Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath timings history, how to reach

The first of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines is the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple. One of the nation’s oldest temples, it is situated on Gujarat’s western coast. Ancient writings such as the Rig Veda, Skandpuran, Shivpuran, and Shreemad Bhagavat Gita have all made reference to it, demonstrating the temple’s significance as one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations. The temple is situated at the meeting point of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers, also known as the ancient Triveni Sangam.

Because of its ability to withstand the test of time, the temple is referred to as an eternal shrine. It still retains its beauty despite having endured multiple destructions in the past. It is reported that emperors such as Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb looted and destroyed the temple up to seventeen times.

The current temple, which is still a notable structure of the original Somnath Temple, was revived and rebuilt in 1951 thanks to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Millions of devotees are drawn to it year-round.

Architecture of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Rebuilt in the Chalukya architectural style, it displays the exquisite craftsmanship of the Sompura Salats, the oldest and most renowned temple architects. The location is such that it is the first point of land in the north to the South Pole at that specific longitude, according to an arrow pillar. A somewhat disfigured image of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva, can also be found in the nooks and crannies of a balconyed hallway. The symbols of Nandi and Trishul are displayed on the flag atop the temple tower. Despite being a Brahmanical temple, the carvings and overall design are distinctly influenced by Jainism.

Legend of Somnath Jyortilinga

“Soma” literally means “Moon God,” and “Somnath” means “the Moon God’s protector.” According to legend, he married 27 of King Daksha’s daughters, but he only had a preference for and love for one of them. The other girls were offended by this and brought the issue up with their father. Soma was cursed by an enraged Daksha, which meant that he would wane. After that, Soma built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas teerth and begged Lord Shiva for help and forgiveness. He partially lifted the curse, which is why the moon periodically waned. In this way, Lord Shiva, the residing deity, became the object of devotion at the temple.

History Behind the Somnath Jyortilinga Temple

The fact that this first jyotirlinga exists makes this location extremely significant to Lord Shiva’s devoted followers.

According to this legend, the renowned king Daksha Prajapati had 27 daughters with Soma, the Moon God. Though not all of the wives were content, they all received the best treatment in their in-laws’ home. Why, you ask? The Moon God loved Rohini far more than the other 27 of his wives, which caused his 26 beloveds to feel abandoned.

The 26 daughters went to their father to tell him about their miserable situation because they were tired of failing to win their husband’s love. The Moon God ignored his father-in-law’spleathree times in a row after Daksha Prajapati counseled him to treat all of his daughters equally. This blatant insult infuriated Daksha Prajapati, who cursed the Moon God, causing him to lose his priceless luster.

Some of the catastrophic disasters were caused by the Moon God’s effulgence being lost. In order to appease Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma counseled the Moon God to travel to Prabhas Kshetra and carry out rites there. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and the rigorous penance he had endured for six long months. After he redeemed the curse, things returned to normal and there were no more devastating disasters.

The Birth of the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

In exchange, Moon, during the Satya Yug period, God constructed a gold temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, according to the legend, it was constructed in silver during the Treta Yuga by Ravana once more. Following it, Lord Krishna constructed it during the Dvapara Yuga era out of sandalwood. Once more, it was constructed in stone at the close of the Kali Yug, another magnificent period, by Emperor Vikramaditya.

There is a pond (kunda) near the temple called the Someshwara Kunda, which is thought to have been created by the demigods. Both locals and devotees firmly believe that the kunda is a storehouse of magical abilities and that anyone who dips in it will recover from any illness.

Since ancient times, this temple has been the most significant place for pilgrims. Worshiping in the temple is thought to be very auspicious since those who pray fervently are said to be forgiven of all their sins and transgressions.

Devotees also enjoy a lovely life free from many obstacles and are continuously blessed by Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Easy access to the path of salvation is yet another reason to visit the temple.

This temple has been the most important destination for pilgrims since ancient times. Since people who pray fervently are said to be forgiven of all their sins and transgressions, worshiping in the temple is considered to be very auspicious. Additionally, devotees lead beautiful lives free from many hardships and are constantly blessed by Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva. Another reason to visit the temple is the ease with which one can access the path of salvation.

Places to visit near Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Bhalka Tirth

On the Prabhas Veraval highway, this holy tirth is five kilometers away.Here, Bhagvan Shree Krishna was struck by the arrow of the poacher Jara. The poacher mistook Bhagvan Shree Krishna’s foot for a deer and struck him from a distance while he was lying in meditation pose beneath a pippal tree.

Dehotsarg Tirth

The Somnath temple is 1.5 km away from this Tirth, which is situated on the banks of Hiran. From this hallowed ground, Bhagvan Shree Krishna embarked on his divine journey to Neejdham. The authentic traditions of Mahabhart, Shrimad Bhagwat, and the Vishnu Puran, among others, preserve rich accounts of the divined Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela.

Geeta Mandir

The 18 chapters of the Bhagawat Geeta are inscribed on the 18 pillars that make up the Geeta Mandir. This area is home to several religious sites, including Dehotsarg, Mahaprabhuji Ni Bethak, Baldevji’s Cave, Lakshminarayan Temple, and Bhimeshwar Mahadev.

Mahaprabhuji Baithak

Out of the 84 bethakjis in GaulokDham, close to Somnath Temple, this is the 65th Prabhas Patan Bethak of Mahaprabhuji.

Sri Ram Mandir

Lord Rama is the object of devotion at Shri Ram Mandir. In 2017, the Shree Somnath Trust constructed the temple. The temple is elegant, and the sanctum contains beautiful idols of Lord Lakshmana, Sita Devi, and Rama. Alongside the sanctum are two small shrines devoted to Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman. The idols are all composed of marble.

Ahilyabai Temple

A little distance from the original temple, Queen Ahilyabai built a new one in 1783 AD. This is the cellar where Somnath Mahadev has set up shop.

Points Of Interest for Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Following are some of the Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple’s attractions and areas of interest:

• The temple was constructed using conventional materials like marble and limestone, and its architecture is a fusion of Chalukya and Solanki traditions.
• The temple’s tranquil settings, which are situated on the Arabian Sea shore and provide a tranquil ambiance for tourists.
• The temple’s spiritual significance, which is significant in Hindu mythology since it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is well known.
• Aarti, abhishek, and darshan are a some of the everyday rituals performed at the temple that provide guests a chance to feel the spiritual significance of the building.
• The temple’s museum and exhibition present the history of the building and relics associated with Lord Shiva and Hindu mythology.
• Visitors can experience India’s rich cultural legacy through the various festivals and activities that are hosted at the temple throughout the year, such as Maha Shivratri and Navratri.
• The region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage can be explored at surrounding destinations including the Gir National Park, Triveni Sangam, and Bhalka Tirtha, which are popular with tourists.
• The Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, with its exquisite architecture, tranquil surroundings, holy ceremonies, and rich history, provides tourists with a wonderful cultural and spiritual experience.

Darshan Timing Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Timing for Darshan at Somnath Temple : 6.00am to 9.00pm

Timing for Aarti : 7.00 am, 12.00 Noon and 7.00 pm

Light & Sound Show Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

“Jay Somnath” Sound and Light Show : 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm

One of the main draws for tourists to the Somnath temple is the Light & Sound Show. “Jai Somnath” is the name of the show, which typically begins at 8 p.m. and lasts for an hour. Adult admission costs INR 25 per person, while half-price tickets cost INR 15. The program tells the mythological and historical stories of Bhalka Tirth and Somnath. Weather-related factors determine the Somnath temple’s light and sound show, which may be canceled in the event of heavy rain.

Pooja performed in Temple

Homatmak Atirudra, Homatmak Maharudra, Homatmak Laghurudra, and Savalaksha Samput Mahamrityunjaya Jaap are the main Poojas performed at the Temple of Somnath. Shiv Puran Path, Kalsarp Yog Nivaran Vidhi, Savalaksha Bilva Puja, Navagraha Jaap, Gangajal Abhishek, and Mahadugdh Abhishek are among the other Pujas at Somnath.

How To Reach Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Gujarat’s major cities have good rail and road connections to Somnath. There are overnight buses from Dwarka and Ahmedabad. Keshod, the closest airport, is 55 kilometers away. The closest train station is seven kilometers away in Veraval.

Best time to visit Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

The Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in the town of Veraval, which is in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, a state in western India. It is situated on the Arabian Sea coast, roughly 25 kilometers from Somnath and 79 kilometers from Junagadh. The temple is ideally situated near major thoroughfares that link Gujarat with neighboring states. The closest railway station is Veraval Train Station, which is roughly 7 km from the temple, and the closest airport is Diu Airport, which is roughly 90 miles away. The temple is the ideal place for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway because of its location on the Arabian Sea shore, which provides visitors with a calm and serene atmosphere.

List of items not Allowed in Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Items that can be brought into the temple are restricted by the Somnath temple. For example, visitors are prohibited from bringing cameras, cell phones, shoes, belts, and food packets.