Somnath Jyotirlinga: The First Sacred Home of Shiva

Where It Stands
Somnath is located on the coast of Gujarat in India, right beside the vast Arabian Sea. It’s known as the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are sacred places dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Story of the Moon’s Prayer
A long time ago, there was a Moon God named Chandra who lit up the night sky with his silver glow. One day, his father-in-law Daksha became furious with him and cast a curse, causing Chandra’s light to fade away. Feeling weak and desperate, Chandra travelled to this spot by the sea and began praying to Lord Shiva. For days and nights, he pleaded for help, pouring out his heart. Shiva, moved by his devotion, lifted the curse and restored Chandra’s brightness, making him shine even more brilliantly than before. In gratitude, Shiva decided to stay at this place, and people began calling him “Somnath,” meaning the Lord of the Moon.

A Long History
The temple has a rich and ancient history. It was originally built with walls of gold, then later remade in silver, wood, and finally stone. Over the centuries, it faced many challenges. In 1026, an evil warrior named Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath; he was a looter and destroyer of temples who smashed it apart and stole its treasures. Though the people were devastated, they refused to give up and rebuilt it. The temple was destroyed and restored several times throughout history, with its most recent reconstruction completed in 1951.

The Zodiac Connection
Somnath is linked to Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac. Taurus people are steady, patient, and love nature, much like this temple standing firm by the sea. It protects the story of the Moon God with calm strength. If you’re a Taurus, visiting Somnath might bring you a sense of peace and a deeper connection to its enduring spirit.

Things to Do There

Evening Prayer: The aarti takes place at sunset, where priests chant and bells ring out, blending with the sound of the sea in a magical way.
Holy Stone: Inside the temple, you’ll find the Jyotirlinga, a sacred stone that people visit to feel a deep sense of peace and calm.
Sea Shore: The blue water and gentle wind make the shore a lovely place to walk or sit and enjoy the view.
Light Show: Every night, a display of lights and a narrated story bring Somnath’s past to life, drawing you into its history.

How to Get There

Plane: You can fly to Diu, which is 85 km away, and then take a car to reach Somnath.
Train: Somnath has its own railway station, with trains arriving from Ahmedabad for a smooth journey.
Road: Buses and taxis travel from Rajkot (190 km away) or Ahmedabad (400 km), passing through scenic fields and hills along the way.

When to Visit
The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is cool and comfortable. During Maha Shivaratri, the temple comes alive with huge crowds who gather to pray and celebrate together.

Places Nearby

Museum: A nearby museum holds ancient treasures that reveal Somnath’s fascinating history.
Bhalka Tirth: This quiet spot is believed to be where Lord Krishna left Earth, making it a sacred place to visit.
Triveni Sangam: Three rivers meet here, their waters sparkling in the sunlight, offering a peaceful and holy sight.

Why It Matters
Somnath is more than just a temple—it’s a symbol of strength and resilience. Despite being broken down many times, it was always rebuilt, showing an unbreakable spirit. It’s a perfect place for anyone who enjoys history, faith, or an exciting trip.