Shoolpaneshwar Temple

Shoolpaneshwar Temple

The ancient Shoolpaneshwar Temple is located at the confluence of the Narmada and Devganga rivers, near Manibeli village (Maharashtra).The temple is considered to be one of the holiest shrines on the banks of Narmada, based on the mythological belief that it was founded by Lord Shiva himself as well as being a self -emerging lingam.

This temple is believed to be very close to Bhrigu mountain and was known for being located amidst dense forest and picturesque Shoolpaneshwar waterfall. According to Skandpurana, this sacred temple is like an axe that exonerates the sins.

Lord Shiva has annihilated demons with his trident. The blood stains on this trident never used to disappear and remained permanently on it. It is believed that Lord Shiva while roaming around the forests reached this place, where on hitting the ground with his trident, a stream of water gushed out which removed the blood stains from his trident. Perishing of the blood stains by this gushing water from the trident eventually led to elimination of anguish of Lord Shiva, and thereby this temple was named as Shoolpaneshwar.

This temple had gone under submergence of Sardar Sarovar Reservoir in February 1994 due to the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam. But, Government of Gujarat had allocated a piece of land on 160 ft raised site on left hand side of Gora bridge for construction of new Shoolpaneshwar temple. Following duly prescribed religious traditions amidst chants of hymns, a new Shoolpaneshwar temple was live-dignified on 07.05.1994.

Shoolpaneshwar temple has become a centre of devotion for the pilgrims as well as devotees circumambulating the Ma Narmada. A fair is conducted by the locals, tribals and forest dwellers from Maharashtra at this place every year on 13th and 14th of Chaitra month. This new Shoolpaneshwar temple is also visited by many people for offering prayers. New Shoolpaneshwar temple is indeed a symbol of religious faith and reverence.