Surat, July 24, 2025: As the holy month of Shravan begins, the Kantarehswar Mahadev Temple in Katargam, Surat, has once again emerged as a powerful spiritual center, drawing thousands of devotees from across South Gujarat. Believed to be more than 7,000 years old, this ancient temple holds deep mythological, historical, and religious significance. Devotees flock to this sacred site not only to seek blessings but also to witness the unique Shivling, which bears the imprint of a cow’s hoof a feature that sets this temple apart from other Shiva temples in India.
Local belief holds that the temple dates back to the eras of Satyug, Treta, or Dwapar Yuga. According to priest Shaileshbhai Goswami, the Kantarehswar Mahadev Temple is one of Surat’s oldest shrines and becomes especially vibrant during the Shravan month. Each day during Shravan, 22 different types of pujas and rituals are performed starting from midnight until 1:30 PM. After 2 PM, the Shivling abhishek is halted and the temple remains open only for darshan. This religious routine draws a massive crowd of worshippers seeking spiritual peace and divine blessings during this most sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva.
One of the most astonishing features of this temple is the form of the Shivling itself, which resembles the hoof of a cow. This rare shape is explained through a centuries-old legend passed down through generations. It is said that in ancient times, a cow from a nearby field would come daily and offer its milk over the Shivling. Curious to know the reason, the cow’s owner secretly followed it one day. As he suddenly appeared from hiding, the startled cow stamped her hoof on the Shivling. From that moment, the impression of the cow’s hoof remained embedded on the Shivling, a mark still visible today and regarded as a divine sign.
Adding to the temple’s mystique are various myths connected to great sages and divine interventions. One prominent legend states that the entire region of ancient Suryapur modern-day Surat was once submerged in a massive flood. The course of the Tapti River changed dramatically, creating dense thickets known locally as ‘Kantar’. It was here that sage Kapil Muni established his ashram and performed intense penance, particularly offering prayers to Surya Dev, the Sun God. As mentioned in the Tapti Purana, Surya Dev, pleased with Kapil Muni’s devotion, asked for the donation of a divine cow named Kapila. Upon receiving the cow, Surya Dev blessed the land by manifesting his energy in the form of a Shivling, now worshipped as Kantarehswar Mahadev.
Another fascinating legend connects this sacred site with Lord Ram during his exile. It is believed that Lord Ram once visited Kapil Muni’s ashram located in the Kantar forest. At that time, the sages expressed their desire to perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva, but there was no water nearby. Responding to their request, Lord Ram struck the earth with his arrow, creating a natural stream that provided water for the ritual. This divine stream eventually formed a pond known as Surya Kund, which still exists adjacent to the temple and remains an important part of the temple complex.
Today, the Kantarehswar Mahadev Temple is more than a place of worship it is a living testimony to spiritual heritage, ancient legends, and centuries-old devotion. As Shravan unfolds, the temple becomes the beating heart of Shiva worship in Surat, with crowds gathering daily to witness the rituals, touch the sacred Shivling, and immerse themselves in the temple’s mystical energy. For the people of Surat and beyond, this temple represents not just faith, but a tangible connection to India’s eternal spiritual legacy one that continues to inspire awe and reverence in every generation.
