Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the five renowned Mahadev temples of South Gujarat, is located at Balpur village in Vyara Taluka. Devotees believe that Lord Shiv arrived here during Treta Yuga upon Sage Kardam Muni’s request, making this Shivling spiritually potent, fulfilling devotees’ wishes. There is a hot-water spring in the temple premises. Believers visit this temple and bathe in the spring, trusting that it cures physical ailments. A grand fair is held here during Maha Shivaratri, attracting thousands who chant ‘Har Har Mahadev’, bowing devotedly to Lord Shiv.
The mythological story associated with this site states that during the creation of the universe, Sage Kardam originated from the shadow of Brahma. To seek the blessings of Lord Shiv during Treta Yuga, Kardam Muni undertook intense penance in the dense forests here. Pleased by his austerities, Shiv appeared before him. Kardam Muni requested Shiv to reside permanently at this place, which Shiv graciously accepted. Since then, this Shivling has been known as Kardameshwar Mahadev. Among the Panch Mahadevs in Surat and Tapi districts – Kedareshwar Mahadev, Kankeshwar Mahadev, Kapileshwar Mahadev, Kantareshwar Mahadev and Kardameshwar Mahadev – this temple holds a special place. According to legend, a king from Surat invited these deities to Gujarat.
Devotees believe that visiting all five Mahadevs from sunrise to sunset fulfills all their desires. Kardameshwar temple attracts numerous devotees seeking peace away from city life. Situated around 500 meters from the main road, the temple is set amidst serene surroundings. Upon entering through the main gate, one finds a spacious, paved courtyard. To the left is a large two-storey building for devotees’ accommodation.
Just a few steps from the temple is a circular marble shrine containing a Shivling alongside a statue of Lord Shiva. It is said that water flows from this Shivling into a nearby tank where it is stored before falling into a large hot water spring on the right side of the temple. Devotees believe that bathing in this spring cures physical ailments. Steps have been built for easy access to it. It is also said that this spring never runs dry. An ancient tree stands to the right of this temple with an old large Shivling nearby, sheltered by a copper serpent canopy. Devotees also worship this Shivling fervently, believing in its divine presence.
The Kardameshwar Mahadev temple was renovated recently, adding plaster, fresh paint and marble flooring. A new assembly hall has been constructed in front of the temple which gives it a modern appearance while its architectural design reflects its ancient roots. The temple
comprises a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Up-Sabha Mandap and Garbhagriha (sanctum), topped by two dome-shaped spires.
The Sabha Mandap features an iron door with tiles depicting Shri Krishna, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Sai Baba. It is semi-open, with iron grills above. Within it, a saffron-covered idol of Hanuman stands on a hexagonal platform to the right.
The Up-Sabha Mandap was originally the main Sabha Mandap, featuring a large stone entrance, with smaller doors now fitted with marble tiles on both sides. Its dome-shaped ceiling and arched pillars showcase carvings of Shiv with Nandi, Ganesha and Vishnu reclining on Shesha. Small shrines of Hanuman and Ganesha adorn this area. Centrally positioned is an elegant marble statue of Nandi.
In the sanctum sanctorum lies a hexagonal recessed area containing a Patal Ling (a subterranean Shivling), covered by a serpent hood. Water continually drips onto this Shivling from above, with a silver canopy placed over it. Behind the Shivling, there is an idol of Goddess Parvati. Additionally, an ancient stone shrine in the sanctum’s left wall contains an idol of Ganesha. The temple also houses idols of other deities, including a goddess and various sacred stones.
Year-round religious ceremonies and festivities are held here. The Maha Shivaratri fair draws devotees from Vyara, Surat, Bardoli and other parts of Gujarat. During this fair, numerous shops sell household items, agricultural tools, clothes and toys. From 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., devotees line up patiently for darshan and a grand feast (Mahabhandara) is organized. Additionally, hundreds visit every Monday during the holy month of Shravan to offer prayers to Lord Shiv.
