Shri Jaganath Mahadev Temple Kalali-Vadsar Road, Vadodara, Vadodara

According to ancient legend, the Jaganath Mahadev Temple in Vadodara is the site where sage Vishwamitra performed a sacrifice to send King Trishanku of the Ikshvaku dynasty to heaven with his physical body. This temple, one of the nine Navanathas protecting the city, was established by sage Vishwamitra. This ancient temple, which holds the eighth position among the Navanath Mahadev temples, contains three Shivlings. The self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivling here bears marks of a plow strike. Typically in Shiv temples, the Nandi sits directly in front of the Shivling, but here the Shivling is slightly to the left of Nandi.

The story of King Trishanku is narrated in the Balkand of Valmiki’s Ramayana. According to this tale, Trishanku was a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty who desired to ascend to heaven in his physical form. He requested sage Vasishtha to perform a sacrifice for this purpose, but Vasishtha declared it impossible. Trishanku then approached Vasishtha’s sons, who also refused him. When Trishanku threatened to seek help elsewhere, Vasishtha’s sons cursed him, turning him into a Chandala (outcast). Trishanku then sought refuge with sage Vishwamitra, who performed a sacrifice and sent Trishanku to heaven, though still in his Chandala form. According to local legend, this sacrifice took place on this land in Gujarat.

Another legend about this temple states that in ancient times, Vadodara was known as Vatpadrak or Vatpadrapur. This area was covered with forests and fields. One day, a farmer was plowing his field when he heard his plow strike something. Initially, he ignored it, but when it happened again at the same spot, he dug and discovered a self-manifested Shivling. Blood was flowing from the stone due to the plow’s strike. The farmer shared this miraculous event with others and subsequently, villagers gathered and formally consecrated the Shivling. The marks visible on the Shivling today are said to be from that plow strike. Since Vishwamitra performed the sacrifice for Trishanku here, the deity became known as Yaganath Mahadev, which later became Jaganath. The temple was renovated during the Gaekwad dynasty’s rule and has recently been restored to its current form.

The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard on the banks of the Vishwamitri River. The entrance to the courtyard features a tall gateway with carved pillars. Upon entering, one’s attention is drawn to the impressive pink stone structure of the temple with its attractive spire. In front of the temple is a large Nandi pavilion housing a magnificent black marble statue of Nandi. This statue is not directly in front of the Shivling in the sanctum but slightly to the side.

The Jaganath Mahadev temple is built on an elevated platform. Its structure consists of a viewing hall, an open assembly hall, an antechamber and the sanctum. The temple features a Nagara-style architecture with an Urushrunga-type spire. Five steps lead to the temple’s viewing hall. Beautiful carvings adorn the pillars here, as well as in the assembly hall and antechamber. Between two pillars are makara toranas (crocodile arches). The ceiling of the assembly hall features numerous deity statues. The antechamber houses Ganesha and Hanuman.

Three steps down lead to the temple’s sanctum. Here, a stone Shivling sits in a large circular base, sheltered by a cobra hood. Near the Shivling are two smaller Shivlings with five-metal bases. On the wall behind the Shivling is the shrine of Mother Parvati.

Directly in front of the Jaganath Mahadev temple is a beautifully crafted Ganesha temple. The sanctum of this temple houses an impressive eleven-foot-tall statue of Ganapati. This statue is carved from white marble from Rajasthan. The statue was first brought from Rajasthan and then the temple was built around it. This Ganesha is known as “Bada Ganesh” (Big Ganesha).

The temple area include a sacrificial hall and a small shrine to Kala Bhairava. Nearby, in a large glass-enclosed pavilion, the ‘Shiv Family’ is enshrined. There is a large Nandi statue on a truck, with Shiv’s family seated on it. This truck remains here year-round, only being taken out for the procession through the city on Maha Shivaratri. The temple premises also include a Peepal tree, around which many devotees circumambulate.

Aartis (ritual worship) at this temple are performed at 7 AM and 7 PM. Offerings to the deities are presented at 12 PM and 7 PM. The temple remains closed from 1 PM to 4 PM. Many devotees come with their families to perform abhishekam (ritual bathing) on the awakened Shivling. Many devotees observe fasts for five or seven consecutive Mondays. Male devotees must wear dhotis and female devotees must wear sarees when worshipping the Shivling in this temple.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery