India, a land steeped in spirituality and mysticism, is home to numerous temples that attract millions of devotees each year. While many of these temples are well-known, there are several hidden and secret temples scattered across the country that hold ancient secrets and untold stories. This blog explores five such hidden temples in India, offering a glimpse into their enigmatic charm and spiritual significance.
1. Kamakhya Temple, Assam: The Tantric Shrine
Hidden Secret:
The Kamakhya Temple, located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the oldest and most revered Tantric shrines in India. What sets this temple apart is the absence of an idol of the goddess. Instead, the temple houses a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped stone, symbolizing the goddess Kamakhya.
Significance:
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Shakti, and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the yoni of the goddess Sati fell at this spot. The temple is a major center for Tantric worship and rituals, attracting Tantric practitioners from all over the world.
Unique Rituals:
One of the unique rituals of the temple is the annual Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the menstruation cycle of the goddess. During this festival, the temple remains closed for three days, and devotees believe that the earth becomes fertile during this time.
2. Kal Bhairav Temple, Madhya Pradesh: The Guardian of Time
Hidden Secret:
The Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple’s most intriguing aspect is the offering of alcohol to the deity. Devotees bring liquor as a form of offering, which is then poured into the deity's mouth.
Significance:
Kal Bhairav is regarded as the guardian deity of Ujjain, and the temple is believed to be over 6000 years old. The practice of offering liquor is unique and highlights the deity's acceptance of even the unconventional offerings from devotees.
Unique Rituals:
The priests at the temple pour the liquor into the mouth of the deity, and it mysteriously disappears, believed to be consumed by the deity. This ritual attracts curious visitors and devoted followers alike.
3. Bheem Pul, Uttarakhand: The Rock Bridge of Legends
Hidden Secret:
Bheem Pul, located in Mana village near Badrinath in Uttarakhand, is not a temple in the traditional sense but holds significant mythological importance. According to legend, the Pandava brother Bheema placed a massive rock to form a bridge over the Saraswati River to help Draupadi cross it.
Significance:
The rock bridge symbolizes the strength and devotion of Bheema. It is a reminder of the epic journey of the Pandavas to attain moksha. The site is a testament to the mythological significance and the deep-rooted belief in the Mahabharata's stories.
Unique Experience:
Visitors can walk over the rock bridge, experiencing a sense of awe and reverence for the ancient legends that are an integral part of Indian culture.
4. Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh: The Hanging Pillar Mystery
Hidden Secret:
The Lepakshi Temple in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its architectural marvel, the hanging pillar. Among the 70 pillars in the temple, one does not touch the ground, hanging in mid-air. Visitors can pass a piece of cloth underneath it.
Significance:
Dedicated to Veerabhadra, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the temple dates back to the 16th century. The architectural ingenuity of the hanging pillar continues to baffle engineers and architects, making it a significant attraction.
Unique Features:
Apart from the hanging pillar, the temple boasts intricate carvings, frescoes, and a massive Nandi statue. The exquisite craftsmanship reflects the Vijayanagara architectural style.
5. Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, Gujarat: The Vanishing Temple
Hidden Secret:
The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple in Kavi Kamboi, Gujarat, is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. What makes this temple extraordinary is that it disappears and reappears twice a day with the tidal waves of the Arabian Sea.
Significance:
The temple is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is accessible only during low tide. During high tide, the temple submerges completely, and devotees must wait for the water to recede to offer their prayers.
Unique Experience:
Witnessing the temple vanish and reappear with the tides is a surreal experience. Devotees believe that the temple's submergence symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the eternal presence of the divine.
