalingas. Because of the lack of a roof and the continual sunshine that falls on the Shivalinga, the temple is known as Tadkeshwar.

The Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is around 1000 years old and is one of the oldest in the Valsad District. It was built with no ceiling to let the sunshine on the Shivlinga inside. As a result, it is known as “Tadkeshwar”. The Shivlinga is approximately 6 to 8 feet long.

Story Behind Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

In May 1215, a semi-circular Shivlinga-type stone measuring 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) was discovered in the bushes on the north side of the Wanki River. During that time, the local Muslims thought that this stone was their Peerbaba and tried to take this shivling with them and while going they partially broke it down. Suddenly, Poisonous wasps swarmed off the stone, stinging approximately 60 persons within a 1500-foot radius. They left the shivling at the spot and ran away. All 60 persons who were present there who tried to harm shivling died on the spot after the wasp attack.

One day, Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of an Abrama village devotee and said, “Take the linga from the bank of the Wanki river and ordered that “two of Lord Shiva’s followers can easily take it up.” Set the linga down and build the linga on that spot when it becomes too heavy.”

Then, after receiving a directive from Lord Shiva, two Lord Shiva devotees took the Shiva ling from the Wanki River and did exactly what Lord Shiva instructed them to do in their dream. They felt the shivling was too heavy for the location of the temple, so they erected it in the Valsad temple.

History of Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple ceiling was constructed twice but every time it collapsed. The ceiling was damaged in a fire after the first time. The ceiling collapsed automatically for the second time. Then, Lord Shiva appeared in one devotee’s dreams and declared, “I am Tadkeshwar Mahadev.” I require the Sun’s rays.

As a result, do not rebuild the temple’s ceiling.” Shivlinga of Tadkeshwar Mahadev was maintained securely in the temple from that day forward. The temple’s summit remains exposed to the sky, with a hole 22 feet (6.7 m) in diameter. At noon, the Sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivlinga.

The Architecture of Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

This is the only Mahadev temple in the world that does not have a peak. It is thought that numerous times individuals attempted to erect a peak (Top Ceiling), but it was automatically dissolved. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Shivlingam is a unique feature in this temple because Tadkeshwar Mahadev wants the peak to remain open so that direct sun rays can fall on it.

The temple structure is very attractive and this temple has attracted many visitors since it was made. There is a Nandi in front of the shivling which is very beautiful. The temple structure is spherical and unique because of no ceiling in the temple. You can also find devi maa installed in the temple for the devotees.

Important Facts about Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

• Tadkeshwar Mahadev temple, located near Abrama town in the Valsad district of the Indian state of Gujarat, is more than 800 years old.
• It is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Valsad, as well as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.
• The Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is well-known for its exquisite carvings and sculptural work.
• This temple was first built around the year 13th Century and is an important monument in the study of the development of Hindu temples in Gujrat.
• The magnificent Ceiling, the decorative gateway is the temple’s main highlight.
• The temple is more than 800 years old, one of the oldest in Valsad District. It was designed to allow the sun to shine on the Shivlinga inside and has no ceiling.
• On the occasions of the Maha Shivaratri festival and Shravan Month, a fair takes place nearby.

Best Time to Visit Mukteshwara Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Mukteshwara Temple

• Dussehra – Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated on the tenth day after Navaratri to commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. A Grand Celebration is arranged by priests and the temple committee.

How to Reach Mukteshwara Temple

Valsad of Gujarat is well connected by Air, Train, or Road.

By Air: There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Valsad. The nearest airport is Surat Airport(STV) which is 99km away and Mumbai Airport(BOM) is approximately 186 km away via NH48.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is Valsad railway station which is at a distance of about a few km from this temple.

By Road: You can easily get regular buses to Valsad from other major cities of the country. The nearest Bus Station is Valsad.

Also Read – Parli Vaijnath Temple