Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship with Somnath with the release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favored Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost the power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagavan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagavan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagavan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.
The research-based on ancient Indian classical texts shows that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.
The Moon God is said to have been relieved from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati by the blessings of Bhagavan Somnath. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am always present everywhere but especially 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 Jyotirlingas.
The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13, 1947. Then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night from 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean.
Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagavan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.
Best time to visit Somnath temple?
Somnath is a place that offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. This is why; people from different parts of the world keep visiting here all through the year. But to make it easier for all, we have listed below the type of weather that prevails during different seasons of the year.
a. Summers (March to June): The maximum temperature in Somnath during summers is somewhere around 42 °C and the minimum temperature level is around 24 °C. The temperature remains high during April and May. So, those who dislike high temperatures should avoid visiting the place in summers.b. Monsoons (July to September): Monsoons in Somnath come with strong winds and rainfall. The climate during monsoons keeps swinging between humid and cool. Those who wish to enjoy a cool and soothing climate can visit during this period.
c. Winters (November to February): The temperature during winter season ranges from 10 °C to 34 °C. It is considered the best period for pilgrimage visits and sightseeing. It is the best time for those who enjoy a cooler climate.
So, the ideal time to visit Somnath is from October to March. This period offers a pleasant and cool atmosphere to the travelers.
How Many Times Ghazni attacked Somnath Temple?
Mohammed Ghazni Attack totals 17 times in Somnath Temple and looted the treasury and killed innocent peoples and raped women brutally.
How to reach Somnath?
Amdavad is connected by Rail, Road, and Air with all the major destinations. Veraval Somnath is connected with Amdavad to Rail and Road facilities. Somnath is at a distance of 465 km. from Amdavad. At present Jet, Airways operates passenger flight from Bombay to Diu every day accept Thursday. Somnath is connected with Diu by road (95 km).
Guesthouse Facility?
Pilgrims can avail of the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. Trust maintains a VIP Guesthouse, Eighteen other guest houses, and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses is more than Two hundred.
Some frequently asked questions by the peoples:
Can anyone enter the temple?
Yes, People of any race and religion can enter the temple. But no one is permitted to enter the main Sanctum Sanctorum except the Priests.
What is Darshan timing in the Somnath temple?
Darshan Timing is from 6 AM to 9.30PM.
Aarti Timings : Morning = 7:00 Am, 12:00Noon, 7:00Pm.
Light And Sound Show Timing = 8 To 9.
(Except in the Monsoon / Rainy Season).
Are there any special facilities available for physically challenged persons in Somnath temple?
Wheel Chairs / Golf Cart is available for physically challenged / Senior Citizens at the Main Gate of the Temple. And Lift Facility is available inside the temple premise.Do we need to pay for entrance to Somnath temple?
No. Entrance is Free Of Cost.Is there any online facility for Somnath Darshan?
Yes, Please visit the official website of Somnath trust.Can I carry any mobile or gadgets inside the Somnath temple?
No. All the Electronic/Electric Equipment, Gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. Mobile, Camera, laptop, tablets, calculators, etc, etc.). All these can be stored in Lockers available in the Cloak Room. The Cloakroom facility is free of cost.Is there any dressing restriction inside the Somnath temple?
Mini Skirts and Disrespectful Dress is not permitted and you are advised to avoid it. Smoking is NOT ALLOWED within the vicinity of the temple at all times.Is photography is allowed inside the Somnath temple?
No. Photography is strictly prohibited. You can Purchase High-Resolution Photographs / Frames from Souvenir Counter.Is there a travel desk available?
No, Travel Desk is not available.Nearest Railway Reservation Booking Available in the Shopping Complex Near the Temple.
State Transport Bus Stand is near the Temple.
Various Private Tours and Travels Operators are Offering BUS / Taxi Services near Shree Somnath Trust Booking Offices.Is baby cradle facility is available inside the Guest House?
Yes, the Baby Cradle facility is available at all guest houses.
Is there any restaurant is available near Somnath temple?
Every Guest house has a Restaurant / Bhojanalay which serves various Gujarati / Punjabi / Chinese cuisines and Indian Thali.
The nearest railway station, airport or transport facilities of Somnath temple? Or How to reach the Somnath temple?
Somnath is Well Connected with Diu, Rajkot, Ahmedabad by Air / Train / Bus.Nearest Airport : DIU – 85 Kms. ,
Rajkot – 200 Kms,
Ahmedabad – 390 Km.
Nearest Railway Station – Somnath – 0.5 Km, Veraval – 7 Km.
What is the tourist place in and around the Somnath temple? Or Places near Somnath temple for a visit?
IN A VICINITY OF 20 KMS
Ahalyabai Temple
Bhalka Tirth
Shashi Bhushan Temple
Triveni Sangam Ghat
Golokdham Tirth
Harihar Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak
Prachi Tirth
AT A DISTANCE
7 Km. - Veraval
35 Kms – Chorwad
Major Tourist Attraction:- Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial, Holiday Camp.
65 Kms – Sasan Gir
Major Tourist Attraction:- Asiatic Lion Sanctuary.
Kms – Madhavpur
Major Tourist Attraction:- Shri. Madhavraiji Temple (Shree Krishna), Shri. Vallabhacharyaji Betha.
70 Kms – Kankai
Major Tourist Attraction:- Kankai Mataji Temple.
80 Kms - Gupt Prayag
Major Tourist Attraction:- Shri. Vallabhacharyaji Bethak.
85 Kms – Diu
Major Tourist Attraction:- Nagoa Beach, Diu Fort.
90 Kms – Junagadh
Major Tourist Attraction:- Narsinh Mehta's Choro, Mount Girnar, Upperkot Fort.
110 km – Tulsi Shyam
Major Tourist Attraction:- Tulsi Shyam Mandir
130 Kms – Porbandar
Major Tourist Attraction:- Darbargadh, Sartanji Choro,Kirti Mandir(Gandhiji’s House),Huzoor Palace.
230 km – Dwarka
Major Tourist Attraction:- Dwarkadhish Temple / Jagat Mandir, Beyt Dwarka, Rukmini Temple.
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