Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

About Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Situated on the coast of Gujarat, the Somnath mandir has a self-manifested Shivalinga and is linked to the mythical Saraswati River. Known as the 'Eternal Shrine', this present-day Hindu shrine has witnessed countless attacks on Somnath temple but has always risen again.

It stands at a point where no landmass exists between it and Antarctica. According to legends, the Somnath temple Gujarat is believed to have been originally built in four phases: gold by Lord Soma (the Moon God), silver by Ravana, wood by Krishna, and stone by King Bhimdev.

Significance of Somnath Mandir

For devotees, first Jyotirlinga, Somnath is not just a temple; in fact, it is a symbol of faith, strength, Indian heritage, and devotion. Worshipping at this sacred shrine is believed to bring peace, prosperity and Lord Shiva’s blessings. Let us understand the importance of Somnath temple through cultural and astrological aspects:

• Cultural Significance of Somnath Mandir in Hinduism

In Hindu culture, the Chandra Deva (Moon) graces Lord Shiva’s head, symbolising his control over cycles of time, destruction, and transformation. Triveni Sangam (Saraswati River, Hiran River and Kapila River join the Arabian Sea), where is Somnath temple located is believed to be a powerful energy centre.

For devotees, the spot is where they attain moksha (liberation), wash away their sins and cleanse their souls. The importance of Somnath temple is also seen during the major Hindu festivals, including Mahashivratri, Kartik Purnima and Shravana Month.

• Astrological Significance of Somnath Mandir

Lord Somnath, ‘the protector of the Moon’, is the god associated with the planet Moon. The Somnath Jyotirlinga temple is in the sign of the Moon’s exaltation (Taurus). In astrology, the planet Moon influences our inner emotions and feelings.

One who sincerely worships and offers prayers here can achieve inner peace and eliminate emotional imbalances. Worshipping here is also considered beneficial for devotees facing Chandra dosha (lunar afflictions) or the negative placement of the Moon in their birth charts.

Mythology and the History Behind Somnath Mandir

The Prabhas Kand of Skanda Purana mentions that the temple was first built 7,99,25,105 years ago. However, its first-ever Prant Pratishtha ceremony took place in the tenth yug of Treta Yuga of the Puranic chronicle, Vaivasvata Manvantara. Shiva Mahapurana’s 13th chapter mentions several legends behind Somnath temple history.

• The Curse of the Moon

Soma was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati, as he only loved Rohini out of his 27 other wives. The curse caused Soma to lose all his beauty and radiance. Later, for atonement, Soma travelled to Prabhas and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva restored his glow, which is how Somnath became a pilgrimage.

• Lord Krishna’s Final Journey to Neejdham

Apart from this, legends say that Lord Krishna ended his life here at the Somnath after being hit by an arrow in his feet. He travelled on his final journey to Neejdham (heaven's abode) from this very place. Lord Shiva appeared as a ray of light (Jyotirlinga), making it one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.

• The Mystery of The Philosopher’s Stone

Another legend associated with Somnath Jyotirlinga temple mentions the mysterious philosopher’s stone called Syamantak Mani placed inside the temple’s Shivalinga. Everything this stone touched turned into gold, the legend claims. Not just that, the stone’s radioactive properties kept the Shivalinga floating above the ground.

Exploring the Beauty of Somnath Mandir’s Architecture

The present-day Somnath Jyotirlinga temple has a Kailash Maha Meru Prasad form. The pre-11th century temple was a blend of three architectures: Maru Dasa, Maha Gurjara and Saurashtra. The temple’s architecture showcases the excellence of masons and artisans of the Chalukyan era.

Highlights of the Somnath Mandir’s Architecture

Let us explore the beauty of the Somnath temple Gujarat by looking at its main architectural highlights:

• Sabha Mandap & Nritya Mandap: The temple has two beautifully crafted halls dedicated to spiritual gatherings and devotional activities.
• The Grand Entrance: The temple is a seven-storey monument with a statue of Nandi at the entrance. A 10-tonne Kalash is placed at the temple's shikhara, and a 27-foot flag is attached to it.
• Grand Shikhara: The temple’s grand shikhara or spire stands over 155 feet tall, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
• Garbhagriha:The sanctum sanctorum is the key component of the Somnath temple Veraval as it connects the Sabha Mandapam and Nritya Mandapam internally and externally.
• Baan Stambh: Known as the ‘arrow pillar’, the Baan Stambh has an inscription indicating that the temple stands as the first point in line from the South Pole.

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