Koteshwar Mahadev Temple travel guide

Deity

Lord Shiva

Location

Western Kutch, near Kori Creek

Nearest railway station

Bhuj

Nearest airport

Bhuj

Best time

October to March

The legend

The best-known story involves Ravana, a great devotee of Shiva, who was rewarded for his penance with a sacred linga. Carrying it in haste, he let it fall to the ground here. The linga is said to have split into countless pieces, which is how the name Koteshwar, loosely 'lord of crores', is explained.

According to the tale, the largest piece remained on this spot, and Ravana had to carry away a smaller one.

What to see

The temple is built of solid stone, suited to the salty coastal winds, and has three domes above its halls, with the Shivalinga in the main sanctum. Walk out to the edge of the complex for wide views across the creek and sea.

Because it sits so close to the international border, visitors often mention that on very clear nights distant lights across the water are visible. The drive in, through villages and salt-scrub country, is part of the experience.

How to reach

Bhuj is the gateway to western Kutch. It has a railway station with daily trains from Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including the Kutch Express, and a small airport with flights from major cities. From Bhuj, Koteshwar is a long day's round trip by road, and state buses connect Koteshwar with Bhuj and Narayan Sarovar.

Narayan Sarovar, one of Hinduism's five sacred lakes, is only a few kilometres away, so the two are almost always visited together.

Tips for your visit

October to March is the best time to travel in Kutch; summer here is very hot. Facilities along the way are limited, so carry water and snacks and start early from Bhuj. We can include Koteshwar and Narayan Sarovar in a Kutch itinerary along with the Rann and Bhuj.

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