World’s only Kuber Bhandari Shiva Temple
This is the 3rd video in this series. In the previous two videos we had covered Statue of Unity and Neelkanth Dham @ Poicha. Today was the 3rd day. It was 8:30 am when we finally checked out of our rooms in Neelkanth Dham. We deposited our bags at their cloak room and set out for the Kuber Bhandari Temple. If you haven’t seen those videos you can check it out on the links given below.
History
This ancient Kuber Bhandari Temple was built about 2500 years ago, about 800 feet above the coast of the holy river Narmada, in Karnali village, opposite to Poicha in Vadodara district of Gujarat, about 60 km from Vadodara. Narmada is one of the most sacred rivers of India and many places of pilgrimage are situated around it. Kuber Bhandari is one of the most famous pilgrimage places here on the banks of river Narmada.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, named after Kubera Bhandari, the god of food and water. The main deity of Lord Shiva can be seen in the form of a Shiv lingam where people offer milk and water to appease the god. Even though the temple is visited by devotees all the year round, the Somvati Amavasya is when the temple is at its best with grand celebrations during the new moon night. Boat services across the river take you to Kuber Bhandari on the other side of the river from Neelkanth Dham Poicha.
There are two mythological stories about the place. One story goes that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were passing through this place and the goddess asked for food and water after a shortstop right here. Lord Shiva saw the barren place and decided to stay here and bless the area with never-ending food and water for pilgrims. Another story goes that after forced to leave Ravana’s Kingdom, Kuber prayed for his own kingdom and this is where he ruled.
Festivals
Major festivals celebrated here are Dhanteras, Diwali, Navratri and Kartik Purnima with great joy and happiness. There is a big fair held here every year on Shivratri. Devotees flock to the temple in very large numbers on Somvati Amavasya and on every new moon night when big celebrations are held.
Food and Accommodation
Though, there are no good hotels available for food and drinks the temple management provides good Gujarati meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, free of cost to all the pilgrims. There are basic rooms available to stay, in case you want to reside for a night here to enjoy the most spiritual and divine experience of your life by doing boating in the river at night. However, this temple is closed during heavy floods in the river Narmada in the monsoon season.
The Journey
We came out from the main gate of Neelkanth Dham and took a jeep ride down to the riverbed which is almost dry. We then took a boat to cross the small river stream to get to the opposite side. Not advisable for senior citizens as you are required to get on the boat in knee deep waters, with the help of a stool. We reached the other side. After climbing out of the boat you need to climb around 55-60 steps to get to the temple. This way you can reach the Kuber Bhandari Temple from Neelkanth Dham in just 20 to 25 minutes.
Alternately, you can also reach Kuber Bhandari from Neelkanth Dham by road. It’s a 14 Km run and takes around 30 minutes to cover the distance. But the river route is a bit more adventurous compared to this road route.
A beautiful collection of headgears (pagdis) is also on display in the temple. There is also a Mahakali Temple and an ancient Mukteshwar temple there. Vastu items, Gift items, God idols and souvenirs etc are sold here at reasonable prices by trust operated shop. After having a good darshan of Shree Kuber Bhandari we were back in Neelkanth Dham by 12 noon.
I hope you enjoy this video just as we did by going there.
Date of experience: November 2023.
Other Videos in this series -
STATUE OF UNITY - • STATUE OF UNITY TRAVEL...
NILKANTH DHAM - • NILKANTH DHAM - SPECIA...
SAHAJANAND UNIVERSE - • INSIDE TOUR OF SAHAJAN...