Have you ever felt a deep calling to visit a place that's not just a temple, but a living testament to faith, resilience, and divine energy? That's exactly what Somnath Jyotirlinga is. Sitting peacefully on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, this sacred temple isn't just the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, it's a place where heaven touches earth.
Whether you're a spiritual seeker looking to deepen your connection with Lord Shiva or simply someone curious about India's rich spiritual heritage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Somnath. Let's dive in!
Introduction:
Imagine a temple so powerful that it was destroyed 17 times by invaders, yet rose from its ashes every single time. That's Somnath for you, the "Eternal Shrine" that refused to die.
Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath Temple is the first of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, making it incredibly special for devotees of Lord Shiva. The name "Somnath" literally means "Lord of the Moon" or "Protector of Soma," and there's a beautiful story behind this name.
The temple sits at Triveni Sangam, where three holy rivers Kapila, Hiran, and the mythical Saraswati meet, creating an atmosphere filled with divine energy. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit this sacred site, not just to pray, but to witness the incredible resilience and spiritual power that radiates from this place.
The Mythological Story of Somnath Jyotirlinga: When the Moon Lost His Glow
Now, let me share with you one of the most touching stories from Hindu mythology. You see, this story explains not just why the temple is called Somnath, but also why the moon waxes and wanes!
The Moon God, Chandra, was married to 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati (who represent the 27 constellations or Nakshatras). But here's where the problem started: Chandra loved only Rohini and completely ignored his other 26 wives. Can you imagine how hurt the other wives must have felt?
When Daksha heard his daughters' grievances, he became furious and cursed Chandra to lose all his brilliance, beauty, and vitality. Poor Chandra started fading away, day by day. Without moonlight, the world plunged into darkness, and all natural cycles went haywire!
Seeing this mess, the gods advised Chandra to seek help from the only one who could reverse such a powerful curse Lord Shiva. Desperate to restore his lost glory, Chandra came to Prabhas Kshetra (modern-day Somnath) and performed severe penance, reciting the powerful Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Lord Shiva, moved by Chandra's sincere devotion, appeared before him. However, Daksha's curse couldn't be completely reversed; it had to be modified. So Lord Shiva blessed Chandra in such a way that he would wax (grow brighter) for 15 days and wane (grow dimmer) for the next 15 days. This is why we see the moon changing its appearance every day!
Filled with gratitude, Chandra established a Jyotirlinga at this very spot, and it became known as Somnath the Lord who blessed the Moon.
Historical Significance: A Temple That Refused to Be Forgotten
The history of Somnath Temple reads like an epic saga of destruction and rebirth. It's said that the original temple was built before the common era, making it thousands of years old!
According to legends, the first temple was built in gold by the Moon God himself, the second in silver by Ravana, the third in wood by Lord Krishna, and the fourth in stone by Bhima of the Pandavas. Whether these stories are literally true or symbolic doesn't matter; they show how ancient and revered this place has always been.
But the temple's history took a dark turn when invaders set their eyes on its legendary wealth. In 1026 CE, Mahmud of Ghazni raided the Somnath temple, desecrated its Jyotirlinga, and looted treasures worth 20 million dinars. This was just the beginning.
Over the centuries, the temple faced attacks from Alauddin Khalji's army in 1299, and later by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1706. Each time it was destroyed, devoted Hindus rebuilt it showing incredible faith and determination.
The present structure was rebuilt in 1951, after India gained independence. It stands today as a symbol of India's spiritual resilience and the unbreakable bond between devotees and the divine. Walking through its gates, you're not just entering a temple, you're stepping into centuries of faith, sacrifice, and devotion.
Architectural Beauty of the Temple: Where Art Meets Devotion
The moment you set eyes on Somnath Temple, you'll be stunned. The current structure follows the Chalukya style of architecture, with its honey-colored walls glowing beautifully against the blue Arabian Sea backdrop.
The main sanctum, or Garbhagriha, houses the sacred Jyotirlinga. What's fascinating is the temple's design: intricate carvings of elephants, lions, and birds adorn the pillars, each telling stories from our ancient texts. The mandapa (pillared hall) is decorated with detailed sculptures depicting mythological scenes.
One unique feature is that there's no land in a straight line between the Somnath seashore and Antarctica! An arrow pillar (Baan-Stambh) on the temple premises proclaims this geographic fact in Sanskrit, which is pretty cool when you think about it.
The temple complex also includes beautiful gardens, and if you visit in the evening, don't miss the light and sound show that narrates the temple's glorious yet turbulent history. The way the temple is illuminated at night, with waves crashing nearby, creates an atmosphere that's simply divine.
Spiritual Importance: More Than Just a Temple
For spiritual seekers, Somnath isn't just a tourist destination, it's a transformative experience. Somnath is believed to be the epicenter of cosmic energy, making it a site of immense spiritual power.
The Shiva Purana mentions that worshipping at Somnath removes ailments, misfortunes, and planetary doshas (astrological afflictions). But beyond these material benefits, visiting Somnath offers something deeper, a chance to connect with the eternal, the unchanging consciousness that Lord Shiva represents.
Many devotees experience a profound sense of peace here. The sound of temple bells mixing with ocean waves, the fragrance of incense, the chanting of mantras everything comes together to create an atmosphere where your busy mind can finally rest.
A Special Note for Spiritual Seekers
If you're on a spiritual journey, consider connecting with symbols that carry Lord Shiva's energy into your daily life. Rudraksha beads, known as the tears of Lord Shiva, are powerful spiritual tools that have been used for centuries by yogis and devotees. These sacred beads are believed to carry the same divine vibrations that emanate from places like Somnath.
According to ancient texts, wearing Rudraksha connects the wearer to Lord Shiva's compassionate consciousness and helps balance the body's chakras. If you're drawn to such sacred accessories, brands like Prinjal create beautiful spiritual jewelry combining authentic Rudraksha beads with silver and Create a Rudraksha Mala, allowing you to carry a piece of divine energy with you wherever you go. It's about finding tools that support your spiritual practice authentically.
How to Reach Somnath: Your Travel Guide
Planning to visit? Here's how you can reach this sacred destination:
By Air
The nearest airports are Diu Airport (about 63 km away) and Rajkot Airport (around 200 km away). From either airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Somnath. Diu Airport is closer, but Rajkot has better connectivity from major cities.
By Train
Somnath has its own railway station (SMNH), located just 1 km from the temple. However, Veraval Junction (VRL), located 6 km from Somnath, is a major station with better connectivity. Direct trains run from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. From the station, you can easily get an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temple.
By Road
Somnath is well-connected by road to all major cities in Gujarat. From Ahmedabad, it's about 400 km and takes around 7-8 hours by road. State transport buses and private luxury coaches operate regularly. If you love road trips, driving through Gujarat's beautiful landscapes can be a memorable experience!
Things to Do Around Somnath: Beyond the Temple
While the temple is the main attraction, there's plenty more to explore:
Triveni Sangam: This is the sacred confluence where three rivers meet the Arabian Sea. Taking a dip here is believed to grant salvation. There are even boat ride facilities that take you to the exact confluence point.
Bhalka Tirth: This sacred site marks the spot where a hunter's arrow accidentally struck Lord Krishna, leading to his departure from earthly existence. It's just a few kilometers from the main temple and deeply moving for Krishna devotees.
Somnath Beach: Located right next to the temple, this pristine beach offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Just remember, swimming is restricted due to high tides and strong currents, but the beach walk is absolutely worth it.
Prabhas Patan Museum: This museum houses ancient artifacts, sculptures, and inscriptions that narrate the rich history of Somnath. Entry fee is just ₹20 per person, and it's a great way to understand the temple's historical context.
Gir National Park: If you have time, located about 70 km from Somnath, Gir is the only place in the world outside Africa where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild. Combining your spiritual journey with wildlife adventure can make your trip even more memorable!
Travel Tips for Visitors: Make Your Visit Smooth
Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the most pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and temple visits. Avoid the monsoon season (June-September).
Temple Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Try visiting early morning for aarti or in the evening for the light and sound show at 7:45 PM.
What to Wear: Dress modestly as it's a place of worship. Comfortable clothes and lightweight footwear work best as you'll be walking quite a bit.
Book in Advance: If you're traveling during festivals like Mahashivratri or peak tourist season, book your trains and accommodation 1-2 months in advance. The place gets incredibly crowded during these times.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for local travel. Most attractions are within a few kilometers of each other.
What to Pack: Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and a small bag for temple offerings. If you're visiting nearby beaches, carry sunglasses too.
Stay Hydrated: Gujarat can get quite hot, especially from March to June. Always carry water with you.
Photography: Photography is usually not allowed inside the main sanctum, but you can take pictures of the temple exterior and surroundings. Always ask before clicking.
Har Har Mahadev! 🙏
