Somnath Temple One of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas
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Somnath Temple in Gujarat, India |
About :
Somnath temple stands at the shore of the Arabian ocean on the western corner of Indian subcontinent in Gujarat State. This pilgrimage is one of the oldest and finds its reference in the ancient texts like Skandpuran, Shreemad Bhagavat, Shivpuran etc. The hymn from Rig-Veda quoted below mention the Bhagvan Someshwar along with the great pilgrimage like Gangaji, Yamunaji and Eastward Saraswati. This signifies the ancient value of this Tirthdham.
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Somnath Dev |
Legend has it that the Kala bhairava Shivalinga (Bhairavanatha) here was worshipped by the moon, and hence is referred to as Somanatha. The Skanda Purana describes the Sparsa Linga of Somnath as one bright as the sun, the size of an egg, lodged underground. The Mahabharatha also refers to the Prabhasa Kshetra and the legend of the moon worshipping Shiva. Legend goes that the moon was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati but was partial to Rohini his favourite. An angered Daksha cursed him to wane into nothingness. A disturbed Chandra came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and worshipped at Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to grow and shine in the bright half. As the moon regained his
