Somnath Jyotirlinga - Temple, Story, Significance, and History

Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, is considered to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Deva (Chandra) was cursed by his father-in-law, Daksha, for neglecting his other wives and favouring only one, Rohini. Chandra began to lose his brilliance.

To regain his strength and radiance, he performed penance at Prabhas and worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared before him and freed him from the curse. Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of Jyotirlinga, hence the temple was named Somnath, which means "Protector of the Moon" (Som = Moon, Nath = Lord). Today, it stands as a magnificent architectural marvel and a highly revered pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the world.

1st Jyotirlinga - Somnath

Somnath is considered to be the 1st Jyotirlinga among the Dwadasha (twelve) Jyotirlingas. It is the divine form of Lord Shiva, where he himself appeared in the form of Jyoti (light). This place is mentioned in many Puranas like Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Linga Purana.

Somnath Jyotirlinga Story

Chandrama and 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati - Chandrama (Som) became the husband of the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. But among all these, Chandrama had special affection for his wife Rohini, due to which the other 26 wives started feeling neglected and insulted, and they complained about Chandra Dev to their father. When Daksha Prajapati came to know about this, he felt very sad about his 26 daughters. He also tried to convince Chandradev, but failed. King Daksha cursed the Moon that its brightness would gradually diminish.

Penance of Chandrama - Due to the curse of Daksha Prajapati, the brightness of the moon is reducing. The moon may be very unhappy because of the lower in its brightness. To get rid of this curse, Chandrama, on the advice of Brahmadev, went to the Prabhas coast in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, established the Shivling and worshipped it, and started doing severe penance for Lord Shiva. Pleased with the penance of the moon, Lord Shiva appeared before him and freed him from the curse of King Daksha and gave him the boon of immortality.

Name of Shiva “Somnath” - Lord Shiva blessed the moon and said that he will again take the form of a full moon every 15 days and will again fade away.

Establishment of Jyotirlinga - It is said that after getting free from the curse, the moon prayed to Lord Shiva to stay in the Shivling made by him. Lord Shiva accepted the prayer of the moon and sat in that Shivling. Since then, this Shivling started being worshipped as Somnath Jyotirlinga.

Somnath Jyotirlinga Significance

It is revered as the 1st Jyotirlinga of India. It is said to be the center of the Sapta Dweepas. It is also mentioned in the Rigveda, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and other scriptures. Somnath Jyotirlinga is also mentioned in Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and other holy scriptures. By merely visiting the Somnath Jyotirlinga, devotees attain salvation, and all their sins are destroyed. By visiting this Jyotirlinga, one gets the blessings of Lord Shiva as well as Mother Parvati.

Somnath Jyotirlinga History

The history of Somnath Jyotirlinga is thousands of years old. The Somnath temple has been destroyed 17 times by way of overseas invaders, yet it has into rebuilt on every occasion. The foreign ruler Mahmud Ghaznavi looted the immense wealth of this temple in 1026 AD and demolished it again. He also took the sandalwood door of the temple with him. Even after this, the temple was destroyed many times, but every time it stood up with more grandeur than before. It was not just the faith of humans, but there was a supernatural power behind it that kept reestablishing it.

About Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

The mystery of the Somnath temple is not limited to its historical events and structure. Every stone, every story, and every experience here is unique in itself.

The Shivling of this temple is unique. It is a self-manifested Jyotirlinga, which controls the entire universe with its energy.

The Shivling installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is said to be the center of a special energy, and scientists also believe that due to the structure of the temple, a special kind of magnetic power is generated at this place.

Many devotees believe that they experience a supernatural peace and energy while worshiping in the temple. Some people say that the presence of Lord Shiva is felt here.

There are secret tunnels and chambers under the Somnath temple, which were used to hide treasures during wars. These tunnels are associated with the mysteries of the temple and the power of the Shivling.

The structure of this temple is such that it is capable of withstanding earthquakes and storms. The huge waves of the sea hit it but never damage it.

Somnath Puja Method

Before worshipping Somnath Jyotirlinga, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Meditate on Shiva with a calm mind and decide to worship. Start the puja with Sankalp Mantra, in which you have to feel that you are worshiping Lord Somnath with your whole mind, body, and devotion. First of all, perform Abhisheka on the Shivling with Gangajal or clean water. After Abhisheka, offer sandalwood, Belpatra (Tripatra), Dhatura, Aak, and white flowers on Shivling. Chant "ॐ नमः शिवाय" or "ओम सोमेश्वराय नमः" while offering Belpatra. These are very dear to Lord Shiva.

Sing Aarti like "ॐ जय शिव ओमकारा". Offer fruits, sweets, or self-made bhog to the Lord. Also, offer water to him. Chant "ॐ नमः शिवाय", "ॐ सोमेश्वराय नमः" or "महामृत्युंजय मंत्र" during or after the puja. You can also recite Shiva Tandava Stotra, Lingashtakam, or Stuti of Somnath. Pray Lord Somnath for protection, understanding, peace, and salvation in your life.

Conclusion

The Banastambh, located in the Somnath temple, is also mysterious. It is written on this pillar that there is not a single land directly south of it until you reach Antarctica. It is an amazing mystery from the scientific and astronomical point of view how Indian scholars had such information thousands of years ago. Somnath temple is not only a religious place, but it also holds within itself the deep mysteries of Indian civilization, faith, and science. If you want to know about the Temple, Story, Significance, and History of Somnath Jyotirlinga, then online astrology consultation.