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Koliyak Beach Bhavnagar
Koliyak Beach is a black sand beach located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India. It is known for its serene environment and the unique phenomenon of bioluminescence that occurs during certain months of the year. One of the major attractions of Koliyak Beach is the Shiva Lingam known as Nishkalank Mahadev, which emerges from the sea during low tide. This natural phenomenon is considered sacred by locals, and many visitors come to witness this unique sight. The beach is also a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The beach is also known as a popular spot for bird watching, as various migratory birds visit the beach during the winter season.
Visitors can also indulge in various water sports activities like swimming, kayaking, and boating. There are also a few food stalls and shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts near the beach. Koliyak Beach is a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful and offbeat beach experience.
Koliyak Beach Temple
The rarest sea temple in India, Nishkalank Mahadev temple, is a Hindu temple located at Koliyak near Bhavnagar, Gujarat. It is one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in Bhavnagar. The main feature of the temple is that it is located about a kilometre into the sea, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is submerged in the water during high tides and emerges during low tides to reveal itself majestically. Lord Shiva is submerged in the sea during high tide, and all that can be seen are the flag and a pillar. The Nishkalank Mahadev temple was built with special care to survive high tides, and it remains a mystery to modern engineers.
The Gujarat Bhavnagar Shiv temple is immersed in the sea and can be seen only during a certain period of time. The tides are active, especially during no-moon and full-moon days, and devotees eagerly wait for the tides to disappear on these days.
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Mythological belief, Koliyak beach temple
It is believed that the temple is to be built by the Pandavas after the war with the Kauravas. Legend says that after killing all the Kauravas, the Pandavas feel guilty for their sins. To discover reclamation for their sins, the Pandavas consulted Krishna, who handed them a black flag and a black cow. He said that when both the flag and the cow turn white, they will all be forgiven.
Lord Krishna also asked them to apologize to Shiva after that. They followed the cow everywhere it took them and acknowledged the flag for many years in various places. Finally, when they reached Koliyak Beach, both turned white, and soon the Pandavas meditated on Lord Shiva and apologized for the sins committed against them.
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Lord Shiva, impressed by their prayers, showed up in the lingam. Hence, they named it Nishkalank Mahadev, which means being spotless, clean, and innocent. The Famous Fair and festival Bhadarvi is initiated by hoisting the flag by the Maharajas of Bhavnagar, where this flag is on for 364 days and is changed only during the next temple festival. Visitors enter the Nishkalank Mahadev temple by walking barefoot from the shore during the low tide. Devotees first wash their hands and legs in a pond called Pandavas pond, before reaching the temple.
How to reach Koliyak Beach, Bhavnagar
Koliyak beach and Mahadev temple are located in Koliyak, around 23 km from the Bhavnagar railway station and around 200 km from Ahmedabad. One can easily avail a bus or a taxi from Bhavnagar city to reach Koliyak town. Koliyak is a beautiful religious destination near Bhavnagar with serenity and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Koliyak beach timetable-kindly note the schedule of high tides and low tides of the sea before visiting the shrine. The visitors make their way through the crowd, and the rope barrier is strung across the beach by the police for crowd control.
