Jyotirlinga 1 of 12

Somnath

Standing on the Arabian Sea shore at Prabhas Patan, Somnath is honoured as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

LocationPrabhas Patan, near Veraval
State / RegionGujarat
Worshipped asSomanatha
Best time to visitOctober to March

Religious significance

Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over a thousand years, and has become a symbol of resilience. The present temple, in the Chalukya (Maru-Gurjara) style, was rebuilt after Independence and consecrated in 1951. The Banastambha (arrow pillar) on the seawall carries an inscription stating that there is no land in a straight line from here to the South Pole.

Traditional story

According to the Puranas, the Moon (Soma) was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane away for favouring one wife, Rohini, over the others. Soma worshipped Shiva at Prabhas, and Shiva relieved the curse so that the moon waxes and wanes in turn. Shiva thus became Somanatha, "Lord of the Moon".

Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.

Visitor guidance

  • Mobile phones and cameras are generally not permitted inside; use the lockers.
  • Evening aarti followed by the light-and-sound show is a highlight.
  • Combine with the Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirtha nearby.

Continue the journey

More 12 jyotirlingas

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Omkareshwar

On Mandhata island in the Narmada — an island said to be shaped like the sacred syllable ॐ — Omkareshwar is one of the most beautiful settings of any Jyotirlinga.

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