Significant Stand Alone Temples

Karnali Kubera Bhandari Temple, Gujarat

lightuptemple May 10, 2025May 10, 20250

Address

Karnali Kubera Bhandari Temple

Karnali, Vadodara District,

Gujarat State – 391105.

Contact: 92656 03079, 98249 39377

Moolavar

Kubera Bhandari

Introduction

The Kuber Bhandari Temple is located on a hill in Karnali, a town in Vadodara district, Gujarat. The Shiva deity enshrined here is believed to be over a thousand years old. It is believed that worshipping the Lord on a new moon day (Amavasya) or on a Monday will bring immediate and powerful blessings. The temple is situated approximately 6 kilometers from Vadodara.

Puranic Significance

One day, Lord Shiva and Parvati were walking through a forested region along the banks of the Narmada River. Due to fatigue, Parvati felt hungry and thirsty. The Narmada River is regarded as their daughter, and Shiva called out:
“Narmada, your mother Parvati is tired and hungry. Please help her.”
Responding to Shiva’s words, Narmada emerged as a spring and offered both food and water to the goddess.

After a short rest, the divine couple continued their journey. Along the way, they encountered the demon Kubera, brother of Ravana. Struck by Parvati’s beauty, Kubera was overcome with desire, and as a result, he lost his eyesight. Realizing his mistake, he surrendered in repentance.

Moved by his remorse, Parvati restored his vision, and Lord Shiva appointed him as the guardian of the northern direction and the Lord of Wealth. At this very spot, Shiva is said to have manifested as a Swayambhu Lingam to bless Kubera. Hence, the deity is known as Kuber Bhandari.

The Lingam, made of smooth black stone, features a twisted mustache, a headgear, and piercing eyes. To reach the temple, devotees must cross the Narmada River by boat. During Maha Shivaratri, large numbers of devotees gather here to seek blessings.