Somnath Jyotirlinga – The First and Most Ancient Shiva Shrine of Gujarat

Somnath – The First Among the Twelve Jyotirlingas

Standing majestically on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, where the Arabian Sea stretches endlessly to the horizon, the Somnath temple is considered the first and most ancient of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of India. Known by the ancient name 'Prabhas Pattan', this pilgrimage site has a history spanning thousands of years. No other temple in the world has faced such repeated destruction and yet risen each time with even greater glory — it has been razed seventeen times and rebuilt seventeen times, making it an enduring symbol of India's indomitable spiritual resilience.

Mythology – The Moon God's Prayer

The origin of Somnath is rooted in a fascinating mythological legend. Prajapati Daksha had twenty-seven daughters, and Chandra (the Moon god) was married to all of them. However, Chandra was deeply attached to only one wife — Rohini — and completely ignored the others. The grieving daughters complained to their father, and the furious Daksha cursed Chandra that his radiance would perpetually wane. Devastated by the curse, Chandra came to Prabhas Tirtha and performed intense penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva partially lifted the curse — Chandra would wax and wane in alternating cycles, diminishing on Amavasya (new moon night) and fully restored on Pournima (full moon night). In deep gratitude, Chandra installed a Shiva linga here. 'Soma' is another name for Chandra (the Moon), and 'Nath' means Lord — thus 'Somnath' means 'Lord of the Moon.'

History and Invasions

The history of Somnath is a saga of extraordinary resilience against relentless adversity. The Arab invader Junaid attacked in 725 CE, followed by Mahmud of Ghazni's devastating raid in 1024 CE when the temple was reportedly looted of immeasurable wealth. Subsequent attacks by Afzal Khan and later Emperor Aurangzeb each resulted in destruction. Yet each time, the kings, people, and devotees of India rebuilt this sacred shrine with renewed determination. After India's independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nation's first Home Minister, pledged to rebuild Somnath in its full glory. He personally visited the ruined site and drew up grand plans for reconstruction through the Somnath Trust. Though Sardar Patel passed away before completion, his vision was fulfilled. On May 11, 1951, India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad performed the consecration ceremony of the Jyotirlinga in the newly rebuilt temple.

Temple Architecture

The current Somnath temple, built by the Somnath Trust, is a magnificent example of the Chalukya style of temple architecture. The main shikhara (spire) rises to an impressive height of 51 meters. The temple complex includes the main garbhagriha (sanctum), a sabhamandap (assembly hall), and a nritya mandap (dance hall). The most distinctive architectural feature is the 'Banastambha' — a pillar on the sea-facing side of the temple bearing an inscription declaring that there is no land between this point and the South Pole, emphasizing the temple's position on the edge of the Indian subcontinent. The temple walls are adorned with beautiful intricate carvings, and the entire complex exudes an atmosphere of grand spiritual power.

Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirtha

In the sacred vicinity of Somnath, three rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and the mythical Saraswati — converge to form the Triveni Sangam. Bathing at this sacred confluence is believed to cleanse all sins and grant immense merit. A few kilometers from Somnath lies Bhalka Tirtha, an equally sacred site. According to the Puranas, it was at this very spot that a hunter's arrow inadvertently struck Lord Krishna's foot, and Krishna chose to shed his mortal form and conclude his earthly divine play (leela). Bhalka Tirtha thus marks the sacred departure point of Lord Krishna from this mortal world, making it a site of profound significance for Vaishnavas and all devotees of Krishna.

Sound and Light Show

Each evening in the Somnath temple complex, a spectacular Sound and Light Show called 'Jyotirlinga' is staged. This captivating presentation narrates the temple's rich and turbulent history through dramatically synchronized lights, sounds, and narration. The show is available in multiple languages including Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, and English, making it accessible to pilgrims and tourists from across India and beyond. Against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, with the illuminated temple as the centerpiece, this audio-visual experience is deeply moving and memorable.

Temple Timings and Darshan

The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 9:30 PM. The daily ritual schedule includes the Mangal Aarti in the early morning, Madhyahn Puja (midday worship), and Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer). Special pujas are conducted on Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays, and Kartik Pournima. Special darshan arrangements are available for devotees who wish to perform specific religious rituals or obtain a more intimate viewing of the Jyotirlinga.

How to Reach

Somnath is located near Veraval town in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. The Veraval railway station is just 5 kilometers from the temple and is well-connected to Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Airport is the nearest major airport (approximately 400 km), and Diu Airport (75 km) offers a closer air connectivity option. Bus services from all major cities of Gujarat operate regularly to Somnath and Veraval. National Highway 51 connects Somnath to the broader Gujarat road network.

Nearby Places to Visit

The Somnath region is rich with spiritual and historical attractions. Key places include Bhalka Tirtha (where Krishna departed from the mortal world), Dehotsarg Tirtha, Gita Mandir (a beautiful temple featuring verses from the Bhagavad Gita), Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and the ancient Junagadh Fort (95 km away). The Gir National Park — home to the last wild population of Asiatic lions — is another major draw, located about 65 km from Somnath. The coastal town of Diu offers beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, and relaxation.

Festivals and Celebrations

Kartik Pournima witnesses the grand Somnath Mela, one of the largest fairs in Gujarat, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees. Mahashivratri and the entire month of Shravan are intensely sacred periods at Somnath, with the temple humming with devotional energy day and night. Diwali and Dussehra also see special cultural programs and religious events organized by the Somnath Trust.

Best Time to Visit and Tips

The ideal time to visit Somnath is October through March, when the weather along the Gujarat coast is pleasant and comfortable. Summers (April-June) in Gujarat can be brutally hot with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. During monsoons, the Arabian Sea becomes rough and turbulent, though the rains do add a dramatic beauty to the coastal setting. Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple; secure lockers are available at the entrance. Several good hotels and guesthouses are available in Veraval and Somnath town, including the Somnath Trust's guest house. Do not miss sampling authentic Gujarati cuisine during your visit — Dal Baati Churma, Khichdi, Shrikhand, Farsan, and the delectable Gujarati thali are gastronomic highlights of any visit to this region.