The intricately carved honey-coloured Somnath temple is considered as first and foremost of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Jyotirlinga is a Sanskrit word, which is a combination of two words- Jyoti (radiance) and linga. ‘Jyotirling’ is this pillar of light produced by Lord Shiva, Each Jyotirlinga is considered as a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. Located near Veraval in Kathiawad district, Somnath, this Jyotirlinga is named after the Moon (Soma), who worshiped Lord Shiva to regain his radiance, after he was cursed by his father -in-law Daksha. There are 2 jyotirlingas in Gujarat, one is Somnath Jyotirlinga (Gujarat) and the second is Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, (Gujarat). Somnath temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is believed that it was originally built by Moon in gold, and currently it is made with reddish yellow stones, which was inaugurated by first Indian President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951. One is not allowed to go inside the sanctorum and touch the linga. However, everyone can offer Ganga water through a mechanical device. Here we bring to you some interesting facts related to the ancient and prominent Somnath temple.
According to the legends, the Moon god built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, while Lord Shri Krishna is believed to have built the Somnath temple with sandalwood and by Bhimdev in stone.
The present Somnath temple was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture.
It is said that the temple's description by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan.
According to the legends, the Moon god built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, while Lord Shri Krishna is believed to have built the Somnath temple with sandalwood and by Bhimdev in stone.
The present Somnath temple was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture.
According to the legends, the Moon god built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, while Lord Shri Krishna is believed to have built the Somnath temple with sandalwood and by Bhimdev in stone.
The present Somnath temple was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture.
It is said that the temple's description by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan.
According to the legends, the Moon god built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, while Lord Shri Krishna is believed to have built the Somnath temple with sandalwood and by Bhimdev in stone.
The present Somnath temple was built to traditional designs on the original coastal site: it’s painted a creamy colour and boasts a little fine sculpture.
