Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple (Somnath Mandir) in Gujarat is a very old and respectable pilgrim place in India. It holds a special place in Hindu stories and history. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a major god in Hinduism. People from all around the world come here to visit and worship.
So, in this blog, you will learn about the Somnath Temple history, its significance, darshan timings, and much more.
Somnath Temple History And Significance
There are 12 jyotirling temples of Shiva in Hindu tradition. One of these Jyotirlingas is the Someshwar Mahadev Temple. It is more commonly called Somnath Temple and is one of the most respected and ancient pilgrimage places in India.
Somnath Temple is situated in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval, Gujarat. This temple adds to India’s cultural heritage and finds its mentions within the holy Hindu scripture, the ‘Rig Veda.’
The name “Somnath” signifies “the protector of the Moon.”
It is a very special place for people who follow the Hindu religion. It’s an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important gods in Hinduism. The temple has a stone called the ‘Jyotirlinga,’ which represents Lord Shiva. People believe that this stone has a divine light in it.
According to Hindu Mythology, the temple has a story linked to Lord Shiva, which says that Lord Shiva appeared at this place in three different forms: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. So, people come to this temple to worship these holy forms of Lord Shiva, and it’s a place filled with spiritual energy and legends.
This temple is not just a religious place in India; it’s also a symbol of India’s rich history and culture. Even though it has faced many challenges, like being destroyed in the past, it has always been rebuilt, which shows the strong spiritual power of India. People from all over the world visit this Shiva temple to pray, feel calm, find peace of mind, and enjoy its beautiful architecture.
What Is The Story Behind Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Long ago, there was a tale of Chandra, the moon god, who had many wives. He loved one of them, Rohini, more than the others, which upset her father, Prajapati. He wanted Chandra to treat all his daughters equally. When Chandra didn’t listen, Prajapati got angry and cursed him, causing the moon to lose its brightness.
With the moonlight gone, the world became quite dark. The other gods asked Prajapati to take back his curse, but he said that Chandra should seek help from Lord Shiva. That’s why Lord Shiva is known as Somnath, the Lord of the Moon. It’s believed that Chandra also took a dip in the Saraswati River to get back his shine, and that’s why the moon waxes and wanes, and it affects the tides here by the seashore.
Best Time To Visit Somnath Temple
The best time to visit Somnath Temple is during the winter months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, which makes it ideal for temple visits and exploring the beautiful coastal town of Somnath. The temperature is comfortable for outdoor activities. So, you can enjoy the temple and its surroundings without the discomfort of the extreme heat of summer.
Visiting in the early morning or late evening allows you to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset by the Arabian Sea, which adds to the spiritual and visual appeal of your visit. While winter is the most recommended time, the temple is open year-round, so you can plan your visit according to your preferences and schedule. Just keep in mind that Somnath can get crowded during festivals and special religious occasions, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
Somnath Temple Darshan Timings
The Somnath Temple welcomes visitors and devotees for darshan from early morning until late evening. You can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at the temple from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This extended timing provides ample opportunities for devotees to visit the temple and have a peaceful darshan.
Somnath Temple Aarti Timings
Morning Aarti (7:00 AM): You can start your day with the Morning Aarti, performed at 7:00 AM. It is a beautiful way to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and begin your day with positivity.
Noon Aarti (12:00 PM): The Noon Aarti takes place at 12:00 PM. It’s a wonderful time to visit the temple and pay your respects during the middle of the day.
Evening Aarti (7:00 PM): The Somnath Temple Aarti is performed at 7:00 PM in the evening. It’s a peaceful and serene time to have the darshan of the deity as the day transitions into night.
Note: Mobile, Cameras, and other electronic gadgets are prohibited in the temple.
Conclusion
So, share this Somnath Temple Guide with your family and go on a religious trip to Somnath!
If you’re planning a yatra to 12 Jyotirling, consider reaching out to Shiv Shankar Tirth Yatra for assistance and guidance on your pilgrimage for spiritual tour packages in India. Our affordable 12 jyotirlinga spiritual tour package offers you a heavenly experience without straining your budget.
To get in touch, call us at +91-9412050868 or drop a mail at shivstyc@gmail.com. Don’t forget to share your spiritual tour experiences in the comments below.