Pureshwar Mahadev Mandir is located near Lakhedi village, in Nakhatrana Taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat. The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Pureshwar Mahadev. The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is considered ancient and powerful. Despite the temple’s condition, the Lingam remains intact and is still regularly worshipped by devotees.
The temple is built in a blend of Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles, which were common in ancient Indian temples. Though now partly ruined, it still displays beautiful stone carvings and typical old-style temple pillars. Due to multiple natural calamities and a lack of restoration, the outer structures have collapsed in places, but the sanctum and inner walls reflect their historical grandeur.
Pureshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old, dating back to the 9th century CE. It was built during the rule of local Kutch kings, particularly attributed to a ruler named Rao Punara, also known as Ra-Pura, from whom the temple gets its name—Pureshwar.
Long ago, during the 9th century CE, the region of present-day Kutch was ruled by a noble and devout king named Ra Punara (or Ra Pura). He was known for his dedication to Dharma and for protecting the spiritual traditions of his land. One night, King Ra Punara had a divine dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and instructed him to visit a specific spot near the present-day village of Lakhedi.
The king, deeply moved by this vision, set out the next day and reached the area, a thick forest surrounded by silence and calmness. Upon reaching, he discovered a naturally formed Shiva Lingam emitting an unexplainable energy and fragrance. It is said that the moment he laid his eyes upon the Lingam, he felt Lord Shiva’s presence and fell to his knees in devotion.
Understanding the sacredness of the place, King Ra Punara decided to build a temple around the Lingam and named it Pureshwar Mahadev, combining his name “Pura” and “Ishwar” (meaning Lord Shiva). The temple became a center of spiritual activities, and sages and saints started visiting the site for penance and meditation.
Over centuries, even as rulers changed and empires rose and fell, the spiritual power of Pureshwar Mahadev remained untouched. Though the temple suffered damage from natural calamities, particularly the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Lingam remained undisturbed, a symbol of Lord Shiva’s eternal presence.
The main festival celebrated here is during the holy month of Shravan (July–August), which is very auspicious for Lord Shiva. Devotees from surrounding villages visit the temple on Mondays of Shravan, often performing abhishekams and offering prayers. Mahashivaratri is another important festival observed with devotion, special pujas, and night-long bhajans. Despite the ruined state of the temple, the faith of devotees remains strong, and religious activities continue with sincerity.
Devotees believe that praying at this temple can relieve long-standing karmic burdens and grant inner peace. During Shravan month, especially on Mondays, thousands of devotees walk barefoot to the temple, believing that their prayers reach Lord Shiva directly.
