SHREE SOMNATH TEMPLE HISTORY


Somnath Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas (lingas of light) in Hinduism, holds significant importance in Hindu mythology and religious practice. The temple of Somnath is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. Here's a brief overview of its importance and mythology:


1. Chandra Dev's Establishment : According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev (the moon god) is believed to have established the Somnath temple. Legend has it that Chandra Dev was afflicted with a curse due to which he lost his shine. To absolve himself of the curse, he prayed to Lord Shiva and built the temple dedicated to him at Somnath. It is believed that Lord Shiva was pleased with Chandra Dev's devotion and appeared as a Jyotirlinga (linga of light) at Somnath to bless him.

2. Mythological Significance : The temple of Somnath holds immense mythological significance. It is believed to have been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to various invasions and attacks. The most famous destruction was carried out by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. Despite facing repeated destruction, the temple was rebuilt every time, symbolizing resilience and devotion.

3. Jyotirlinga : Somnath is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The term "Jyotirlinga" means "linga of light," symbolizing the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. Each of the twelve Jyotirlingas is believed to represent a different manifestation of Lord Shiva's cosmic power.

4. Pilgrimage : The Somnath temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. It attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. The temple's location near the Arabian Sea adds to its scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance.

5. Spiritual Significance : Worshipping at the Somnath temple is believed to bestow blessings of spiritual growth, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is considered auspicious to visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, especially during special occasions and festivals dedicated to him.

Overall, the Somnath Jyotirlinga holds deep religious, cultural, and historical significance in Hinduism, symbolizing devotion, resilience, and the eternal presence of Lord Shiva's divine energy.





STORY BEHIND____

{WHY CHANDRA DEV GET CURSE & WHO CURSE HIM ?}

The story of Lord Shiva and Chandra Dev at Somnath is linked to the legend of the Somnath Jyotirlinga. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Dev, the Moon God, was married to 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. However, he favored only one wife, Rohini, neglecting the others.

Distressed by this neglect, the aggrieved wives approached Daksha and sought his intervention. Daksha, in turn, cursed Chandra to gradually lose his brilliance. Realizing the severity of the curse, Chandra Dev sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva at the Prabhasa Tirtha near present-day Somnath.

Pleased with Chandra's penance, Lord Shiva reduced the curse's intensity, allowing Chandra to wax and wane in a cyclic manner. In gratitude, Chandra installed a Shiva Linga at Somnath, naming it Someshwar (Lord of the Moon). The Somnath Jyotirlinga thus symbolizes the divine reconciliation between Chandra Dev and Lord Shiva. The Somnath temple, dedicated to this Linga, is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great significance in Hindu spirituality.


HISTORY OF CREATION OF SOMNATH TEMPLE IN GUJARAT

The Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat, India, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been originally built in the 4th century by the moon god Somnath. Over the centuries, the temple faced numerous invasions and was rebuilt several times.
One significant event was the destruction of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. Despite repeated invasions, the temple was reconstructed each time, symbolizing resilience
and devotion. The current structure, built in the Chaulukya style, dates back to the 1950s.

Somnath Temple holds cultural and religious importance, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hindu faith and the historical challenges faced by the temple over the years.