Information of Koteshwar Temple, Kutch, Gujarat

Koteshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to lord Shiv. It is situated in Lakhpat town of Kutch district in Gujarat. Koteshwar Temple is located on a high platform which oversees the ocean. Furthermore, the temple is the last settlement of human construction which is situated in the western boundary of India. From Koteshwar Temple, a city of Pakistan can be observed perceptibly. In the evening, the temple provides a great view of sunset. Hence, it is also famous as an outstanding sunset point.

Koteshwar Temple Religious Significance

Koteshwar Temple is regarded as an important religious destination for Hindu. The temple of lord Shiv is quite popular to possess supreme power which makes devotees to visit the temple in order to make the wishes fulfilled. Each year thousands of devotees come in Koteshwar Temple for giving prayers to lord Shiv. It organises various religious occasions such as Shivratri and Navaratri among others.

In Koteshwar Temple, the enormity of dry land meets the unconceivable vastness of the ocean. The sight of the sea is helpful for awakening the inner spirit. The only point which breaks the horizon from the flat skyline to the eastern side and western side is the point of Koteshwar Temple. The temple is not only swarming for devotees, but also conductive to the relative emptiness, pondering the place of mortality on earth and ultimately help to encourage spiritual traditions.

Koteshwar Temple Mythology & History

There is a story behind the creation of Koteshwar Temple which starts with the demon named Ravan. He was provided a godsend by lord Shiv for excellent demonstration of devoutness. This godsend was actually a Shiv Linga, gifted by lord Shiv to Ravan. The Shiv Linga had great spiritual power, but due to conceited hurriedness, Ravan inadvertently dropped it and fell it on Earth at the place Koteshwara. In order to penalise Ravan for being so uncaring, the Shiv Linga transformed itself in numerous undistinguishable copies. Unable to identify the real Shiv Linga among various copies, Ravan took one of them which he felt was the actual one and left the place. Unfortunately he left the actual Shiv Linga in Koteshwaram around which the present Koteshwar Temple was created.

There is another version of legend regarding the creation of Koteshwar Temple. It states that when lord Shiv was pleased with the devotion of Ravan, he gifted him a Shiv Linga with full religious power. By obtaining this power, Ravan should become interminable. Due to such benefit, all other divinities become scared and unified. They collaborated to obtain the Shiv Linga from Ravan through deceit and installed in Koteshwar, which later became Koteshwar Temple.

Koteshwar Temple Architectural Significance

Koteshwar Temple was created in the year 1820 by two rich individuals named Seth Sundarji and Shivaji Brahmashaktirya. It demonstrates greatness of Hindu architectural style. The temple stands unbelievably on sea coast which rises boldly from the ocean. Koteshwar Temple is surrounded by walls and the entrances can be approached by stairs. In the left side of the temple, there is a historical fort.

Koteshwar Temple is created from stone while its walkway has 3 vaults. Out of the 3 vaults, the central vault is beautifully made. The vault at the right side of the temple has large stone made picture of lord Hanuman while the other vault has stone made picture of lord Ganesh. At the large end of the hall of Koteshwar Temple, there are various sacred places with many idols of Hindu divinities.