Shree Somnath Temple is considered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is believed that all your past life sins are washed away even if one recite the name of 12 jyotirlinga in India every morning and evening. The holy shrine is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. Somnath Temple is among the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country.
According to Hindu Mythology, In Shiva Purana , The Soma (moon) married 27 daughters of Daksh Prajapati. But , Soma was more inclined towards Rohini and was not paying adequate attention towards other 26 wives. Daksha thus cursed him that he will lose his luster and beauty. To get rid of the curse, Soma worshipped Shiva and his prayer was granted. It is believed that Lord Brahma advised Som to built this temple to honour the Lord Shiva. Soma than built this temple all with gold.
The temple was then renovated by Ravana with silver and then by Lord Krishna with sandalwood and lastly by bhimdeva with wood. Shree Somnath Temple is the seventh temple built to commemorate Lord Somnath, in Sat Yug, Treta Yug and Dwapar Yug respectively.
According to Mahabharat, Lord Krishna is believed to be shot at the foot in this region. According to another legend, It is believed that this is the same place where Soma bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain his lust and beauty. Moreover, the holy site has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni sangam (the confluence of three rivers) Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati.
The Holy site was initially built in Solanki style. The sabha mandap (assembly hall), sanctum sanctorum (innermost shrine) and the shikhar (top) was built in the first phase followed by the nritya mandap (dancing hall). The apex of the temple reaches a height of 155 ft and the kalash (pot) on top weighs 10 tons.
The Temple was reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and Portuguese.
The present day shrine is constructed in Chalukya style of architecture. The temple now featurizes the best skills of Sompura Salats. An arrow pillar is located at such a point where it is the first point of land in the north to the South Pole at that particular longitude. There is also a flag at the top of tower which symbolises nandi maharaj and trishul.
Shree Somnath Temple was reconstructed by the then Deputy PM of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is also built inorder to show the tribute to him. The Somnath Temple is one of the most visited temple of India and a famous tourist attraction.
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