The Magnificent Somnath Temple: A Journey Through Time and Spirituality

The Somnath Temple is an ancient and historically significant Hindu Mandir located in Gujarat, India. It’s one of the most sacred and hallowed temples for Hindus and holds great religious and literal significance. 

Jyotirlingas are sacred sanctuaries of Lord Shiva; it’s believed that Lord Shiva himself visited these places and hence they have a special place in the hearts of addicts. There are 12 Jyotirlinga in India. Jyotirlinga means pillar of light. The ‘ Stambha ’ symbol represents that there’s no morning or end. 

When there was an argument between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who was the supreme God, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a pillar of light and asked each to find the end. Neither could do it. It is believed that the Jyotirlingas are located at the places where these lighthouses fell.

Somnath Jyotirlinga is the holiest of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Somnath temple timings to visitors are 6 AM to 10 PM on all days.

Somnath Jyotirlinga Located

The Somnath Mandir is located in Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra, West Gujarat in India – at the convergence of the mythological Saraswati, Hiranya, and Kapila gutters – the Triveni Sangam. 

It’s considered to be the first of the jyotirlingas – the first place where Lord Shiva manifested himself. 

Somnath Temple History

It’s believed that the original temple was erected by the Moon God with gold in the Satya Yuga; by Ravana in Treta Yuga in tableware; and by Lord Krishna in Dwapara Yuga in sandalwood. 

This mandir has been pillaged and demolished numerous times by colorful raiders – by Mahmud of Ghazni( 1024), Afzal Khan, Ala- ud- noise Khilji’s commander( 1296), Muzaffar Shah( 1375), Mahmud Begada( 1451), and latterly Aurangzeb( 1665). 

Numerous autocrats reconstructed the temple Shri Vikramaditya of Ujjaini( about 2500 times agone), the Vallabhi lords( in the period 480- 767 CE), Bhimadeva of Anhilawada( in an 11th-century announcement), and Khangara, the king of Junagadh( in 1351 announcement) among numerous others. 

It has been reconstructed about 17 times! The ultramodern structure has been constructed by India’s former deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel between 1947 and 1951 in sandstone. 

What’s the Story Behind Somnath Jyotirlinga? 

It’s believed that Chandra, the moon god, was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. still, he favored Rohini over all the rest. This infuriated Prajapati, who claimed that he was unprejudiced in his affections. When Chandra didn’t listen to his warnings, Prajapati cursed him and made him lose his shine.

Without moonlight, the world came dark; so all the gods requested Prajapati to repudiate his curse. Daksha suggested that Chandra supplicate to Lord Shiva, which is why the Lord is appertained to as Somnath or Someshwar, Lord of the Moon. It’s said that Chandra also bathed in the Saraswati swash to recapture his luster, which is the reason for the waxing and waning of the moon and the runs in this shore position. 

Interesting data about Somnath Temple Gujrat 

In a chapter in the Skanda Purana, Prabhasa Khanda mentions this temple. It’s also mentioned in the Rig Veda and the Bhagavat. 

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is erected in such a position that there’s no land in a straight line to its south till Antarctica. This is inscribed on one of the pillars- since 7 announcement. This makes it an ocean-defended point. 

It’s believed that the Shivalinga was hidden within the bleakness of the Syamantak Mani or the champion’s gravestone( associated with Lord Krishna)- a gravestone with alchemic parcels – suitable to produce gold. This gravestone was also believed to have glamorous parcels which enabled the Shivalinga to remain suspended in mid-air! 

While you can visit this passage center all through the time, downtime( October to March) would be the ideal time to visit it. Visiting it during Mahashivaratri would be an absolute delight for any pilgrim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the significance of the Somnath Temple? 

The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest sanctuaries of Lord Shiva. It holds great religious significance for Hindus and is believed to be the place where the moon god Som( Somnath) installed the original lingam. It has been a symbol of spiritual and artistic heritage, having survived multitudinous irruptions and reconstructions over the centuries. 

2. Where is the Somnath Temple located? 

 The Somnath Temple is a historically significant Hindu temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in the state of Gujarat, India. It’s positioned close to the Arabian Sea seacoast. 

3. What’s the history of the Somnath Temple? 

 The history of the Somnath Temple dates back to ancient times, with mentions in colorful Hindu Holy books. It has been destroyed and reconstructed several times due to irruptions by different autocrats, including Mahmud of Ghazni. The present structure was reconstructed in 1951.

4. Is there any entry fee to visit Somnath Temple? 

 There was no entry charge for visiting the Somnath Temple. Still, there might be charges for specific services or conditioning within the temple complex. 

5. What’s the timing of Darshan at Somnath Temple 

 The timing of darshan at Somnath temple is 6 AM to 10 PM. 

 Morning Aarti: 7 AM 

 Afternoon Aarti : 12 PM 

 Evening Aarti :  7 PM