The magnificent Valinath Mahadev Temple, situated in the village of Tarb, holds the distinction of being the second-largest shrine in Gujarat after the Somnath Temple, earning it the revered title of the ‘Somnath of North Gujarat’. A singular feature of this sanctuary is that devotees may behold not only the sacred Shivalinga but also the ‘Swamukh’ image of Bholenath – a self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of the Lord in His physical form. Constructed in the exquisite Maru-Gurjara architectural style across an expansive area of approximately 1.45 lakh square feet, the newly erected temple enshrines a colossal Shivalinga weighing five hundred kilograms. It stands as the most hallowed and supreme seat of faith for the Rabari community, which numbers nearly seventy lakh across North Gujarat.
The origins of the temple are steeped in a mythological narrative from the Mahabharata. 
It is said that when Lord Krishna took up residence in Dwarka, He wandered through the ‘Darbhavan’ – the forested region of North Gujarat, where the Valinath temple now stands. On one such occasion, he entered a forest accompanied by the Gopis (cowherd maidens) and Gopas (cowherd boys) and commenced the Raas Leela. At that time, Mahadev was also residing there with his Shivaganas. Upon witnessing Shri Krishna’s Raas Leela, Mahadev felt a deep desire to participate. However, outsiders were strictly forbidden from joining the dance. Hence Mahadev assumed the form of a Gopi and entered the Raas Leela. Nevertheless, Shri Krishna recognised Mahadev even in that disguise.
Seeing Mahadev himself dancing in the Raas Leela, Shri Krishna prostrated before him and said, ‘O Mahadev, you are the God of Gods. Everyone worships you. 
It is a matter of immense fortune that you have come here. Who would dare forbid you from participating in the Raas Leela? Pray, bless us by appearing in your original divine form.’ Upon hearing Shri Krishna’s plea, Mahadev manifested in his true form. Subsequently, Shri Krishna consecrated an idol of Mahadev at that spot. Since Mahadev had worn a Bali in his ear while disguised as a Gopi, Krishna bestowed upon him the name Valinath. Thus began the primordial worship of Valinath Mahadev at this location.
Legend further recounts that the temple remained buried beneath the earth for several centuries. Approximately 900 years ago, a member of the Rabari community named Talbhan Moydav brought his cattle to graze along the banks of the Rupen River near the Darbhavan forest. 
While resting beneath a tree, he received a divine vision regarding the temple’s existence. He subsequently sought out a sage named Veeramgiri Bapu to share this revelation. Excavations at the site unearthed the ruins of the ancient Valinath temple and the idol of the deity. Talbhan Rabari ceremoniously re-consecrated the idol and Sage Veeramgiri Bapu became the first Mahant (chief priest) of the Valinath ‘Gadi’ (spiritual seat). According to the official records of the ‘Valinath Mahadev Temple Trust’, the lineage continues today under the stewardship of the fourteenth successor, Jayramgiri Bapu.
References to this sacred ‘Darbh’ forest are also found in the celebrated medieval text ‘Kanhadade Prabandh’, authored by Padmanabha. 
Amongst the thirteen Dashnami Akhadas of India, the Valinath Akhada occupies a position of paramount importance, being accorded the honour of the ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) and special distinctions during the Kumbh Mela. Beyond the Rabari community, the temple commands immense devotion from followers of diverse backgrounds. The precincts are said to house the ‘Sanjivan Samadhis’ (shrines of living entombment) of numerous sages. In antiquity, many from the Muslim community also held Mahadev in high regard, the most striking evidence of which is the Samadhi of Nathibai. A young Muslim girl of profound faith, Nathibai, took ‘Jivant Samadhi’ (spiritual entombment while alive) at the tender age of twelve within this temple and her memorial remains a site of devout worship to this day.
Designed in the Maru-Gurjara style, the temple stands approximately 101 feet tall, with a length of 265 feet and a width of 165 feet. Its construction utilised 1.45 lakh cubic feet of pink stone sourced from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan. Skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Odisha laboured tirelessly for fourteen years to bring this architectural marvel to fruition. On 22nd February 2024, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, presided over the grand consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha). During the event, the Prime Minister performed rituals at the golden spire (Shikhara) and consecrated the massive 500-kilogram Shivalinga. A week-long ‘Atirudra’ Mahayagna was organised to mark the occasion, attended by fifteen thousand eminent guests and five lakh devotees from across the nation. Prior to its installation, this colossal Shivalinga was taken to the twelve Jyotirlingas and the four sacred ‘Dhams’ for ritual anointing. Devotees believe that beholding this Shivalinga confers the spiritual merit of visiting all twelve Jyotirlingas and the fruits of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
The temple complex is vast; upon entering the gates, one is greeted by a magnificent courtyard and beautifully landscaped gardens. Climbing twenty-one steps leads to an elevated plinth where the front courtyard of the temple is situated. On this level, separate shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman stand before the main temple, housing serene idols carved from white marble. Ascending a further twelve steps brings one to the ‘Mukhmandap’ (entrance porch) of the Valinath Mahadev Temple, situated on a high foundation. The architectural layout comprises three entrance porches, an ‘Upmandap’, a ‘Sabhamandap’ (assembly hall), an ‘Antarala’ (vestibule) and three sanctum sanctorums (Garbhagrihas), supported by sixty-eight majestic pillars. These pillars are adorned with exquisite carvings depicting various mythological tales.
Within the vestibule facing the main sanctum, a marble Nandi sits in eternal devotion. The entrance to the sanctum is decorated with carvings of doorkeepers (Dwarpalas), the ‘Kirtimukha’ motif and an ornate ‘Toran’ (archway) on the lintel. Behind the massive Shivalinga in the central sanctum resides Mata Parvati, while the two adjacent sanctums enshrine Lord Dattatreya and Hinglaj Mata. The walls of the primary sanctum feature intricate carvings detailing the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is crowned by three ornate spires, with the central spire rising to 101 feet and bearing a golden finial (Kalasha). The old temple complex continues to house the original idol of Valinath Mahadev, the ‘Akhand Dhuni’ (perpetual sacred fire) and the Guru’s seat. Shrines for Chamunda Mata and Ganesha are also located there, with their idols regarded as self-manifested.
The temple calendar is punctuated by numerous festivals, the foremost being Mahashivratri, observed on Magh Vad Chaturdashi. This occasion is marked by a grand five-day fair, during which hundreds of Rabari devotees assemble in traditional attire to participate in devotional singing (Bhajans). Gurupurnima, celebrated on the full moon of Ashadh, is another significant event where thousands of disciples gather to seek the blessings of the Mahant. Additionally, special water anointments (Jalabhisheka) are performed every Monday during the month of Shravan and ritual fire ceremonies (Havan) take place at the Hinglaj Mata temple during Chaitra Navratri. For the convenience of pilgrims, the temple provides well-equipped guest houses (Bhaktiniwas) and a dining hall (Bhojanshala). The temple remains open for ‘Darshan’ daily from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm.
