In this post, we are going to tell you everything about Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, including its history, why it is called Somnath, darshan timings, weather, and much more.
On the western coast of Gujarat, near Veraval, lies the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple. It is a very revered site, for the several legends associated with the site and is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Somnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations among the Hindus and the devotees pay a visit to the temple, throughout the year.
About Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located at the shore of the Arabian ocean near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. The temple is a symbol of immense spirituality and the country’s rich traditions, culture, and heritage
It is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in India. and is located near the Triveni Sangam the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati. It also has the place where Lord Krishna took his last journey.
Why is this Jyotirlinga Temple called Somnath?
Somnath is a composite of two words Som+Nath. Here the Som represents Moon, and the Nath represents Lord. Hence, the lord of the moon is called Somnath.
It is said that the Somnath Temple was first developed by the God Moon himself. It was established in Satyug and was made of Gold.
- In Treta Yuga, not only did King Ravan rebuilt the temple. But he built it out of silver.
- Moreover, in Dvapara Yuga, Lord Krishan rebuilt the temple with Sandlewood.
- Later on, in Kaliyug (the present time), it was again built by Vikramaditya after the end of Mahabharata.
History of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
The story starts with Satyuga. Prajapati Daksha, the son of almighty Lord Bramha, has 89 daughters. Daksha was looking for the perfect life partner for their daughters. Moon approached him and asked to marry 27 daughters. The Prajapati nodded in affirmation and tied the knot of his 27 daughters with Chandra. Out of the 27 wives of the Moon, the Rohini was very beautiful and attractive. Thus, he fell in love with Rohini and started neglecting the other 26 wives. When the other wives started noticing this thing, they approached their father Daksha and called a spade to him. After noticing the condition of his daughters, King Daksha went to the Moon and asked him to do justice. Moreover, he said to take care of all the spouses equally. Daksha also warned him that if he did not do it, he has to pay for it.
Also Read: Dwarka: A Spiritual And Historical Journey
Somnath Jyotirlinga Darshan Timings
- Aarti Timings: 7:00 am, 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Performed Daily
- Sound and Lighting Show Timings: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Daily.
- Darshan Timings: 6:00 am to 9:30 pm.
- Live Darshan Timings: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Dress Code: Any decent outfit. Men must remove Shirt and Vest during Abhishek.
- Darshan Duration: The main deity Darshan does not require a Darshan Ticket, and the darshan timings are 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays and 30 to 45 minutes on weekends. During the 12-day annual festival on Maha Sivaratri days, special timings may apply, and the mentioned Somnath Darshan Timings might change accordingly.
- Best Time to visit: Sep to May 1st week. The crowd will be high during Karthik Masa, Mondays, Weekends, and Holidays.
Do you know?
Somnath Temple was destroyed 17 times. Nevertheless it was reconstructed every time.
How to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple via Air?
Diu airport is the nearest airport to Somnath Temple which is about 60 km from Somnath. The other airports from which you can reach Somnath Temple by bus or taxi are Porbandar airport and Rajkot Civil Airport which are about 120 km and 160 km from Somnath temple.
How to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple via Train?
Somnath railway station (SMNH) is nearest to Somnath temple. It’s only 1 km from the temple. Veraval Junction Railway Station (VRL) and Veraval Mg Railway Station (VRLF) are 3 km from the temple. The next two railway stations are Adari Road Railway Station (ADE) and Savni Railway Station (SVB) which are about 3 km from the temple.
Other Places to Visit near Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Somnath city has many sightseeing and attraction places to visit. Visit the 10 best tourist points near Somnath mandir.
- Triveni Ghat
- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
- Gir National Park
- Gita Mandir
- Bhalka Tirth
- Shree Parshuram Temple
- Suraj Mandir
- Triveni Sangam
- Panch Pandav Gufa
- Dehotsarg Teerth
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