Information of Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vadnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat

Situated in Vadnagar city of Gujarat, Hatkeshwar Temple is a highly respected temple among Hindu people. The temple is located in south-western side of mount Abu. Created in 17th century, the temple is dedicated to lord Hatkeshwar, a form of lord Shiv. Lord Hatkeshwar is the deity of Nagar Brahmins, who were traditionally quite famous community in Vadnagar town in Mehsana District. At present, Hatkeshwar Temple is worshipped by countless number of devotees. Furthermore, it is also regarded as a national heritage location with creative design in the interior and exterior portions.

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple Religious Significance

Hatkeshwar Temple houses a shiv linga which is considered to be self-emerged. The key idol of Hatkeshwar Temple is lord Shiv. It was created by Nag king Hariraj Naik in the year 1402, i.e. during 3rd century. It was during the sovereignty of Prince Brahmadeo Rao, the son of king Ramchandra. The ruler's colossal writing which is written in Sanskrit language is still existed in a gallery.

According to legend, the Nag king who created Hatkeshwar Temple was the grandfather of king Babrovahan. Many people believe that king Babrovahan assisted his father Arjun for creating Hatkeshwar Temple at Vadnagar city.

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple Mythology & History

The shiv linga in Hatkeshwar Temple is believed to be created from pure gold. There is a myth regarding the way, the shiv linga become gold. It is said that once goddess Parvati requested lord Shiv to familiarise her with lord Ram. Hence, lord Shiv presented lord Ram, but with thousands of manifestations where actual form of lord Ram is not presented to her. Subsequently, goddess Parvati took the form of goddess Sita and went to examine lord Ram. Nevertheless, lord Ram identified her and asked her about lord Shiv. As a result, goddess Parvati feel embarrassed on herself and returned near lord Shiv. When lord Shiv asked goddess Parvati, she lied that she hunched to lord Ram. However, with his divine third eye, lord Shiv caught the lie of goddess Parvati. Since, goddess Parvati did this fault, lord Shiv abandoned her. To apologise her act, goddess Parvati scalded her body in the fire of Yagna, prepared by her father, lord Daksha. In this condition, lord Shiv experienced separation and solitude and begun wandering everywhere. While wandering, lord Shiv arrived at Chamatkarnagar (the present Vadnagar) without any apparels. His body charmed the wives of Brahmins and they began wandering after lord Shiv. The Brahmins become quite irritated with lord Shiv and they created a weapon to use on him. Thus, lord Shiv transformed into shiv linga and great flow of blood begun flowing through it. The world started to shudder and the gods became quite scared. Then, Lord Brahma wished lord Shiv to turn into a golden shiv linga that he will worship. Subsequently, the shiv linga become gold and Lord Brahma started to worship it.

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple Architectural Significance

Hatkeshwar Temple is constructed in classic Indian architectural style. The temple has entrances from two sides, southern and northern. From the rooftop of Hatkeshwar Temple, there is a huge shikhar flies high towards the sky. The temple is surrounded by large wall, capped by three spherical vaults and scattered with flat stretches. The exterior of Hatkeshwar Temple is beautifully decorated with various statues of nine planets, reminiscent dancing angels, regent divinities, key gods of Hindu religion, sights from popular epics Mahabharata and Ramayana and flowery themes. The premise of the temple also possesses an ancient shrine of lord Shiv, a Swaminarayan shrine and two Jain shrines.