Located in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Hatkeshwar Temple is a highly valued shrine amid the Hindu devotees. Carved in the 17th century just outside the town, this shrine is dedicated to the Hatkeshwar Mahadev, who is the family deity of the Nagar Brahmins. These Brahmins were once a popular community in Vadnagar. The temple houses the Lingum of Lord Shiva and is said to have been self emerged. It is believed that this temple was incarnated in Vadnagar somewhere back in the 3rd century. Hatkeshwar Temple is said to be situated in south-western of Mount Abu which covers an area of the five kosas.

The Hatkeshwar Temple has been constructed in Indian classical style. Though this temple faces the east, however it has entrance from the south and north as well.

Significance of the Temple

The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. This temple was constructed by Hariraj Naik in the year 1402, during the reign of Brahmadeo Rao, who was the son of Kalchuri King Ramchandra. This ruler’s monumental script which is written in Sanskrit is still present at the Museum of Mahant Ghasidas Memorial.

The Nag King who constructed this temple was grandfather of Babrovahan and henceforth, Lord Shiva, was considered as the principal deity of this temple. Many say that the king Babrovahan helped his father Arjuna in establishing this Hatkeshwar Temple at Vadnagar.

Architecture of Temple

The Hatkeshwar Temple houses Lord Shiv’s lingum. From the roof of the temple’s sanctum, there is a massive shikhar that soars high in the sky. While facing the east, the Hatkeshwar Temple is encircled by peak wall topped 3 circular domes that are interspersed with flat stretches. The exterior of this temple is beautifully ornamented with pictures of nine planets, regent deities, evocative dancing apsras, musicians, and main gods from Mahabharata and Ramayana. The temple premises have an old Shiva temple, two Jain temples and one Swaminarayan temple.

Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hatkeshwar Temple is in the months of January, February, March, August, September, October, November, and December.

Nearby Places

The seat of Maha Prabhu

Considered as a memoir of resting at the Sharmishta Lake, by Shri Maha Prabhu, a seat has been constructed here. The temple of Lord Krishna is the main attraction here. It is now being managed and operated by Shri 1008 Kankareli Naresh.

The Jain Temples

Vadnagar is mentioned in Shri Kalpsutra Jainsim. This place is located in the foothills of Satrunjya Hills which has five main temples of Jains. In the Heer Saubhagya poem, this city is described as foothill of Trithadhiraj Shri Shidhdhgiriraj.

Sculptures of Shitla Mata Temple

Considered as the 2nd temple which is located inside the ancient ghashkore Darwaja, this temple dates back to the 11th century. The major idol of this temple is Shitala Mata. Further there are idols of Lord Ram, Lord Ganesha, Ganga-Jamuna, Lord Suryanarayan and Lord Kartikelya. The temple has immensely beautiful carvings on its ceilings. There are many scholars that have written lot about the greatness and beauty of the idols present here.

Maha Kaleshwar Temple and its Sculptures

The Maha Kaleshwar temple is constructed near the samshan gruh, in the southern direction of the Ghashkore Darwaja. For more details about this temple one must read the Skand Puran. In a temple which adjoins this temple, the idols of Chandra and Surya are placed.

How to Reach the Temple

• Through Air – The nearest airport located is Ahmadabad Airport that is 111 kms away. This airport connects Ahmadabad to many other cities of India as well as countries of abroad. One can take a taxi or hire a private cab and reach Vadnagar.
• Through Road – One can take local or state transport buses and reach Vadnagar. This city is 111kms away from Ahmadabad and 47 kms away from Mehsana. The national highway 16 and 43 connect some important cities of Ahmadabad to Vadnagar.
• Through Railways –Siddhapur is the nearby railway station which connects Vadnagar to New Delhi Railway station. It is approximately 47 kms away from Vadnagar.