Monday, 05 October 2009 09:34

Somnath Temple - Patan

About:

Somnath of Prabhas Pattana, situated on the southern coast of Saurastra, in the province of Sorath, now known as Jungadh in the state of Gujarat, holds the prestigious temple of Sri Someshwar, which is supposed to have witnessed the dawn of time. The present temple is an imposing structure: its imposing exterior is adorned with marvellous sculpture; it has a grand sabha mandap in front; its shikhara measures 155 feet. The jyotirlinga installed on the Brahmasila is about four feet in height and is adorned with spectacular sandal paste decorations, a novelty here. There are hundreds of priests in the service of the Lord, attending to His needs, round the clock.

The Somnath temple is dedicated to Someshwara, another name of Lord Shiva with moon on his head. The temple is situated in Saurashtra. It is believed that Somraj, the Moon God himself had originally built the temple out of gold. Somnath is the first of all the 12 jyotirlingas. Though the temple is of Hindu origin, the Architecture has Jain influences. The Somnath temple has been destroyed six times and have been rebuilt. The temple faces the east direction. Externally the Somnath temple resembles the Rudramala temple at Siddhapur. The dome of the temple is the biggest ever made in this century. The temple has large central hall with entrances on three sides, each protected by a lofty porch. The temple carvings and the sculptures speak about the great artistic endeavor made by the craftsmen of that era. At a certain interval in the balconied corridor is a deformed Nataraja statue.

Chandra married the twenty seven daughters (stars) of Daksha, but was very partial and showed lot more love and affection to rohini. The remaining twenty six wives not only felt neglected but also insulted. They were disappointed with their husband and went and complained to their father. Daksha was upset to see his daughters suffer thus, and tried twice to convince his son-in-law to change himself, but in vain. He put a curse on him that Chandra would be “decreasing” in size.



The Devas (Celestial gods) were very sad at Chandra’s plight and went to Brahma. The Creator, in order to find out a remedy for this condition of Chandra and get a solution for redressing the curse. Brahma told them that the only way out was to worship Vrishabhdhwaj Shankar at Prabhas Kshetra Mahamrityunjay. Chandra went on a penance for six months and prayed to Lord Shiva, at the end of which Shankara appeared before him. He gave Chandra the boon that in a month, he would grow for fifteen days in one half and in the other half he would keep loosing one Kala (shade) per day and decrease in size. He was pleased with the Devas and in order to increase the prestige of the place, Lord Shiva Himself came to be known as Someshwar, meaning famous moon (Soma). The Devas established a Someshwar Kund there. By taking a holy dip in this pond or Kund, it is believed that one would obtain release from all the sins.

Location info:

Address:Somnath Patan,Gujrat,India
District: Junagadh
Nearest City: Veraval
Best time to visit: December to February

Climate/Weather:

Summer :Maximum 38.C ,winter Minimum 5.0.C

History:

The fabled Temple of Somnath stands 6km east of Veraval and is nearly 80km from Junagarh. Somnath is one of the most revered shrine in the country, for it has one of the twelve pre-eminent Jyotirlingas which hold a special significance for the Hindus. Somnaths glory and fame are legendary. Somnath is amired in many myths It is believed to have appeared first in gold, at the behest of the moon-god, next in silver, created by the sun-god, a third time in wood at the command of Krishna, and finally in stone, built by Bhimdeva, the strongest of the five Pandava brothers form Mahabharata.

Interesting things to do:

worship:
A disturbed Chandra, came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and worshipped the Sparsa Linga of Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to grow and shine in the bright half.,Must be Gujrati month os sravan

Interesting things to Visit:

Balukha Theerth:
This sacred teerth is located 5 km on Prabhas Veraval highway. Bhagwan Shree Krishna was hit with the arrow of the poacher named Jara at this spot. It is believed that Shree Krishna was meditating under a pippal tree when the poacher misread the foot of Shree Krishna as a deer and hit from a distance. Bhagwan generously pardoned the poacher and blessed him.

This divined leela of Bhagwan Shree Krishna is immortalised by a beautiful temple and an ancient pippal tree. The spot is under development with the assistance of the Central Government. Bhagwan then walked a small distance and arrived at the holy banks of river Hiran from where he took his last journey to his Neejdham.

Gita Mandir:
Gita Mandir is a beautiful shrine located in Dehotsarg campus on the outskirts of Mathura.This holy temple depicting the epic Bhagwad Gita was built recently.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna with the lord Lakshmi Narayana and Sita Rama statuette on the left and right.

The temple is noted for its carvings and painting. The whole of the Bhagavad Gita is inscribed on 18 marble walls of the temple. This famous temple was constructed by the top class industrial families the Birlas. This familiar temple holds the exclusive and excellent pictures of Lord Krishna in its holy place.

Junagath Gate:
The Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State ruled by the Muslims,Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati, `Junagadh' means an ancient fort. The junagadh is a small town located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat.

There are two fortifications: the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkot in the west. Uparkot, on the higher level of the town, was a stronghold of Mauryas and Gupta Empire and is said tp have survived 16 sieges in the last 1000 years due to its strategic location and difficult access.But now there are all means of transport to the place.The nearest airport & railways are Ahmedabad & Porbhandar.

Kamnath Mahadev Temple:
The Somanath Mahadev Temple is an important place of worship in Daman. Daman is 193 kms. from Bombay.The temple is situated in Dabhel, a small village in Daman.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that in 19th century on the request of a monk who was a true devotee of Lord Shiva,the Shivalinga here was originated. which later induced people to hold this place as holy place and build a small temple. It was rebuilt in the year 1972-73 with glass decorative.

It is a pleasant spot connected by good roads. 'Gangaji Fair' is a organized here every year which attracts plenty of tourist.There are few other attractive tourist places s in Daman like Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, irrigation pond-lake in Kachigam, Nani Danan jetty garden and Hilsa summer house near Hilsa fish Aquarium.

Lakshmi Narayanan Temple:
Shri Lakshminarayan Mandir is closeby to the Balramjiki Gufa a place from where the banks of Hiran are at a distance of 1.5km from Somnath temple.. The Balramjiki Gufa is the place from where Bhagwan Shrikrishna's elder brother Balaramji took journey to his nijdham-patal. This temple is closeby to Gita mandir temple.Both these temples are said to be built recently.It is dedicated to Lord LakshmiNarayanan which is said to be the replica of the LakshmiNarayanan temple in Badrinath.This temple depicts one of the sacred places of the Prabhas teerth.

Old Somnath Temple:
The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat. Somnath means The Protector of Moon God.The temple is also known as the Shrine Eternal. This temple has the Shivling built below ground level which is accepted by Hindus having great divinity. The rituals/Pooja performed here are believed to bring fruition to the wishes. The temple was (re)built by the Maratha warrior and saint queen Ahilyabai Holkar famous for building other important temples at locations where temples were destroyed by the muslim looters (gaznis). India is one of the twelve Jyotirlings (lingas of light) symbols of the God Shiva. The temple has been destroyed six times it has been rebuilt every single time.

Somnath Parasuram Temple:
This is a sacred spot at the holy banks of Triveni where Bhagwan Parshuram conducted his long penance and he was relieved from the curse of Kshatriya killings by Bhagwan Somnath. Divine leela Parshuram is perpetnated here by a beautiful Parshuram Temple and two ancient kunds.

The temple has a very simple architecture. The plan is formed by, a sabhamandap, the easternmost part of the scheme, a central mandap, and a garbhagriha.The garbhagriha has 3 idols with Lord Parasuram in the middle and Kala and Kama to the right and left.Outside the temple there is a small courtyard with Hanuman shrine & Ganesh shrine.Behind the temple there is a structure devoted to Lord Parasurams mother Renuka.

Panch Pandav Gufa:
Panch Pandava temple is located near Lalghati.It is believed that this temple was found in the year 1949 by the late Baba Narayandas.Panch Padava temple in Somnath is dedicated to the Pandavas, ... vyas gufa, hauman temple and finally to Narayan temple which is a 108 divya desam.

In the temple the devotees can find, beautiful idols of Lord Shiva, Ram - Laxman, Sitaji, Goddes Durga and Hanuman built. People and devotees from different places come for darshan everyday. A sanskrit college is also located in the campus. people interested in taking up varied Sanskrit courses can join this institution.

Jyothirlinga Temple:
The Somnath temple is dedicated to Someshwara, another name of Lord Shiva with moon on his head. The temple is situated in Saurashtra. It is believed that this temple was originally built in gold. Of all the 12 jyotirlingas Somnath is the first. Though the temple is of Hindu origin, the Architecture has Jain influences.

The Somnath temple has been destroyed six times and have been rebuilt. The temple faces the east direction. Externally the Somnath temple resembles the Rudramala temple at Siddhapur. The temple has biggest dome ever made and large central hall with entrances on three sides, each protected by a lofty porch. The temple carvings and the sculptures depicts the great artistic endeavor made by the craftsmen of that era. At a certain interval in the balconied corridor is a deformed Nataraja statue.

Suraj Mandir:
Suraj in Sanskrit means sun. Suraj Mandir or the Sun Temple dates back to the same time as the Somnath Temple. Though its history is obscure we know for certain that it was raided by Mahmud of Gazni during the same time as he raided somnath.

This temple is located North of the sangam (where three rivers meet). The architecture features many animal figurines like lions, and huge elephant trunks. People in those times were nature worshippers and use to believe blindly the forces of nature. Suraj Mandir was set up as a reverence to the sun god.It is a place of historical importance

Triveni Ghat:
Triveni Ghat in Somnath is one such spot where three Rivers namely Hiran, Kapil and Saraswati meet with the Arabian Sea. The confluence of the three rivers or Sangam as it is referred to in Hindu religious terms is one of the most pious places in India.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Veraval railway station
Nearest Airport:Rajkot airport 99.km
Road Transport:State Transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat.

Nearest Visiting places:

Sasan Gir Forest,Gir National Park:
Sasan Gir National Park & Lion Sanctuary is the last home of the Asiatic Lion. Spread over an area of 1412 square kilometers near Junagadh district in Gujarat, Sasan Gir is a dry deciduous habitat for the lions, dominated by short and gnarled teak trees , thorn bushes and grassland.Gir has a strange beauty in its harshness. I visited Gir at the onset of the hot and dry Indian summer in early May. Most of the vegetation had turned a golden yellow mixed with shades of brown. In this bleak and dusty landscape one came across a few green oasis's around the many rivers that run run through Gir. The starkness of the contrast is truly a Gir experience. While Sasan is rightfully best known as the home of the lion, it is by no means the only inhabitant of the forest. Gir's bio-diversity rivals any National Park in India and supports over 450 plant species, 32 mammals, 310 birds, 24 reptiles and over 2,000 insects.

Summer Palace,Holiday Camp Chorwad:
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Shakkarbaug Zoo:
In girnar junagadh gujarat, junagadh, junagadh city, junagadh district news, junagadh gujarat india, junagadh news, junagadh tourism, kathiyavad, saurastra news, shakkarbaug zoo, singapore zoo cheetahs Indian summer too hot for Cheetahs from Singapore. Authorities in the Shakkarbaug Zoo of Gujarat’s Junagadh Town have removed a pair of Cheetahs received from Singapore in June last year from...

Girnar Hill:
Mount Girnar is one of the hill in Ahmedabad which is most sacred to the Jain community (the other hill is the Shatrunjaya hill located in Palitana). This hill rises to a height of more than 600 m, a climb marked by 10,000 stone-steps. On this hill various Hindu and Jain temples are located. Among these temples, five temples are the Jain temples.

Willing Dam:
The Dam is situated in the east of city with a beautiful garden at the foot hill of Dattar. The Dam was completed in 1936 AD.T

Chorwad Beach:
A visit to Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India, offers ample of opportunity to the tourists to know about the ins and outs of the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India is yet another beautiful and scenic spot which if marketed well can figure high in the itinerary of the domestic and international tourists. Chorwad Beach is an interesting and alluring amalgamation of rocky crags and bowlderish seafront along with jaunty boat rides across the Chorwad seafront and to cap it all with opportunities to visit Porbandar and Somnath and other nearby beach destinations and other travel destinations worth their salt in terms of beauty and ambience.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump: Somnath,Junagadh,Gujarat,India

Sangh Petrol Pump: Kodinar,Junagadh,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

TCGL-Hotel:somnath Viraval,Gujrat,India

Hotel Paradise:Veraval,Junagadh,Gujarat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Lohana Hospital:Veraval,Junagadh,Gujrat,India
Government Hospital:Veraval,Junagadh,Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links

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Dynamic View

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
Mandvi is one of the finest beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. The beach is white and firm, ideal for walks, and the water perfect for swimming. Seemingly unending, with sands ideal for astle building by kids, and shallow waters for a wading, this is a great spot for a family holiday. A variety of water sports like water scooters, skiing, surfing, para sailing, speed boat trips are on offer. Cottage Resort Magico Do Mar is one of the highlight of this beach offering air-conditioned rooms, pleasant lawns, palm groves. The resort bungalow facing garden towards sea offers wonderful sight which should not be missed.When you've had enough of lazing in the sun and are ready for some action and fun, you can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Indian beaches!For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball...more
Chorwad Beach
A visit to Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India, offers ample of opportunity to the tourists to know about the ins and outs of the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India is yet another beautiful and scenic spot which if marketed well can figure high in the itinerary of the domestic and international tourists. Chorwad Beach is an interesting and alluring amalgamation of rocky crags and bowlderish seafront along with jaunty boat rides across the Chorwad seafront and to cap it all with opportunities to visit Porbandar and Somnath and other nearby beach destinations and other travel destinations worth their salt in terms of beauty and ambience....more
Madhavpur Beach
Madhavpur is a small town located 60 kms southwest of historic town Porbandar. Madhvapur Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches in Gujarat. Beautiful sandy beaches lined here with coconut trees.It is believed that Lord Krishna had married Rukmini in Madhavpur. The Legend is kept alive by holding a fair on Chaitra Sud 12 every year. There is also a Bethak of Mahaprabhuji as Shri Vallabhachrya who had given discourse on Shrimad Bhagwat for seven days here.Madhavpur beach, which made news recently for Tropex-2009 military exercise, has another claim to fame. It is home to a two-decade long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles: both endangered marine species included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.According to the Forest department, over 10,000 baby turtles have been safely released in the Arabian Sea this year.Ever since the conservation work began nearly 20 years ago, around 2 lakh baby turtles have been released into the sea.....more
Uperkot Fort
The state of Gujarat boasts of a number of historical Forts and monuments in Junagadh. Built and rebuilt repeatedly the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh one of the two fortifications of the city, has of late become one of the main Tourist attractions in Junagadh. Adding to the advantage of the fort being less thronged has helped it retain the ethnicity without losing any bit of its charm.The fort has many interesting exhibits like the two guns placed on the western wall and believed to have been cast in Egypt. The bigger one is called the Nilamtope and the other one is known as Kadanal. In and around the fort one can find several Buddhist caves...more

 

Mahabat Maqbara
The Mahabat Maqbara in a Junagadh city,The etymological meaning of Junagadh is "old Fort". It is located in the state of Gujarat in the laps of the sacred hills of Girnar in Saurashtra. Amongst the various forts and monuments in Junagadh, one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is an exquisite exhibition of the nineteenth century art and architecture.The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, is a masterpiece of it own kind. The uniqueness of the affluence of silver at the portals teemed with intricate carvings and the winding staircase encircling the four minarets attract a lot of tourists to its site.....more
Ashokan Edicts
Ashokan Rock edicts are situated at Lat. 210 31 N; Long 700 28 E. The Rock edicts of Emperor Ashokan were engraved on a granite boulder on the slope of Girinagara or Urjayata Hill. On the eastern face of it was engraved 14 Rock edicts by Ashoka and later epigraphs of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I and Skandagupta were also recorded on it, the Rock edict was first reported by James Todd in 1822. The other two epigraphs have a common purpose, which was recording the history of the breaking of dams of Sudarshan Lake occurring because of the turbulent storm waters of river Suvarna Sikta and Palasini rushing down the hill slopes.....more
Darbar Hall Museum
Located in the historic city of Junagarh in Gujarat, the Durbar Hall Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Gujarat. The beautiful Durbar Hall was used as durbar (court) of the erstwhile Nawabs of Junagadh. The Durbar Hall has many interesting sections like Picture Gallery, Palanquin, Textile and Arms Gallery.The Durbar Hall Museum displays exciting collections of weapons and armor, belonging to the period of the Junagarh Nawabs along with other interesting curios and artifacts. The Museum also displays silver chains, chandeliers, settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs, cushions, gowns and a large carpet that was woven in the Junagarh jail....more
Zoo Museum-Junagadh
Junagadh Zoo is famous around the world for the Asiatic Lions it boasts of. The zoo is also known as Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden. A trip to Junagadh would remain incomplete without a visit to the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden.The Junagadh Zoo was built in 1863 by the then Nawab. Incidentally, the zoo is the oldest one in Gujarat. He had set up this zoo in order to save the Asiatic Lion from extinction. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is located at around 3.5 km from the center of the city. The zoo is open on all days of the week from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Entry fee to this zoo is Rs 3. Junagadh Zoo is home to 71 species of animals. According to latest reports, there are around 850 animals in the zoo.....more
Girnar Hill
Girnar is one of the holiest places in Gujarat situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here, which have converted it into a township of temples. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.The tallest of these rises to 945 meters 3600 feet, the highest peak in Gujarat. The first peak of Girnar has a collection of Digambar and Shwetamber temples....more
Bhavnath Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers a golden opportunity to the tourist to undertake a tour across Gujarat and also to the bright and charming Bhavnath fair, being celebrated in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information that Bhavnath fair in Gujarat, India, is home to a multitude of tourists and devotees who throng the location to be part of the mammoth experience. Bhavnath Fair, in Gujarat, India, is held in Junagadh, annually, with the fair coinciding with the grandiose and very famous festival of Shivratri, being celebrated in the same month as the Bhavnath fair of Junagadh, in Gujarat, India. Bhavnath fair, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a lot of revelry goes on in the Shiva temples and along with that the temples are visited by Naga Sadhus, and watching them is a novel and enigmatic experience....more
Madhavpur Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, takes the interested tourist on a journey across the length and breadth of Gujarat, situated in India, so that a selective screening of the charms of Madhavpur fair can take place. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information about the grand and colorful Madhavpur Fair, in Gujarat, India. Madhavpur Fair being held in Gujarat, India, is actually held in Madhavpur which is a small town located near the legendary and historic town of Porbandar, situated in Gujarat, India.
Madhavpur, situated in Gujarat, India, otherwise is a sleepy, silent town, which comes to life when the stirrings of the grand Madhavpur Fair, being held in Madhavpur, Gujarat, India, wake it up from its deep slumber.....more
Jamvada waterfall
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Gira Waterfall
....more
Gir Forest National Park
...more
Bhadar river
...more