Not-So-Famous Temple in Diu - "The Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple"

We all know about the renowned Shiva temples dotted across the country, but not many of us are aware of the beautiful Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple set on the seashore in Diu. This not-so-famous temple in Diu is one of the most gorgeous temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahadev. The presiding deity here, Gangeshwar refers to Lord Shiva, who is also considered the Lord of Ganga. As per legend, the holy River Ganga descended on Earth from the end of Lord Shiva’s tresses.

This ancient Hindu Temple is located 3 km away from Diu in the Fudam Village of Gujarat. This temple is also known as 'Seashore Temple' because Shiva Linga is situated on the seashore. These Shiva Lingas submerge in seawater when the tide comes into the sea.

The temple is believed to be more than 5000 years old! According to legends, Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple while they serve their exile, when they were banished from the kingdom of Hastinapur for 12 years. Pandavas were looking for a place, where they could worship Shiva before eating their food. They found this place and the five Shiva Lingas were put up on the rocky surface of the seashore by the five Pandava brothers - Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, depending on their sizes. The biggest was built by Bhima, while the rest were established by his elder brother Yudhishthira and younger siblings Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, in this order.

On the rock above the Shiva Linga is a Seshanag which was carved to look out for the Shiva Linga. Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi can be found at the entrance of the Gangeshwar temple. Every night high tide rises, the crystal clear water of the tidal waves cleans the whole temple along with the Lingas, leaving it fresh for the next day's offering. It appears as though the waves of the sea are paying respect to the deity residing in this place,

The festival of Shiva night is celebrated with great pomp in the Gangeswar temple, during which lakhs of devotees come to see the goddess.