Saurastre ---Somanatham ca

Somnath

Somnath is the foremost of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva, held in reverence throughout India imbued with legend, traditions and history. It is located at Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra in Gujarat.

It is a pilgrimage centre held in great reverence throughout India. Situated 79 kilometers from Junagadh and 25 kilometers from Chorwad, the legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva srines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than the Moon God himself.

It is believed that he had built this temple with gold. Later it was built by Ravana in silver, then Lord Krishna in wood and Bhima in stone. Legend has it that the Kalabhairava shivalinga at Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon and hence, the Lord is called as Somnatha. The Somnath temple also houses the reamins of the anicent Sun temple.

Towards the east of the town is the Bhalka Teertha. This is where, Lord Krishna is believed to have been injured by a tribal arrow, Somnath was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel loads of jewels and gold. Lunch is available here in the simple dining hall in the temple compound, north of the main gate. One cannot get the cameras inside.

The temple is located by the beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Sea. The Somnath beach is a fascinating sight. The fresh blue waters, humming waves and the cool sands give you a feeling of having landed in a paradise. Nearby is the Prabhas Patan Museum, which houses the 11th century version of the Somnath temple with 5 domes and many pillars.

Somath is located at a distance of 47 kilometers from Keshod, an airport connected with Mumbai, and is about five kilometers from Veraval Railway Station.

Om Shanti Mandiram

A Dozen Dazzling Jyotirlingas

of Shiva Shankara Mahadeva