Kapadvanj, a taluka within the Kheda district of Gujarat, is renowned for its illustrious historical heritage. During the eleventh century, under the reign of the Solanki (Chaulukya) King Siddharaj Jaisinh, several architectural masterpieces were conceived here, including the ‘Kundvav’—a rectangular stepwell—and its distinctive ceremonial arches (‘Torans’). Nestled upon the banks of the Vatrak River (also known as the Kashyapganga) in this Kapadvanj region, near the village of Antarsuba, lies the ancient shrine of Utkantheshwar Mahadev. Boasting a history of approximately two thousand years, this temple is also popularly known as ‘Untadia Mahadev’. It is widely believed that the shrine earned this sobriquet due to the traditional camel (‘Unt’) rides that take place within the bed of the Vatrak River during the annual fairs.
According to the mythological lore associated with this temple, this region was once the ‘Tapobhumi’ (land of penance) of Sage Jabali. In his quest to propitiate Lord Shiva, Sage Jabali performed rigorous austerities at this very site. Pleased by his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva manifested before him in the form of a Shivalinga and consented to reside here eternally. It is recounted that Sage Jabali once summoned several eminent ascetics for a religious assembly. During the meal, the visiting saints insisted on consuming only grain grown within the precincts of the hermitage. Through his spiritual prowess, Sage Jabali fulfilled their desire, an event that significantly piqued the curiosity or ‘Utkantha’ of those present, thus leading to the name ‘Utkantheshwar’. Another tradition holds that an ascetic attending the council vowed not to eat until he had received the ‘Darshan’ of Lord Shiva. The Sage offered prayers and a Shivalinga manifested instantaneously, a moment when the anticipation of the crowd reached its zenith.
Yet another legend identifies this site as the hermitage of Sage Gautama, one of the seven celestial seers (‘Saptarishi’). His disciple, Satyapal, is said to have performed a thousand-year penance dedicated to Kashi Vishweshwar. Graced by the Lord’s blessing, Satyapal entreated Mahadev to reside here in the form of Kashi Vishweshwar for the welfare of mankind. At that moment, a divine radiance emanated from the throat (‘Kanth’) of Lord Vishweshwar and merged into the subterranean Shivalinga; this is the sacred Utkantheshwar Shivalinga.
The temple’s principal entrance is adorned with intricate carvings. Flanking the semi-circular arch are decorative pillars featuring ornate niches. The ceiling of the assembly hall (‘Sabhamandap’) boasts a three-tiered domed structure, embellished with paintings depicting Ganesha, Hanuman, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, as well as various manifestations of Lord Shiva from mythological chronicles. The ‘Sabhamandap’ consists of arched galleries supported by carved columns, within which small idols of various deities are enshrined. Upon an elevated pedestal in the hall, an idol of Nandi and a tortoise are seated in veneration. The pillars at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum (‘Garbhagriha’) are carved with figures of ‘Dwarpalas’ (gatekeepers) at their base. In the heart of the sanctum lies a large ‘Shalunka’, where, instead of a protruding Linga, there is a circular, deep indentation in the ground. This circular Shivalinga is considered ‘Swayambhu’ (self-manifested). A unique feature of this shrine is that the water and milk offered upon the Shivalinga flow through a concealed subterranean system directly into the Vatrak River. Beside the Shivalinga rests a metallic mask and behind it lies the seat of Goddess Parvati, set against a golden pedestal. The exterior walls of the temple are likewise adorned with niches and carvings. The structure is crowned by two spires : the principal spire is in the Nagara architectural style, while the assembly hall is topped with a domed roof.
The temple is perched upon a hillock (‘Timba’) overlooking the river. The precincts are lined with shops offering ritual items. From one of the temple gateways, a broad staircase leads down to the Vatrak River, comprising a total of 108 steps. Many devotees perform ceremonial ablutions in the river before seeking the Lord’s blessings. For visitors, camel rides are available along the riverbank. A ‘Bhaktaniwas’ (rest house) is provided within the temple premises for the accommodation of pilgrims. A grand fair is held here during Mahashivratra, attracting thousands of pilgrims. The Mondays of the holy month of Shravan also witness a significant concourse of devotees. Furthermore, many families visit the shrine specifically for the ‘Babari’ (the ritual first tonsure of a child). The temple is open for ‘Darshan’ daily from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm, with the ‘Aarti’ performed at 6.00 am and 7.00 pm.
Useful Information
Located at 19 km from Kapadvanj Bus Station and 68 km from Kheda
GSRTC bus services available to Kapadvanj from several cities in the district
Private vehicles can reach the temple parking area
Accommodation and breakfast facilities are available in the vicinity
