Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple – Gujarat

Somnath temple is considered to be the first of the twelve jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Mahadev, which is located in prabhas city of Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is called ‘the eternal shrine’, because of its nature of destruction and reconstruction several times in history.

It is one of the most important pilgrimage places in Gujarat, located on the seashore of the Arabian Sea. This ancient pilgrimage site was also referred to as ‘Triveni Sangam, because of the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati. It is a sacred and religious place to visit for every Hindu.

What is Jyotirlinga

Somanath Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where it is believed that the supreme deity of Hinduism, Lord Shiva himself resides in different manifestations in the form of linga. Jyotirlinga means a column of light. Lingam signifies the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, without the beginning and the end.

History of Somanath temple

Somanath temple has a very long history. It is one of the old temples. Somnath temple was one of the rich and magnificent temples in India. It was the symbol of great heritage and riches. It is also the symbol of endurance and fortitude because it encountered destruction and devastation by Mughal kings more than 17 times in history. But every time, it was rebuilt to its original glory.

During these 17 attacks, the Mughals plundered and looted the temple. But a very notable instance is of the Turkic Muslim ruler Mahmood of Ghazni in 1024 AD, looting the wealth of around 20 million dinars after killing 50,000 devotees, priests and others. The wealth included idols made of gold, silver and other precious stones. The first temple was believed to be built (or maybe renovated) by Chaulukya king Mularaja, sometime before 997 CE. After that, several times, it is rebuilt or renovated.

The present-day temple was built after the Indian independence, with the efforts of the then deputy prime minister Sardar Patel along with KM Munshi and Mahatma Gandhi. On the insistence of Gandhi, the temple was constructed from the funds collected from the public.

According to the site inscription, the first temple work was started on the third day of Shravana month of Vaivaswata manvantara during Treta yuga. Later many kings like Yadava king, Gurjara-Pratihara king, Chaulukya king have reconstructed the temple.

Somnath Temple Architecture

The present temple is built in the Chaulukya style of architecture, which was built by ‘Somapura salats’, one of Gujarat’s master masons. The main spire (Sikhara) is 15 meters in height.

Mythology of Somnath Temple

Skanda Purana in the chapter on Prabhasa Khanda talks about the Somnath temple. This temple has a significant connection with Chandra (the Moon) and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Chandra (or Soma) married 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. However, he had special love towards Rohini - one of his wives – and neglected others. This made Daksha Prajapati infuriated. He cursed Chandra and took his brightness away. Chandra, with the advice of sages, prayed to Lord Shiva at this site. Lord appeared before him and freed him from the curse. Chandra regained his brightness and built a beautiful golden temple at this site in honour of Lord Shiva.

It is also mentioned in the great epic Mahabharata about Prabhas Kshetra and the legend of the Moon worshipping Lord Shiva.

It is believed that Chandra had built the Somanath temple in Gold during Satya yuga. Then Ravana used silver to build the temple during Treta yuga. Later in Dwapara Yuga, Krishna used sandalwood and in Kaliyuga, Chalukya king Mularaja used stone to build the temple.

Somanath Temple Timings

Darshan Timings – 6 AM to 9:30 PM

Aarti Timings – 7 AM, 12 Noon and 7 PM

Special Days –Shivaratri, Shravana Month, Gokuldham festival, Kartik Poornima

Temple trust offers guest houses, VIP guest houses and economical dormitories. There are many hotels available near temple premises.

Special Activities

The temple organizes a mesmerizing Light and Sound Show in the evening between 8 and 9 o’clock. Many mantras and shlokas are recited during aarti and the light show.

Regulations in the Somnath Temple

One has to deposit mobiles, wallets, handbags, belts etc. in the deposit counter before entering the temple.

Interesting Facts about Somnath Temple

There is an inscription written in Sanskrit found on a pillar erected on the seashore near the temple. According to that, if you draw a straight line between Somnath temple and Antarctica, there will be no land space situated between these two places. And it proved to be right.

How to reach Somnath Temple

Somnath temple is located at a distance of 465 km. from Ahmedabad. The nearest railway station is Veraval, which 7 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Diu, which is 95 km from the temple.

Places to visit near Somnath Temple

There are many temples near Somnath mandir. Some of the prominent temples are Parashuram Temple, Kali Mandir, Kamnath Mahadev temple, Suraj Mandir, Gita mandir, Lakshminarayan temple etc. Some of the other places of interest are:

Triveni Sangam

Located at around 1KM from the Somnath temple, Triveni Sangam is the confluence of the three sacred rivers – Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati. These rivers flow into the Arabian Sea. Devotees take a holy dip in this ghat. It is believed that the three rivers represent three stages of human life – birth, life and death. It is also the place where Krishna was cremated. There are many temples located on the banks of Triveni ghat like Lakshminarayan temple, Geeta temple etc. One can take a boat ride in this place to the point of the confluence of rivers.

Bhalka Tirtha

Bhalka Tirth is situated almost 4 kilometres from the Somnath temple. It is the place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara.

After few years of the Mahabharata war and shortly after the fight between Yadavas, Sri Krishna went into the forest and started meditation under a peepal tree. The hunter Jara mistook Krishna’s left foot for that of a deer and shot an arrow. And then Krishna left this mortal earth to his heavenly abode. Krishna’s disappearance marks the end of Dwapara Yuga and the start of Kaliyuga. It is believed that Krishna in his previous avatar as Rama, had killed monkey king Vali indirectly. At that time, Rama had given the boon to vali to be get killed in his next avatar. Hence, Vali was also born as a hunter in this life just to compensate for the karmic effect.

Prabhas Patan Museum

Located near Somnath temple, all the important archaeological remains of the former Somnath temple are kept here. Many unique artefacts of ancient temples such as inscriptions, sculptures, statues, pillars, pottery etc. are available to see.