Legend of Somnath Temple
Skanda Purana, in a chapter on Prabhasa Khanda, describes the emergence of this Jyotirlinga. Legend goes that the moon was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Amongst all his wives, he had special love towards Rohini and neglected the others. Seeing the negligence of Chandra towards his other wives Prajapati Daksha cursed Chandra that he would lose his beauty and radiance. But because of a moon devoid of radiance and beauty the entire world became lifeless. A disturbed Chandra, came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and worshipped the Sparsa Linga of Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to grow and shine in the bright half. As the moon regained his light here, this town came to be known as Prabhasa. Brahma, one of the trinity, installed the Brahmashila, and paved way for the construction of the temple. On the request of the Chandrama and other gods Bhagwan Shankar assumed the name Somchandra (Jyotirlinga) and resided there eternally. He became famous by the name Somnath in the three worlds. Since, it was the Prabhas Kshetra where Bhagwan Shri Krishna performed all his Lilas. In this temple there is a small cave in which a lamp burns continuously.
The Skanda Purana describes the Sparsa Linga of Somnath as one bright as the sun, the size of an egg, lodged underground. The Mahabharata also refers to the Prabhasa Kshetra and the legend of the moon worshipping Shiva.
Adi-Jyotirlinga
Somanath Temple
Ransacking and Rebuilding of Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirling has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times in the
history:
- Accounts of glory and wealth of Somnath by the Arab traveler Al Biruni prompted a visit by Mahmud of Ghazini who ransacked and destroyed the temple in 1025 CE. It was immediately rebuilt by King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa.
- Somnath temple was destroyed again by Alaf Khan, the general of Allauddin Khilji in 1300 CE. It was rebuilt again by King Mahipala of the Chudasama dynasty.
- Somnath shrine was destroyed yet again in 1390, 1490, 1530 and finally in 1701 by Aurangazeb. It was rebuilt with perseverance each time after it was destroyed.
Attraction of Somanath
The Gitamandir and Laxminarayan mandir are located in Dehotsarg campus. The divine massage of Bhagwan Shree Krishna in form of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta is carved here on eighteen marble pillars. Laxminarayan Mandir houses divine shreevigraha of Bhagwan Laxminarayan.
» SHREE PARSHURAM TEMPLE
This is a sacred spot at the holy banks of Triveni where
Bhagwan Parshuram conducted his long penance and he was relieved from
the curse of Kshatriya killings by Bhagwan Somnath. Divine leela
Parshuram is perpetnated here by a beautiful Parshuram Temple and two
ancient kunds.
» TREEVENI SANGAM SNANGHAT
The holy confluence of three river Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati
and their sangam with ocean is very sacred moksha tirtha for Hindus. The
bathing facilities are being renovated by Shree Somnath Trust with the
assistance of State Government in the fond memory of Shree Morarjibhai
Desai, the Ex-Prime Minister and Chairman of Shree Somnath Trust.
» SHREE SHASHIBHUSHAN MAHADEV &
BHIDBHANJAN GANAPATIJI
The holy temple of Shashibhushan is located at a distance of 4
km on the Somnath-Veraval highway with a beautiful sea-shore. The Jara
poacher is said to have taken aim from this spot while hitting an arrow
towards Bhagwan Shree Krishna. The ancient Somnath Poojacharya Shri Bhav
Brihaspati is said to have built this temple. Bhagwan Shashibhushan with
Bhidbhanjan (Saviour form of) Ganesh is worshipped here with traditional
spiritual traditions.
» SHREE VENESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE
The Rajputa “Vaja”clan was in charge of Somnath during the
Muslim desecrations. The devotional episode of the princess “Veni” is
depicted in the novel by Shri K.M.Munshi. The temple was outside of the
fort wall of Prabhaspatan at the time of holy war with Gazani.The
soldiers of Gazani attempted an abduction of “Veni” who regularly
visited the temple to offer her services to Shiva. The traditions
maintain that the Shivling was sportaneously got divided and the
princess got burried into it. The Shiv temple here is knows as
“Veneshwar” temple after the fond memory of divine episode of Veni.
Pooja Vidhi at Somanath Temple
| POOJAVIDHI | ||||||||
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The following poojavidhis are performed at
Somnath Temple. Kindly contact poojavidhi counter at the temple.
General or specific donation or Ornament/Vastra bhet is also
accepted. The Ladu prasadi, Gangalal, Prasadivastra and other
pooja samagri are available at the counter.
Note |
» How to reach Somnath :
Amdavad is connected by Rail, Road and Air with all the major destinations. Veraval Somnath is connected with Amdavad to Rail and Road facilities. Somnath is at a distance of 465 km. from Amdavad. At present Jet Airwais operates passenger flight from Bombay to Diu every day accept Thursday. Somnath is connected with Diu by road (95 km).
» Guesthouse Facility :
Pilgrims can avail the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. Trust maintains a VIP Guesthouse, Eighteen other guest houses and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses are in excess of Two hundred.