Discover the fascinating legend, religious significance, and history of Somnath Jyotirlinga. Learn how Lord Chandra established it, its spiritual benefits, and why millions of devotees visit this sacred Shiva temple.
Somnath Jyotirlinga holds immense significance in Hinduism. According to belief, the Jyotirlinga was established by Lord Chandra (the Moon God) himself. Devotees consider it a sacred site of immense spiritual power, attracting millions of pilgrims every year.
Location and Importance
Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas in India, each representing a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s infinite energy. It is located at the Veraval port in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath is considered the first and most prominent. The name “Somnath” literally means “Lord of the Moon,” symbolizing the divine connection between Lord Shiva and the Moon God.
Visiting Somnath Jyotirlinga is believed to cleanse devotees of sins, bring blessings from both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and grant spiritual liberation (moksha).
Mythological Story Behind Somnath Jyotirlinga
Chandra (Moon God) and the Curse of Daksha Prajapati According to ancient texts, Chandra (Moon God) was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. However, Chandra showed special affection for his wife Rohini, which caused the other 26 wives to feel neglected. They complained to their father, Daksha, who became upset and cursed Chandra, causing his brilliance to gradually diminish.
Chandra’s Devotion and Penance
To overcome this curse, Chandra performed intense penance on the instructions of Lord Brahma. He traveled to the Prabhas coast in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, where he established a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva with deep devotion. Pleased by his penance, Lord Shiva appeared, blessed Chandra, and lifted the curse, granting him immortality and the ability to regain his brilliance every fifteen days during the full moon.
Lord Shiva Named “Somnath”
Following this divine event, Lord Shiva came to be known as “Somnath,” meaning “Lord of the Moon,” highlighting his role as the protector of the Moon God and all creation.
Establishment of the Jyotirlinga
After being freed from Daksha’s curse, Chandra requested Lord Shiva to reside within the Shiva Lingam he had consecrated. Shiva accepted the request, and this Lingam became the revered Somnath Jyotirlinga, worshiped by devotees from across India for centuries.
Religious Significance
Somnath Jyotirlinga is mentioned in several sacred texts, including the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. Visiting this Jyotirlinga is believed to:
- Grant moksha (spiritual liberation)
- Remove accumulated sins and negative karma
- Bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to devotees
Millions of pilgrims visit Somnath every year to perform rituals, offer prayers, and participate in festivals, making it one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimage sites in India.
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