SOMNATH TEMPLE, the First JYOTIRLINGA situated in GUJRATH.
Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.
Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favoured Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.
The sources of history account for several desecration by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean. Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagvan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.
» How to reach Somnath :
Ahmadabad is connected by Rail, Road and Air with all the major destinations. Veraval Somnath is connected with Amdavad to Rail and Road facilities. Somnath is at a distance of 465 km. from Amdavad.
2. AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE , AHMEDABAD
This is a must watch place, if you happen to visit Ahmedabad. It is located at a distance of about 30Kms away from Railway station. You can hire an auto rickshaw or car. Even bus facility is there to this place. Usually auto wallahs charge about Rs.350-400 for an round trip.And its a beautiful place which requires at least 3-4 hours of time to take a full view of this wonderfullly built temple.
3. PORBANDAR:
On the western coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, lies the harbour city of Porbandar, better known as the birth-place of Mahatma Gandhiji - The Father of The Nation.
Porbandar is extremely rich in natural resources. It’s lengthy sea-shore, rivers, lakes, hills, valleys, fields, desolate plains, grasslands are all nature’s gift to this land.
4. DWARKA:
( View of main door of Shri DWARAKADISH Temple, Dwarka)
5. NAGESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA:
( View of Shri NAGESHWAR Temple, Nageshwar, About 16Kms from Dwarka)
( View Of Big Shiva statue situated at NAGESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA)
( View of Gopi Talab where 16108 Gopi Got MokSha from Shri Krishna)
