Somnath Temple History
Somnath temple is a Hindu temple situated near Veraval on western coast of Gujarat. The nearest railway station is 2.8 KM away from Somnath temple at Somnath and the other railway station is 6 KM at Veraval. Somnath temple is a major pilgrimage destination for hindus. It is believed to be the first among 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is on of the shrines where Lord Shiva is believed to be appeared as glowing column of light. Somnath site is an ancient pilgrimage site because of triveni sangam of Kapila, Hiran and, Sarasvati river. Somnath beach is 6 KM from veraval it is situated near the Somnath temple. The Somnath beach is named after the Somnath temple.
Somnath Temple History
The Chandra(moon) was released from the curse of Daksha Prajapati the father in law of moon. Chandra was married to 27 daughters of Daksha but he favoured rohini and neglected other queens. Daksha felt unfair and cursed him and he lost his power of light. Prajapita Brahma advised Moon to worship Lord Shiva at Prabhas Teerth. Lord Shiva was Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, and blessed Chandra and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions describes that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood. The moon God was relieved from the curse of Daksha from Lord Somnath. The present Somnath temple is the 17th reconstruction built in 1951 on the original site.
In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, ‘I am always present everywhere but specially in 12 forms and places as the Jyotirlingas’. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. This is the first among the twelve holy Shiva Jyotirlings. Today it is one of the most-visited Hindu shrines in India.
Somnath temple Timings and Live Darshan
- The somnath temple timings are from 6 AM to 9 pm
- The timings of live darshan or aarti is 7 AM 12 PM and 7 PM
One can also visit nearby places like gir which is a wildlife sanctuary park, veraval fishing port, Junagadh, and Diu. For more details like nearby places to visit in somnath and accommodation near somnath temple and accommodation in Somnath click here.