Somnath Temple: Significance | Structure | Mythology

Somnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga. Temple is located on the seashore, in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat province. In earlier days, this region known as Prabhas kshetra.

The glory of Somnath-Jyotirlinga located in the holy Prabhas region is deeply explained in Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavat and Skanda Purana. One name of the moon is “Som“, he did penance here, considering Shiva as his lord. Hence, this Jyotirlinga named as Somnath.

Significance Of Somnath Temple

Worshipping in Somnath destroys all the sins and misdeeds of the devotees. One becomes the character of the unending grace of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Therefore, the path of salvation becomes easily accessible to them. All cosmic acts of devotees are automatically successful.

Structure Of Somnath

Jyotirlinga Shree Somnath Mahadev Temple situated on the banks of Arabian Sea in the west of the Indian subcontinent is unique. This shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres in the country.

Also, Somnath temple is mentioned in ancient texts – Skanda Purana, Srimad Bhagavat Gita, Shiva Purana etc. At the same time, the glory of Someshwar Mahadev is also mentioned in the Rigveda.

The temple is divided into three major parts – the Garbh Grih, Sabha mandap and Nritya mandap. It has a 150 feet high peak. The Urn on its peak weighs ten tons and its flag is 27 feet high.

Regarding its uninterrupted sea route – Trishtambha, it is believed that this sea route ends in the South Pole indirectly. It is considered to be amazing proof of our ancient wisdom and understanding. This temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai. It is considered as amazing proof of our ancient wisdom and understanding. This temple was rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai.

Also, It is said that this temple is one of the first among twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. According to historical sources, the invaders attacked this temple 6 times. Even then, the present existence of this temple is a reflection of its reconstruction efforts and communal harmony.

For the 7th time, this temple was build in the Kailash style. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also associated with the temple’s construction work.

Mythology Behind Somnath

According to mythology, Som is the name of Chandra, who was the son-in-law of Daksha. Once he disregarded Daksha’s orders, due to which Daksha cursed him that his light would fade from day to day.

However, when the other gods asked Daksha to take back his curse, he said that taking a bath in the sea at the origin of river Saraswati could prevent the outbreak of curse.

Som worshipped Lord Shiva by bathing in the Arabian Sea at the mouth of Saraswati. Lord Shiva incarnated here and saved him and became famous as Somnath.

How To Reach?

Airways

The nearest airport is Diu Airport which is located approx 63 km away from Somnath. There are regular bus and taxi service between Diu airport and Somnath.

Railways

Veraval railway station is the nearest to Somnath, which is located just seven kilometres from there. There is direct contact with Ahmedabad and other places of Gujarat from here.

Road Transport

Somnath is located at 7 km from Veraval, Ahmedabad 400 km, Bhavnagar 266 km, Junagadh 85 and 122 km from Porbandar. Bus services are available to this place across the state.

Related Article: Kedarnath Mandir- Some Interesting Facts

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