Somnath Jyotirlinga – सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग

The Legend of Somnath Temple

When Prajapati Daksha married all his twenty-seven daughters to the Moon, he was very pleased. The Moon was very beautiful after receiving Daksha's daughters as wives, and all the daughters were also happy with this marriage after receiving the Moon as their husband. Among those twenty-seven wives of the Moon, Rohini was the most dear to him, whom he treated with special respect and love.

He did not have as much love for his other wives. Seeing the Moon's indifference and neglect towards them, the other daughters of Daksha besides Rohini were very sad. They all went to their father Daksha for refuge and described their sufferings to him.

Daksha was also very saddened to hear the pain of his daughters and the Moon's misbehavior. He met the Moon and said peacefully: "Kalanidhe! You have taken birth in a pure and holy family, yet you treat your wives with discrimination. Why is there less or more love in your heart for all the women who live under your shelter?

Why do you love some more and some less? The behavior you have done so far is not right, but you should not misbehave like this in the future. A person who behaves unfairly with his loved ones has to go to hell."

In this way, Prajapati Daksha lovingly explained to his son-in-law the Moon, and thinking that the Moon would improve, Prajapati Daksha returned.

Even after so much explanation, the Moon did not listen to his father-in-law Prajapati Daksha. Due to excessive attachment to Rohini, he neglected his duty and did not take care of his other wives at all and remained indifferent to all of them.

Getting the news again, Prajapati Daksha was very sad. He came to the Moon again and started explaining to him through excellent policy. Daksha pleaded with the Moon to behave justly. When the Moon disregarded Daksha's words even after repeated requests, he cursed the Moon. Daksha said that even though I have pleaded with you, you have disobeyed me, therefore you will get tuberculosis.

As soon as Daksha cursed, the Moon was afflicted with tuberculosis in a moment. There was chaos everywhere as he weakened. All the gods and sages also became worried. The troubled Moon informed Indra and other gods and sages about his illness and its causes. After that, Indra and other gods and Vashistha and other sages went to Brahma for help.

Brahma Ji told them that the event that has happened has to be suffered, because Daksha's determination cannot be reversed. After that, Brahmaji told those gods an excellent solution.

Brahmaji said that the Moon should go to the auspicious Prabhas region with the gods. There, while performing the auspicious Mrityunjaya Mantra according to the rules, worship Lord Shiva with devotion. Establish a Shivling in front of you and do rigorous penance every day.

When Lord Bholenath is pleased with his worship and penance, he will free him from tuberculosis. Accepting the order of Pitamah Brahmaji, the Moon along with the gods reached the Prabhas region under the protection of gods and sages.

There Chandradev started the worship, adoration and rituals of Mrityunjaya Bhagwan. He became engrossed in chanting the Mrityunjaya Mantra and worshiping Lord Shiva. As per Brahma's order, the Moon continuously performed penance for six months and worshiped the Bull Flag. While chanting and meditating on ten crore Mrityunjaya mantras, the Moon stood there continuously with a steady mind.

Bhagwan Shankar, who is fond of his devotees, was pleased with his penance. He said to the Moon: Chandradev! May you be well. Tell me what you desire for which you are doing this rigorous penance. I will grant you an excellent boon according to your wish. The Moon prayed and said politely: O Lord! Please forgive all my sins and remove this tuberculosis from my body.

Lord Shiva, pleased with the penance, asked Chandradev to ask for a boon: On this, Chandradev asked for a boon that O Lord, please free me from this curse and forgive all my sins. It was not possible even for Lord Shiva to completely end this curse.

Therefore, a middle ground was found. Chandradev! Your art will diminish every day in one fortnight, while in the other fortnight it will continue to increase every day. In this way you will become healthy and worthy of public respect.

Chandradev was very pleased to receive the grace-filled Prasad of Lord Shiva. He praised Shankar with devotion. In such a situation, seeing his firm devotion, the formless Shiva appeared in the form of a tangible Linga and became famous in the world as Somnath Jyotirlinga.

Some Amazing Facts Related to Somnath Temple

On the seashore in the south direction of this temple, very attractive pillars are built, which are called Baan Stambh, on which an arrow is placed and it is shown that there is no part of land between Somnath Temple and the South Pole. This is an amazing proof of ancient Indian knowledge. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna left his body at this place.

Specialty of Somnath Jyotirlinga

This Jyotirlinga is located in Veraval port in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Its glory is described in the Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagwat, Skanda Purana and Rigveda. Somnath Temple is the center of faith for countless devotees. According to the mythological belief about Somnath Temple, it was built by Chandradev himself. It is mentioned in the Rigveda.

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