Somnath Jyotirlinga

Somnath Jyotirlinga The First Among The Twelve Jyotirlinga Shrines.

 Patan, Gujrat

A Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is a prominent and sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds the distinction of being the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, making it one of the holiest temples in the Shaiva tradition. The temple's history is steeped in antiquity and is rich with mythological, cultural, and historical significance.

The Divine Legend of Somnath

The legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga is intricately linked with the story of Soma, the Moon God. According to Hindu mythology, Soma married the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, but he favored Rohini the most, neglecting his other wives. Upset by Soma's partiality, the other daughters complained to their father, Daksha.

In his rage, Daksha cursed Soma to wane and lose his brilliance. The curse had dire consequences, leading to the Moon's gradual decline, which affected the entire cosmos. Desperate to find a solution, Soma sought guidance from Lord Brahma, who advised him to perform a penance dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Soma undertook an arduous penance at Prabhas Tirtha, the site of the current Somnath Temple. Moved by Soma's devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted him a boon. Shiva partially lifted the curse, allowing the Moon to wax and wane in a cyclic manner, thus restoring balance to the cosmos. The place where Shiva blessed Soma came to be known as Somnath, meaning "Lord of the Moon."

The Temple's Historical Journey

The Somnath Temple has a storied history marked by repeated cycles of destruction and reconstruction, reflecting its enduring spiritual significance and the resilience of its devotees.

Golden Era: According to legend, the first temple at Somnath was built in gold by the Moon God himself as a token of gratitude to Lord Shiva.

Silver Temple: The golden temple was later reconstructed in silver by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, further enhancing its splendor.

Wooden Temple: Lord Krishna, recognizing the temple's importance, rebuilt it in wood, signifying the continuity of devotion through different ages.

Stone Temple: Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, reconstructed the temple in stone, making it more durable and magnificent.

Invasions and Reconstructions

Throughout its history, the Somnath Temple faced numerous invasions and demolitions, each followed by a resilient reconstruction:

Mahmud of Ghazni (1025 CE): The temple was first plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni, who looted its immense wealth and destroyed the structure.

Solanki Dynasty: Following this, King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty undertook the task of rebuilding the temple, restoring its former glory.

Alauddin Khilji's Army (14th century): The temple faced another wave of destruction by Alauddin Khilji's forces, yet it was rebuilt by the determined local rulers and devotees.

Aurangzeb (17th century): The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of the temple, but each time it was rebuilt, symbolizing the unwavering faith of the Hindu community.

Modern Reconstruction

The current temple structure, which stands majestically today, was reconstructed in the Chalukya style of architecture. This effort was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, as a symbol of national pride and cultural resurgence. The reconstruction began in 1950 and was completed in 1951, showcasing the architectural brilliance and spiritual heritage of ancient India.

A Beacon of Faith and Resilience

Today, the Somnath Temple stands as a magnificent testament to eternal faith and resilience. Its serene coastal location on the Arabian Sea, combined with its profound historical and spiritual significance, makes it a revered pilgrimage site for millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.

The temple not only represents a place of worship but also serves as a symbol of the timeless struggle and triumph of faith over adversity. The divine Jyotirlinga within continues to emit an eternal light, drawing the faithful to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and the legacy of Soma's devotion.