Somnath Temple-1st Jyotirlinga among the twelve

 

The Somnath temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, located in the western state of Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga at Somnath is also known as the "Shravana Jyotirlinga" and is said to be a self-manifested Linga, which means it was not carved or sculpted by human hands.

The history of the Somnath temple dates back to ancient times and is steeped in mythology and legend. According to legend, the temple was originally built by the Moon God, Som, after he was cured of a curse by Lord Shiva. The temple was later rebuilt by several rulers over the centuries, including the legendary king Ravana, who is said to have built a golden temple at the site.

However, the most well-known rebuilding of the temple occurred in the 11th century, under the patronage of the Chalukya king, Bhima Deva I. The temple was rebuilt in stone and was a grand structure, with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also had a large and beautiful idol of Lord Shiva, which was adorned with precious gems and jewels.

The Somnath temple was attacked and destroyed several times over the centuries by foreign invaders, including the Turks and the Mughals. The temple was rebuilt each time by the Hindu rulers who regained control of the region. However, the most devastating attack on the temple occurred in the 14th century, when it was destroyed by the army of the Delhi Sultanate, led by the famous general, Alauddin Khilji.

The temple remained in ruins for several centuries, until it was rebuilt in the 20th century, following India's independence. The new temple was designed by the famous Indian architect, Prabhat Patnaik, and was built with modern materials and techniques. The temple is a magnificent structure, with a towering spire that rises to a height of 150 feet. The temple also has a beautiful courtyard and a large hall for prayer and worship.

The Jyotirlinga at the Somnath temple is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred Lingas in India. It is said to have the power to grant wishes and to protect its devotees from harm. The Linga is a cylindrical stone, which is about 2.5 feet in height and is adorned with silver and gold.

The temple is also home to several other important shrines, including the shrines of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati. The temple also has a beautiful museum, which houses several artifacts and relics from the temple's rich history. The museum also has a large collection of sculptures and carvings, which are a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who built the temple over the centuries.

In addition to its religious significance, the Somnath temple is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over India and the world. The temple is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea and offers stunning views of the coastline. The temple also hosts several cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, including the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and splendor.

The Somnath temple is located in the town of Veraval in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. It is believed to be one of the most ancient temples in India, with references to the temple dating back to the Rigveda and other ancient texts. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the holiest places for Hindus.

The Jyotirlinga at the Somnath temple is said to represent the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, and is a symbol of his eternal presence. The Linga is also associated with the story of Lord Krishna, who is said to have visited the temple during his lifetime. According to legend, Lord Krishna saved the Linga from destruction by the demon king, Jarasandha, and installed it at the site of the temple.

The Somnath temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history. The temple was first destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD, who looted the temple and destroyed the Linga. The temple was rebuilt by the Solanki dynasty, but was again destroyed by Alauddin Khilji in 1297 AD. The temple was rebuilt again in the 14th century, but was destroyed once more by Aurangzeb in the 17th century.

The current temple was built in 1951, after India gained independence from British rule. The temple was designed by the famous Indian architect, Prabhat Patnaik, and is a beautiful structure that blends traditional Indian architecture with modern materials and techniques. The temple has a central spire that rises to a height of 150 feet, and is surrounded by smaller shrines and buildings.

The Somnath temple is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The temple is open to visitors from 6 am to 9 pm, and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The temple is especially crowded during the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and splendor.

Apart from the main temple, the Somnath complex also has several other attractions for visitors. These include the Somnath museum, which houses several artifacts and relics from the temple's history, as well as a beautiful garden and a light and sound show that narrates the temple's story.

In conclusion, the Somnath temple and the Jyotirlinga located within it are an important part of India's rich cultural and religious heritage. The temple's history is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Indian people, who have rebuilt the temple time and again after it was destroyed by foreign invaders. The temple's grandeur and beauty, as well as its spiritual significance, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.