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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Somnath Temple – Patan

The Somnath Temple is the dwelling place of 12 Jyotirlings (lingas of light) of lord Shiva, located in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western beach of Gujarat, India. It is described in the Rig Veda. It is one the holy places of Hinduism which confluence (Sangam) of the legendary Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila. It is not only the pilgrimage but also the historical significance.

The Somnath Temple is very marvelous and it is well-known due to its diamond, gold and jewelry. The carving, craftsmanship and architectural skill of the somnath temple are superb. The Temple of Somnath is considered as “the Shrine Eternal” as the the temple is demolished 6 times but it has been built again every single time. The real meaning of Somnath is “The Protector of Moon God”.

It has been believed that The God Moon (Chandra) was proud for his radiance beauty so he was cursed by Daksha-his father-in-law to diminish but the entire world became lifeless. Then to come out from this curse, the Moon prayed to Lord Shiva at the Prabhas tirth and was blessed to grow and shine. As Moon got back his light at this place, it became popular as Prabhasa. As per the request of Moon (Chandra) and Lord Shiva assumed the name “Somchandra” and then became very famous by “Somnath”. This way the causing became the periodic waning of Moon.

It is said and fact that the main original Somnath temple was built by the Lord Moon and was made of gold and included 56 pillars of sapphire. After it was destroyed to the ground, the temple was reconstructed with silver by Ravana. At the time when the silver temple was pulled down, it was again rebuilt in wood by Lord Krishna. And last when it was pulled down, then it constructed with stones by Bhimdev (Solanki Ruler of Gujarat). According to the history, the temple was robbed 17 times.

There are the different names of Somnath like- Pattan Somnath, Prabhas Pattan or Deo pattan.

There are some other popular places such as Sun Temple, Bhalka Tirth (a place where Lord Krishna was wounded by an arrow by mistake), Ahilyabai Temple, Junagarh Gate and Mai Puri (once a Sun Temple, now a mosque) etc.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel-the Iron man of India, was active in the construction of the present temple, the structure reminding tourists of the magnificence of the original Somnath temple. This well-known temple again designed by architect Prabhaschandar and then after Dr. Rajendra Prasad-the first president of India, established the Jyotirling in the new temple on May 11, 1951.


Somnath Jyotirlinga Picture


Somnath Jyotirlinga Shringar Photo


Somnath Temple at Visitor Picture


New Somnath Temple Image


Somnath Temple Near Beach photo


Somnath Temple Wallpaper


Somnath Temple in Gujarat


Somnath Temple at Visitor (Sradhalu)


Somnath Temple Wallpaper


Somnath Temple Near Sea


Somnath Temple Photo

2 comments:

kunal chavda said...

nice photo of temple somanath and dwarka...

Unknown said...

I like your article and Somnath temple hd photos.