Introduction to Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is the first of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, which devotees honour with their prayers to Lord Shiva. Somnath, meaning ‘The God of the Moon,’ represents a form of Lord Shiva. Situated at Prabhas Patan, near Saurashtra, Gujarat, the temple earned the nickname “The Shrine Eternal.” Despite being taken over and demolished six times, it was splendidly rebuilt each time.
Legend of Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
The legend of Someshwar Kund revolves around Prajapati Daksha, who witnessed his 27 zodiac sign daughters being married to Chandra, the Moon. However, Chandra showed affection only for Rohini and ignored the other wives he had, causing Daksha’s anger. Daksha then cursed Chandra to diminish in size each day. In search of a remedy, Chandra embarked on penance and received a boon from Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva granted Chandra the boon of placing him on His head. Consequently, Chandra started declining his shade each day and diminished in size for 15 days, only to regain his size in the following 15 days. The phase when the moon completely fades away is known as Amavasya, while its full size is celebrated as Purnima. Both of these stages, which last 15 days, are referred to as Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Because of this connection, Lord Shiva was honoured as Someshvara. The Someshwar Kund serves as a tribute to Lord Shiva for lifting the curse from Chandra.
Architecture of Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
The architecture of Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple in Gujarat showcases three main areas – the Garbhagraha, Sabhamandapam, and Nrityamandapam. The temple’s Shikhar stands tall at 150 feet, while the Kalasam or Kalash weighs an impressive 10 tonnes. At the pinnacle, there is an 8.2-meter-long flag pole. The construction of the temple highlights the remarkable craftsmanship of Gujarat’s renowned stonemasons, the Sompura Salats.
Sanskrit writing can be found on the Banastambha, also called the “Arrow Pillar,” inside the temple. Additionally, the Tirstambh and Abadhit Samudra Marg signify that there is an uninterrupted sea route from the seashore to Antarctica without any land in between.
Built in the Kailas Mount Meru Prasad Style (Chalukya style), the temple showcases the expertise of Gujarat’s master masons. Its dome, known as the Shikhar, reaches a height of 150 feet. Adorning the top of the Shikhar is a colossal Kalash weighing 10 tons, while the Dhwajanand, a flag, measures 27 feet in length and 1 foot in circumference.
The present temple exemplifies magnificent Indian art, featuring exquisite carvings that adorn its exterior. The Jyotirlinga, positioned on the Brahmasila, stands at a height of 4 feet and is adorned with sandalwood.
Festivals in Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
Celestial Celebrations at Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Sthapana Divas, Shravan Festivities, Golokdham Utsav, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Purnima Fair are some of the famous festivals celebrated there.
Experience the devotion and elation of these vibrant festivals at the sacred Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple.
Benefits of worshipping in Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
By worshipping at Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple in Gujarat, one can experience a range of benefits, including:
• Obtain health benefits and enjoy a disease-free life.
• Receive the blessings of Lord Shiva for a guaranteed happy, healthy, and prosperous life.
• Overcome business-related problems and achieve success in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Transform losses into profits and attain success in all endeavors.
• Attain physical well-being and longevity, while finding remedies for physical abnormalities and mental disorders.
• Ward off malevolent planetary disturbances that may affect one’s life.
• Safeguard against the ill effects of sorcery and witchcraft.
Worshipping at Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple is believed to bring forth these advantages, enriching the lives of devotees who seek solace, prosperity, and protection.
Discover divine bliss at the sacred Somnath Jyotirlingam Temple in Gujarat, where vibrant festivals and devotion thrive.
How to reach Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
To reach Somnath Temple, you can follow these transportation options:
Through Air: The temple is easily accessible through the closest airport, which is in Diu.
By Rail: The Somnath railway station, serves as the nearest railway station. Regular train services are available from all important cities within Gujarat.
Via Roadway: Somnath has well-established road connectivity with the biggest towns in Gujarat, such as Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Chorwad, and Dwarka. State highways provide convenient transportation options for reaching the temple.
These travel options offer convenient ways for visitors to reach the revered Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple in Gujarat
Temple Timings of Somnath Jyothirlingam Temple, Gujarat
The temple timings are mentioned below. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals and aarti that are conducted 3 times a day.
The temple timings are as follows:
Darshan 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Aarti for the morning 7:00 AM
Aarti for the afternoon 12:00 PM
Aarti for the evening 7:00 PM
