Standing as one of the oldest and most revered temples in India, the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is a must-visit for all devotees of Lord Shiva. Located along Gujarat’s western coast, this shrine has been referenced multiple times throughout ancient texts like Shreemad Bhagavat Gita, Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Rig-Veda – emphasizing its religious significance. This temple stands at an important site known as Triveni Sangam too – where three rivers (Kapila Hiran & Saraswati) come together!
The temple has become an eternal symbol of resilience, having lived through multiple attacks and still preserving its grandeur. History tells us that seventeen emperors such as Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb have all taken turns trying to loot or destroy the shrine without success – a true testament to its indomitable spirit!
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the driving force behind reviving and reconstructing the existing temple in 1951, which continues to be an impressive structure of its original Somnath Temple. Every year, millions of devotees visit this holy place with great reverence.
According to ancient Indian beliefs, Somnath is the place of liberation for Chandra (Moon God) from the curse bestowed by his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. From his Twenty-Seven wives, Moon adored Rohini above all others and neglected their feelings which resulted in them being cursed. At Prajapita Brahma’s suggestion, he came to Prabhas Teerth where he venerated Bhagvan Shiva and was redeemed from this bewitchment that caused him to lose light power.Moon’s deep devotion to penance won him Bhagvan Shiva’s gracious blessing, freeing him from his curse of darkness. Pauranic tradition holds that he built a golden temple, followed by Ravana who constructed a silver temple and finally Shree Krishna erecting the Somnath shrine with sandalwood.
As per an analysis conducted on ancient Indian classical texts, the first consecration of Somnath Jyotirling took place during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji’s research showed that this temple was built a staggering 7,99,25,105 years ago as documented in Prabhas Khand section within Skand Puran. Such is its historical significance and immense spiritual appeal that it has been inspiring Hindus for millennia!
As the stories are told, Bhagvan Somnath freed the Moon God from his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati’s curse with a blessing. According to Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Lord Shiva proclaimed that he is omnipresent but especially in twelve forms and places known as Jyotirlingas – of which Somnath stands at first among them all. This holy place has gained immense spiritual significance over time due its divine powers for good luck blessings!
From the 11th to 18th centuries, Islamic invaders caused much destruction of the Somnath Temple. However, through each demolition came a renewed spirit for reconstruction and restoration amongst its people. The modern temple was rebuilt thanks to Sardar Patel’s visit in 1947 who saw it as his mission to restore this sacred site back into its original form. Then President Rajendra Prasad officially re-established the temple on May 11 1951 with an inaugurating ceremony filled with hope for future generations of worshippers alike.
Somnath is conveniently connected to the primary cities of Gujarat by both rail and road, with overnight buses available from Ahmedabad and Dwarka. Additionally, its nearest airport is Keshod located 55 km away while the nearest railway station can be found in Veraval at only 7 kilometers distance.
