Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple

By Mira Pawar.

Gangeshwar Temple dedicated to lord Shiv is located at Seashore of Fudam Village just 3 kilometers from Diu, Gujarat in the union territory of DNDD (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu). The view of the temple is uniquely set on the Arabian sea. As this temple is situated on the beach, the gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the “shivlings” have a mystic aura around them in the cave temple of Gangeshwar, where the lord makes his presence felt.

It is believed that the 5 Pandavs (Yudhishtar, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahdev) during their exile, worshiped Lord Shiv in this temple. This is a cave temple situated in the midst of the rocks on the seashore. Once pilgrims enter the cave, the first glimpse is of Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, then the 5 Shivlings are visible in different sizes in the middle of the sea water, this is a very significant feature of the temple. Above the rock, the Seshnaag was carved to watch over the Shivlings. These lings are generally submerged in the sea during high tides and only during the low tides, there is chance for visibility. This temple is also known as seashore temple by the locals.

Gangeshwar temple is 5000 years old, though no archaeological work has been carried out on the site to confirm this date. The establishment of temple and installation of five Shivlings on the rocky surface of the sea shore was done by the five Pandav brothers (Yudhishter, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahdev). It is believed that these five Shivlings installed depended on the size of each Pandav brothers. One Shivling is huge in size which signifies Bhim as he had huge physique. The reason why this Shiv temple is so eminent in Hindu religion is that it has its origin from the era of Ramayan.

The temple is believed to be crowded during Mahashivratri. On this day, special pujas and ceremonies are held. Devotees visit the temple to perform Rudra Abhishek or recite mantrs and shloks. Shiv puja is usually done once in every three hours. The night is divided in four parts and during each section, ritual bath and worship is offered to Shivlings. The colour normally people wear on Shivratri is green, white, yellow, red and purple. These colours are believed to be auspicious and pleases Lord Shiv. Green colour represents renewal, growth and harmony with nature. It associates Lord Shiv’s connection to the natural world. White colour symbolizes purity and peace, reflecting Lord Shiv’s serene nature. Yellow signifies wisdom and divine blessings. Red colour embodies passion and is linked to Goddess Parvati. Purple colour indicates spirituality and reflects divinity and enlightened Lord Shiv. On Maha Shivratri, it is advised to avoid wearing black and blue colour.

Best months to visit: October to May

Timings to visit – 6.00 am to 9.00 pm.

Nearest railway station – Delvada railway station (12.9 kms from Gangeshwar temple)

Airport: Diu Airport happens to be 6 kms from Gangeshwar temple.