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Somnath Temple

The temple is on the shore of the Arabian Sea, 6 km south of Veraval. In this temple is one of the 12 Siva jyotirlingas. A Lord Siva temple has been at this place since ancient times. The temple was destroyed and raided by the Muslims several times, first by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.

It is said that this temple was originally built by Soma. the moon-god, to atone for the curse Daksha put on him. It is said that Soma was cursed by Daksha because he showed partiality to Rohini over his other wives, who were also daughters of Daksha. Because of the curse the moon began to wane. Daksha advised Soma to go to Prabhasa to get rid of the curse. The moon bathes here on amavasya, the new moon day, before regaining light. Because the moon regained light here this place is known as Prabhasa. Somnath means the "lord of the moon".

Somnath is said to be located where the River Saraswati flows into the sea. This temple is said to have been built by the moon-god out of gold, then rebuilt by Ravana out of silver, then by Lord Krishna out of wood, and later by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers) from stone. Two thousand brahmanas are supposed to have served in this temple. The temple was also supposed to have once had 300 barbers, 500 dancing girls, and 300 musicians.

The temple was raided and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. He removed a solid silver gate at that time and brought it back to his homeland. The temple was also destroyed in 1297, 1394, and for the last time in 1706 by Aurangzeb, just before he died.

The present temple was rebuilt in 1950. It is big, but not very artistic The present temple has a tower over 50m (165 ft) high over the main sanctum (altar). It was constructed on the exact spot where the original temple was situated. You can see remains of an ancient temple right next to the present temple. It is a very popular temple that non-Hindus can also enter. This is a popular temple.

 

Prabhas Patan (Bhalka Tirtha)

"Bhalka" is the name of the village, and "Tirtha" indicates that it is a holy place. After the destruction of the Yadu ad Bhoja dynasties in Dwarka, Lord Krishna left His palaces and came to this area called Prabhasaksetra. He was accompanied by Uddhava. When He was absorbed in deep thought, a hunter named Jara shot an arrow that accidentally hit Krishna's foot, apparently wounding Him. There is a temple built by the tree that is said to be the same tree under which the Lord was sitting. On the altar there is a beautiful white Deity of Krishna sitting. One can see the bottom of Krishna's foot, pink colored with different auspicious symbols. Nearby is the hunter, Jara, with folded hands and one knee on the floor. This place is a few km of east of Veraval on the road to Somnath.


Near Prabhasa, the Yadavas became intoxicated and fought with each other. Arjuna also came to Prabhasa.


The Gita Mandir is located at the confluence of three rivers, called Triveni, about a kilometre south of the Somnath Temple by the sea. It is said that Lord Krishna walked about 4 km, from Bhalka Tirtha to this place, after He was shot in the foot by the hunter, and left the plant at this point. There are a few other temples here and the place where Lord Balarama is said to have left the planet.


The ancient Suraja Mandir, which is a temple dedicated to the sun god, was half broken by Mahmud of Ghazni.

 

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