It is believed that Takhteshwar Temple is one of the most famous places in Gujarat which is regarded as an honour to lord Shiv. Named according to King Takht Sinjhi, the temple has an inspiration of the rulers of Bhavnagar city. Takhteshwar Temple has a delightful dedicatory with three eyed idol of lord Shiv, who is considered as one of the strong and charming gods of Hindu trinity. The most remarkable feature of Takhteshwar Temple is its construction. The whole complex of the temple is created from white marble which demonstrates an unusual architectural beauty.
The most important festival which occur in Takhteshwar Temple is Shivratri. Plenty of Hindu devotees and travellers around several parts of Gujarat as well as all over India come to visit in the temple, particularly throughout the occasion of Shivratri. Throughout this festival, the temple become extremely congested as thousands of devotees climb to the hill for giving prayer to lord Shiv. Furthermore, Navratri festival is also celebrated in the temple where several devotees demonstrate their devotion to lord Shiv.
According to Hindu mythology, lord Shiv, for whom Takhteshwar Temple is dedicated is regarded as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. Historical records states that the rulers of Bhavnagar city created the temple and termed it after the benefactor. It is observed that before creation of Takhteshwar Temple, the hill in Bhavnagar city was served as one of the sightseer spot for travellers that arrived or left the bay of Cambay. The hill is situated at the core of the city, therefore, it makes a perfect place for the creators to construct the temple in the current location. The surrounding area of the city as well as the ship navigating for flouting and beaching towards the shipbreaking yard can easily be viewed from Takhteshwar Temple. It is worth mentioning that the temple has attained immense significance owing to its hillside location. Most of the Hindu devotees visit the place for worshipping lord Shiv as well as for enjoying the beautiful view.
As discussed above, the entire complex of Takhteshwar Temple, comprising the columns and rooftops are created from white marble which demonstrates its architectural splendour. A flight of white marble made steps are enclosed by trees and greenery which direct to the main yard. The prayer room of the temple is situated directly underneath a structure named 'sikhara'. It is a pyramidal portion of the rooftop which is observed in almost every Hindu temples. All around Takhteshwar Temple, there is idols of various holy Hindu deities apart from lord Shiv. Furthermore, one can also observe several Hindu signs drawn with hand in it. The temple signifies the specific architectural style which were used in 19th century. The wall along with the design of the building is unique in itself. Created for the memory of King Takht Shinji, Takhteshwar Temple is based on tall ground which necessities skilled edifice. Well apart from the historical, religious and architectural importance, the value of the temple is beyond all these and is worth to be here to feel the ambiance and purity that it purifies the inner souls and spreads happiness to all.