Somnath Temple: The Incredible Shiva Temple
Somnath Temple is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the beach in Gujarat’s Kathiawar area. Previously, this area was known as Prabhas Kshetra. The Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavat, and Skanda Purana all detail the splendour of Somnath-Jyotirlinga.
As per Shivpuran, when the moon was cursed by Daksha Prajapati, to overcome the curse the moon penance at this place. Since the Moon is also called “Som”, and he considered Lord Shiva as his “Nath”, the place came to be known as “Somnath”.
Significance of Somnath Temple
It is believed that the sins and wrongdoings of the devotees are erased when they visit Somnath to worship. One assumes the role of Lord Shiva’s and Mother Parvati’s infinite grace. As a result, the road to redemption becomes clear to them.
Somnath Temple Structure
The Jyotirlinga Shree Somnath Mahadev Temple, located on the Arabian Sea’s western shores, is one of a kind. This shrine is one of the country’s oldest pilgrimage sites. The Somnath temple is also mentioned in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Srimad Bhagavat Gita, and Shiva Purana. At the same time, the Rigveda mentions the glory of Someshwar Mahadev.
The Garbh Grih, Sabha mandap, and Nritya mandap are the three primary sections of the temple. It reaches a height of 150 feet. The Urn on its peak weighs ten tons and its flag is 27 feet high.
This temple is also claimed to be one of the first of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas. According to historical records, Invaders attacked this temple six times. Even now, the temple’s continued existence is proof of its rehabilitation efforts and communal cohesion. This temple was built in the Kailash style for the seventh time. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also involved in the construction of the temple.
Mythology Behind Somnath
According to mythology, Som was the name of Chandra, Daksha’s son-in-law. He disobeyed Daksha’s orders once, and as a result, Daksha cursed him, saying that his light would diminish from day today. When the other gods urged Daksha to remove his curse, he said that taking a bath in the sea near the Saraswati’s source would prevent the curse from spreading. Som paid his respects to Lord Shiva by bathing in the Arabian Sea near Saraswati’s mouth. Lord Shiva took on the form of Somnath and came to save him.
How to Reach Somnath Temple?
Airways
Somnath is around 63 kilometres from Diu Airport, which is the closest airport. Between Diu airport and Somnath, there is a regular bus and taxi service.
Railway
The railway station in Veraval is the closest to Somnath, which is only seven kilometres away. From here, you may reach Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat directly.
Roadway
Somnath is 7 kilometres from Veraval, 400 kilometres from Ahmedabad, 266 kilometres from Bhavnagar, 85 kilometres from Junagadh, and 122 kilometres from Porbandar. This location is served by buses from all across the state.