Nishkalank Mahadev Temple: History, Timings, and Darshan

Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is situated in Koliyak, close to Bhavnagar, Gujarat. It would help if you visited it during your trip to Gujarat.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one kilometer out into the sea. There are five unique Swayambhu Shiva lingams in the temple complex.  The temple remains closed during high tides and the path remains open during low tides as the temple is located in the sea.

It is believed that the Pandavas constructed this temple following their victory over the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra War. The Pandavas felt guilty killing Kauravas and sought the advice of Krishna to find forgiveness for their transgressions. Krishna gave them a black flag and asked them to follow a black cow. Lord Krishna assured them that they would all be pardoned when the flag and the cow turned white. After that, Lord Krishna requested that they offer an apology to Lord Shiva as well. The cow moved to many places for many years but the shades remained the same. Respecting Lord Krishna’s advice, the Pandavas carried the flag and followed the cow wherever it led them. The cow eventually became white upon arriving at Koliyak Beach and the flag turned white. Pandavas did penance for Lord Shiva at this place. Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of Shiva Lingas. Lord Shiva expressed forgiveness for their previous sins. Each brother saw Lord Shiva as a lingam in response to their prayers. They gave it the name Nishkalank Mahadev, which signifies innocence, cleanliness, and spotlessness.

Based on the Indian calendar, the renowned fair known as ‘Bhadarvi’ takes place on the new moon night of the month of Shravan. The Maharajas of Bhavnagar raise the flag to begin the temple festival, which lasts for 364 days before being replaced until the following temple festival.

When the tide is low, devotees walk barefoot from the shore to the shrine. When arriving at the temple, devotees first wash their hands and legs at a pond known as the Pandavas Pond before visiting the shrine. Devotees anxiously await the tides’ disappearance on full and no moon days, when the tides are most active. Therefore, before visiting the shrine, please take notice of the sea’s high and low tide schedule, as the entire Mandir visit depends on it.

Nishkalank Mahadev Temple Timings

DayIdeal Time to visit
1st day6.00 a.m to 10.00 a.m
2nd day8.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m
3rd day8.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m
4th day8.40 a.m to 12.40 p.m
5th day9.30 a.m to 1.30 p.m
6th day10.15 a.m to 2.15 p.m
7th day11.00 a.m to 3.00 p.m
8th day12.15 p.m to 4.15 p.m
9th day1.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m
10th day2.00 p.m to 6.00 p.m
11th day2.30 p.m to 6.30 p.m
12th day3.30 p.m to 7.30 p.m 3.30 a.m to 7.30 a.m
13th day4.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m 4.00 a.m to 8.00 a.m
14th Day5.00 p.m to 7.00 p.m 5.00 a.m to 9.00 a.m
Purnima5.30 p.m to 7.30 p.m 5.30 a..m to 9.30 a.m
Temple timings

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