Religious site- Somnath Jyotirlinga
Shree Somnath is primary among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlingas of India. It is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat. It has a tactical position on the western shoreline of India. It is a significant pilgrimage and sightseer spot of Gujarat. Recreated numerous times within the former after frequent obliteration by invaders and Portuguese this temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya sort of Hindu temple architecture and completed within May 1951. The renovation was accomplished by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from olden times on account of it being a Triveni Sangam (the confluence of three rivers namely Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati. Soma Moon-god is thought to have lost his lustre due to a curse, and he bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to recover it. The result’s the waxing and waning of the moon, no doubt a reference to the waxing and waning of the tides at this seashore scene. The name of the town Prabhas, meaning lustre, also because the alternative names Someshvar and Somnath that stands for the moon God that has arisen from this tradition.
According to tradition, the Shivalinga in Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a scorching column of light. The jyotirlingas are taken as the best, entire reality out of which Shiva partly appears.
Each of the 12 jyotirlinga sites takes the name of a special manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the key image is a lingam representing the no beginning and endless stambha (pillar), signifying the immeasurable nature of Shiva.
The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from earliest times on version of existence a Triveni Sangam meaning the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Sarasvati. Soma, the Moon-god, is whispered to have lost his lustre due to a curse, and be immersed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain it. The result is the waxing and waning of the moon, little question an allusion to the waxing and waning of the tides at this seashore location.
The temple is situated at such an area that there’s no land during a line between Somnath seashore until Antarctica, such an inscription in Sanskrit is found on the Bāṇastambha erected on the sea-protection wall. The Bāṇastambha mentions that it stances at a point on the Indian landmass that is the first point on land in the north to the South Pole at that particular longitude
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16 Comments
Seema Bardeskar
This religious site seems wonderful and I’ve heard alot from some devotees who visit there every year. Nice blogpost!
MeenalSonal
Loved to know the amazing facts and rich history of such beautiful religious place. Have heard about its glory many times but did not get a chance to visit the sacred place.
Jhilmil D Saha
Its great to know about this place. I would surely visit with my family. The pictures are beautiful too.
CINDY DSILVA
There’s no line, meaning? Can you see hills of Antarctica from this temple? That would be an amazing sight!
Raksha
My best friend and I were here a few years ago as part of our annual trip. It was truly an amazing place and it was interesting to see people’s immense devotion towards god.
Monidipa
I currently live in Gujarat but have not visited Somnath. But I definitely have plans this year, Plus I did not have so much info about it too..
Vashi
That was such a brilliant blog post. I had no knowledge of the history behind this jyotirlinga. I’m so glad i got to know so much.
Keep these blogs coming.
Sundeep
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I really would love to visit this Religious site asap. I am adding this to my messy bucket list.
Urvashi
I love reading these small informational bites of knowledge, culture, India on this page. Wonderful facts and some really interesting like this one about the protection wall .
Hansa Kajaria
My husband and I have visited 2 jyotilinks as of now and also done Amarnath yatra as my husband is a Shiv Bhakt…. and we plan to cover all of them with time. Somnath is where we plan to go too.
Rahul Prabhakar
Delighted to learn about the Somnath Jyotirlinga through your post. I am yet to see any of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. It would be awesome to visit this jyotirlinga in Gujarat on my next visit.
Ishieta
Very interesting article I have not heard of these
– the lesser known stories and Facts it was fascinating to learn about it thanks for sharing
Akanksha Singh
I have heard so much about Somnath jyotirlinga. And it’s so good to read the history behind it. Thanks for sharing this.
Amritha Srinath
Thanks for sharing all the information and story about Somnath. It was a delightful read. I had been to Somnath when I was a toddler.
Manisha Garg
Great to know more about Somnath Jyotirlinga. Its said one is blessed if she/he happens to visit all 16,
TheOtherBrainInc
I have heard a lot about Somnath mandir. But didnt know its real significance. Thanks for this post of yours I got to know all about it.