Somnath Jyotirlinga – Importance, Story, History, and Mantras

Jyotirlingas are central to our faith and serve as powerful sources of energy. In India, there are 12 Jyotirlingas, stretching from the majestic Himalayas to Rameshwaram. Among them, the Somnath Jyotirlinga, situated on the western coast, holds a unique significance. It is regarded as the first Jyotirlinga. The region where Somnath Jyotirlinga is found is known as Prabhas Patan. Let’s explore the importance, story, and methods of worship associated with the Somnath Jyotirlinga.

The Main Mythological Story of Somnath Temple

According to the Puranas, the moon (Som) was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Among them, Som had a particular affection for his wife Rohini, which caused the other 26 wives to feel deeply slighted. Distressed by this favoritism, the other wives approached their father with their grievances. When Daksha Prajapati learned of the situation, he was filled with sorrow. He attempted to advise Som, but his efforts were in vain. In his frustration, Daksha cursed Som, declaring that his light would gradually diminish until he was completely extinguished.

As a consequence of Daksha’s curse, Som’s radiance began to wane, leaving him despondent and remorseful. Seeking relief from the curse, Som, guided by Lord Brahma, traveled to the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, specifically to the Prabhas coast. There, he constructed a Shivling and devoted himself to worshiping Lord Shiva with fervent penance. Satisfied with Som’s dedication, Lord Shiva granted him the blessing of restoring his brightness, though he did not entirely lift the curse. Lord Shiva assured Som that he would regain his full luminosity during each full moon, only to gradually lose it again over the next 15 days. Following Lord Shiva’s counsel, Som then visited each of his wives’ homes, one after the other.

Eventually, at Som’s request, Lord Shiva chose to reside permanently in the Prabhas region as a Jyotirlinga, thus establishing his presence there.

History of Somnath Jyotirlinga temple

The Somnath Temple, situated on India’s western coast, is considered one of the oldest temples according to the Puranas. Some accounts suggest that it was rebuilt for the third time in 815 CE by King Nagbhatt II of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Constructed from red stones, the temple gained immense fame and recognition. The Arab traveler Al-Biruni documented the temple in his travel writings, which led to Mahmud of Ghazni attacking Somnath Temple in 1024, where he looted its treasures and destroyed it.

Subsequently, it was rebuilt by King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa. In 1297, the temple faced its fifth destruction when the Delhi Sultanate took over Gujarat. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb also ordered its demolition in 1706. Nevertheless, it was later reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar. The current structure was built under the guidance of India’s Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was inaugurated by President Shankar Dayal Sharma on December 1, 1995. Despite enduring multiple destructions and reconstructions, the Shivling has remained untouched.

Lord Krishna Also Renounced His Life Here

Legend has it that Lord Krishna was a devotee of Lord Somnath. After the Mahabharata war, upon returning to Dwarka, Krishna visited Somnath with his brother Balram. At the Triveni Ghat, Krishna informed Balram that it was time for him to depart from the earthly realm. Balram then transformed into Sheshnag and journeyed to the underworld via the river. While resting under a tree, Lord Krishna was accidentally struck in the foot by an arrow shot by the hunter Jara, leading him to leave for his heavenly abode.

pacify the Moon from Lord Somnath Puja

To alleviate any negative influences of the moon in your horoscope, it is recommended to worship Lord Somnath. When the moon is troubled in the chart, individuals may experience feelings of depression. The Rigveda describes the moon as “Manaso Jatak,” indicating that it symbolizes the mind. A distressed mind often leads to prolonged sadness. If there is Kemadrum Dosh present in the horoscope, it is advised to recite the specific mantras dedicated to Lord Somnath.

Mantras of Somnath Jyotirlinga

Om Haum Joom Sah
Om Somnathaya Namah
Om Sambasadasivaya Namah
Om Namo Neelkanthaya Namah
Om Namah Shivaya
For optimal results, these mantras should be chanted alongside the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.