Somnath Jyotirlinga
సోమనాథ్
Lord Shiva as Someshwara · Veraval, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat
Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Veraval, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat. The first Jyotirlinga. Believed to be eternally re-consecrated even after multiple destructions by foreign invaders. The temple is at the shore of the Arabian Sea.
Significance
The first Jyotirlinga. Believed to be eternally re-consecrated even after multiple destructions by foreign invaders. The temple is at the shore of the Arabian Sea.
Mythological Origin
Originally built by Chandra (Moon god) himself to atone for his curse from Daksha. Sage Vyasa described it in the Vishnu Purana.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.