Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga: The First Sacred Symbol of Lord Shiva’s Glory and Devotion

Somnath Jyotirlinga is revered as the first and foremost among the 12 prominent Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This holy pilgrimage site is located in the Saurashtra region (near Veraval) of Gujarat, majestically situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It is counted among the most ancient, awakened, and highly revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

According to religious beliefs, this temple is a symbol of the invincible faith of Sanatana Dharma. It is said that merely visiting and meditating upon this sacred Jyotirlinga destroys all of a person’s sufferings, diseases, and sins, blessing them with the infinite grace of Lord Shiva.

Suggestion for Readers: If you wish to learn about Lord Shiva’s second Jyotirlinga, be sure to read ‘The Legend and Religious Significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga’.

What is the Meaning of the Name ‘Somnath’?

The name Somnath reflects the deep connection between Lord Shiva and the Moon God:

• Som: This is another name for the Moon (Chandra Dev).

• Nath: This translates to ‘Lord’, ‘Master’, or ‘Protector’.

Because Lord Shiva protected the Moon God and liberated him from his immense suffering, He is worshipped here as “Somnath”—The Lord of the Moon.

The Religious Significance of Prabhas Teerth (Prabhas Patan)

The specific location on the Gujarat coastline where the Somnath Jyotirlinga is situated is known as ‘Prabhas Patan’ or ‘Prabhas Kshetra’. Its spiritual significance is extraordinary:

• This is the very sacred land where the Moon God performed severe penance dedicated to Lord Shiva to regain his lost radiance.

• According to the Mahabharata era, it is also within this Prabhas region (at Bhalka Teerth) that Lord Krishna left his mortal body and departed for Vaikuntha.

Due to these events, this place is considered immensely merit-bestowing and a granter of salvation (Moksha) to devotees.

The Mythological Legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga’s Manifestation

1. The Moon God’s Marriage and Daksha Prajapati’s Curse According to the Shiva Purana, Prajapati Daksha married his 27 daughters (representing the 27 Nakshatras or constellations) to the Moon God, Chandra Dev. However, the Moon God’s entire affection was devoted to only one wife, ‘Rohini’. Seeing the neglect and sorrow of his other daughters, Daksha Prajapati became furious and cursed the Moon God to lose his radiance and suffer from tuberculosis (a wasting disease).

2. The Moon’s Severe Penance Under the effect of the curse, the Moon’s light began to fade, plunging the entire creation into darkness and chaos. Guided by Lord Brahma and the other deities, the Moon God arrived at Prabhas Kshetra. There, he performed rigorous penance for six months, chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva.

3. Lord Shiva’s Grace and the Establishment of the Jyotirlinga Pleased by the Moon God’s unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva manifested before him. He freed the Moon from the fatal curse, granting him the boon of immortality and returning his radiance (which is why the moon waxes and wanes during the lunar phases). Upon the earnest prayers of the Moon God and the other deities, Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Parvati, resided there eternally in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Since it was established by the Moon (Som) himself, this Jyotirlinga became known as ‘Somnath’.

Religious Significance and Special Rituals

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is not just a center of faith; it is a profound symbol of resilience and resurrection. Throughout history, the temple was destroyed multiple times by foreign invaders, but each time it was rebuilt with even greater grandeur.

Worshipping Lord Shiva here offers specific spiritual benefits:

• Chandra Dosh and Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran: For individuals who have ‘Chandra Dosh’ (Moon afflictions) or face severe mental distress in their astrological charts, prayers offered here are considered highly effective.

• Mahamrityunjaya Anushthan: To ward off serious illnesses and the fear of untimely death, performing the Mahamrityunjaya Jaap and Rudrabhishek here holds tremendous importance.

Suggestion for Readers: To learn about the third Jyotirlinga, be sure to read ‘The Legend of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, the Religious Significance of Ujjain, and the Mystery of Bhasma Aarti’.

The Fruits of Somnath Jyotirlinga Darshan

According to religious beliefs and scriptures, devotees who have the Darshan (sacred viewing) of Somnath Jyotirlinga receive the following blessings:

• Complete liberation from incurable diseases (especially skin and wasting diseases).

• Attainment of mental peace, destruction of stress, and an increase in self-confidence (as the Moon governs the mind).

• Absolution of sins accumulated over multiple lifetimes.

• The arrival of happiness, prosperity, positive energy in life, and ultimately, salvation (Moksha).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the Somnath Jyotirlinga located? The Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, near Veraval, right on the shores of the Arabian Sea (at Prabhas Patan). It is recognized as the very first of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

2. What is the mythological story behind Somnath Jyotirlinga? According to the Shiva Purana, the Moon God was cursed by Prajapati Daksha with a wasting disease. The Moon God performed severe penance dedicated to Lord Shiva at this location. Pleased, Lord Shiva freed him from the curse and, upon his request, manifested there eternally as a Jyotirlinga.

3. What does the name ‘Somnath’ mean? ‘Som’ means the Moon, and ‘Nath’ means Lord or Master. Because Lord Shiva freed the Moon from his sufferings and acted as his protector, He is revered as ‘Somnath’.

4. What is the historical significance of the Somnath Jyotirlinga? The Somnath Temple is a symbol of the invincible faith of Hinduism. Historically, it was destroyed several times by invaders, but it was rebuilt time and again, proving that truth and devotion can never be permanently erased.

5. What are the benefits of visiting the Somnath Jyotirlinga? It is believed that by having Darshan of Somnath Jyotirlinga, one is freed from all types of physical ailments, attains immense mental peace, overcomes astrological afflictions (Dosh), and has all their righteous wishes fulfilled through the special grace of Lord Shiva.

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga