Curse & boon Indian mythology : What is the mythological and historical story of the Somnath Jyotirlinga?

Curse & boon indian mythology, Demi God Chandra Dev's ( Moon) story in English. First Jyotirlinga Somnatha Jyotirlinga story. How to go to Somnath Jyotirlinga? What is there in Somnath? How to visit India for 12 jyotirlinga darshan? Which is the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva? What is the mythological and historical story of the Somnath Jyotirlinga? How is Shiva's first Jyotirlinga connected to the curse of the Moon God (Chandra)? Why did Prajapati Daksha curse Chandra? Who destroyed the Somnath temple?

Long ago, Chandra—the Moon god—shone radiantly among the celestial beings. Handsome and charming, Chandra married the twenty-seven daughters of Prajapati Daksha, all of whom were personifications of the lunar constellations (Nakshatras). Though he had pledged to love each of them equally, Chandra's heart belonged solely to one: Rohini, the most graceful and affectionate of his wives.

As time passed, his affection for Rohini turned into complete neglect of his other wives. This caused deep anguish among them, and they complained to their father, Daksha.

Angered by Chandra’s blatant partiality and broken promise, Daksha cursed him, declaring:

"You shall lose your luster day by day until you are plunged into darkness!"

Immediately, Chandra’s brilliance began to fade. The moon waned, growing thinner with each passing night, and soon his beauty was almost completely extinguished. Distressed and desperate, Chandra sought help from the gods. No one could lift the powerful curse of Daksha—not even Lord Brahma.

Chandra's Penance and Shiva’s Grace

In sorrow and fear, Chandra traveled to the sacred Prabhas Kshetra—a holy land near the Arabian Sea, now known as Saurashtra in Gujarat. There, at the edge of the ocean, he began intense penance to invoke Lord Shiva, the supreme healer of destinies.

With unwavering devotion, Chandra chanted Shiva's names, meditated upon his cosmic form, and offered water from the ocean in ritual worship. Years passed, but his resolve never faltered.

Pleased by this deep devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Chandra in all his splendor. Radiant with the light of a thousand suns, Shiva stood in his benevolent aspect and said:

“O Moon! I am pleased with your penance. Though Daksha’s curse cannot be undone, I grant you a boon: from now on, you shall wax and wane in cycles. You will regain your brightness in phases, only to fade again—this will be the cycle of time. Thus, you will never disappear completely.”

Chandra was overjoyed. He bowed to Shiva and praised him as “Somanatha”—the Lord of the Moon.

The Emergence of the First Jyotirlinga

In honor of Lord Shiva’s grace, Chandra consecrated a linga (symbol of Shiva) at that very spot in Prabhas Kshetra. This divine lingam, infused with Shiva’s light, became the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, known as Somnath—“The Moon’s Lord.”

The Somnath Jyotirlinga is not just a representation of Shiva's presence—it is a reminder that even celestial beings must bow to fate and karma, and that only devotion can free one from the consequences of pride or negligence.

Spiritual Significance of Somnath Jyotirlinga

The waxing and waning of the Moon, even today, is believed to represent the cycle of karma, and Shiva’s blessing to Chandra symbolizes hope and balance. Somnath thus stands as a beacon of divine compassion, a temple of faith, and a lesson that divine grace can transform even the gravest curse into a cycle of renewal.

Pilgrims from across the world visit Somnath Temple, which has been rebuilt time and again after multiple destructions. The temple itself mirrors the eternal nature of Shiva—indestructible, ever-resurgent, and radiant with spiritual light.

The Divine Legend and Sacred History of Somnath Jyotirlinga

Adapted from the Shiva Purana (Kotirudra Samhita) and historical sources

Chandra’s Penance and Shiva’s Divine Manifestation

In the sacred land of Prabhas Kshetra, the Moon god Chandra undertook an austere and intense penance to appease Lord Shiva, the Lord of mercy and destruction.

Pleased by his devotion, Lord Dhurjati—the matted-haired one—appeared before Chandra in his radiant divine form. His body shone like camphor, his face was smeared with sacred ash, and he was adorned with a garland of serpents. Upon witnessing the celestial form of Lord Ashutosh, Chandra was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of devotion welled in his eyes, and with a trembling voice choked with love, he began to praise Lord Shankara:

“O Lord! You have blessed me with your divine vision through your boundless grace. You are the primordial being, beyond the reach of the mind, speech, and intellect. Even the Vedas, unable to grasp your vastness, surrender with the words ‘neti-neti’—‘not this, not that.’ I am ignorant and unworthy; how can I possibly offer you worship? Yet you, the ocean of infinite compassion, reveal yourself only out of mercy and uplift even the lowliest with your grace.”

Shiva Grants Boon to Chandra

Lord Shiva replied:

“Chandra, I am pleased with you. When I am pleased, nothing is impossible. I promise to fulfill your every wish. Ask for any boon that your heart desires.”

Chandra bowed and said:

“O Maheshwara, due to the curse of my revered father-in-law Daksha, I suffer from a debilitating affliction and am steadily losing my brilliance. Please forgive my transgressions and restore my health and fame.”

Lord Shiva smiled and said:

“Chandra, I grant you immortality. During the Krishna Paksha (waning phase), you shall lose one digit (kala) of your brilliance each day. During the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase), you shall regain one digit each day. Thus, on every full moon (Purnima), you will once again shine with all sixteen digits, becoming the complete moon once more.”

With Shiva’s divine boon, the faded Chandra once again became Kaladhara, the bearer of all sixteen kalas (digits). The Moon regained his glory, and his cooling rays once again nourished life across the world.

The Establishment of Somnath Jyotirlinga

In gratitude, Chandra requested that Shiva remain in Prabhas Kshetra forever. Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Bhavani, consented and manifested eternally there in the form of a Jyotirlinga—Somnath, the Lord of the Moon. From that day, the formless Shiva became manifest as Shri Someshwara or Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga, the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas.

Spiritual Glories from the Shiva Purana

The Shiva Purana extols the greatness of Somnath Jyotirlinga with these verses:

“By circumambulating Prabhas Kshetra, one earns the merit of circumambulating the entire Earth, and upon death, such a pure soul ascends to heaven.
Merely beholding the Somnath Jyotirlinga liberates one from all sins and grants their heart's desire; upon death, they attain heaven.
Whatever fruits one seeks through sacred pilgrimage are fully attained here—of this there is no doubt.”

—Shiva Purana, Kotirudra Samhita 14.56–58

The Historical Journey of the Somnath Temple

The temple of Shri Somnath is not only a beacon of spiritual power but also a symbol of India’s enduring faith and resilience.

According to the historian Colonel James Tod, even before the Prophet Muhammad, the Arabs worshipped a deity called Al-Lat, which was in the form of a linga. This is perhaps why early Arab travelers referred to the Somnath lingam as “Al-Lat.” The glory of Somnath—its spiritual power, immense wealth, and architectural marvel—has attracted both pilgrims and plunderers through the ages.

Though the original Somnath temple was destroyed multiple times, it was also resurrected each time by devoted followers, symbolizing the eternal nature of Shiva himself.

Chronology of Destruction and Reconstruction:

The first temple's date of destruction remains unknown and is a subject of ongoing research.
A second temple was built around 649 BCE but was destroyed by sea raiders.
The third temple, built in the 8th century CE, was again demolished by invaders.
A fourth temple was constructed by the Chalukya kings towards the end of the 10th century.

In 1024 CE, Mahmud of Ghazni launched a savage attack, looting and destroying the temple. According to legend, when he could not break the lingam, he ordered a fire lit beside it. The temple had 56 sapphire pillars, studded with diamonds and precious gems—many of which were looted.

Following the invasion, King Bhimdev helped restore the temple. Later, King Siddharaj Jaysinh (r. 1093–1142 CE) and Vijayeshwar Kumarapala also undertook elaborate reconstructions. The Saurashtra king Khengar contributed greatly to the temple’s beautification.

Still, foreign Muslim rulers continued to attack Somnath:

In 1297 CE, Alauddin Khilji attacked and looted the temple through his general Nusrat Khan.
In 1395 CE, Sultan Muzaffar Shah attempted another destruction.
In 1413 CE, Sultan Ahmed Shah continued the attacks.
In 1706 CE, Aurangzeb launched the final major assault and even built a mosque at the site.

Yet, Somnath stood firm, rebuilt again and again by the unwavering faith of Shiva’s devotees.

Modern Reconstruction and Legacy

After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel envisioned the reconstruction of the temple. On April 19, 1940, excavation work was initiated by Uchchhangrao Navalshankar Dhebar, then Chief Minister of Saurashtra. The Archaeological Survey of India uncovered the ancient Brahmashila—the sacred base stone. The Jyotirlinga was reinstalled upon it.

On May 8, 1950, the foundation stone was laid by Maharaja Digvijaysinh of Saurashtra.
On May 11, 1951, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, ceremoniously consecrated the new Jyotirlinga.
In 1962, the new Somnath Temple was completed in a grand architectural style.
In 1970, the Queen of Jamnagar built the Digvijay Dwar (Gate) in memory of her late husband.

Epilogue: Eternal Glory of Somnath

Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga, is not merely a temple—it is the soul of India’s indomitable spirit. As the Primordial Creator, Shiva cannot be destroyed. Those who tried to erase his presence perished in history, while Somnath continues to radiate, offering salvation and blessings to all.

The divine temple of Shri Somnath, facing the Arabian Sea, continues to be a lighthouse of faith, devotion, history, and immortality—resurrected time and again by the collective strength of belief.

Near this gate, there is a highway and a statue of the former Home Minister and Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His significant contribution to the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and the revival of this divine symbol of Indian culture will always remain unforgettable for future generations of Hindus. Today, the Somnath Jyotirlinga shines again as a flagbearer of Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma in the form of the grand Somnath Temple.

The location of the Somnath Temple is known by various names such as Veraval, Somnath Patan, Prabhas, and Prabhas Patan. The temple is divided into three main parts – the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the assembly hall (sabha mandap), and the dance hall (nritya mandap). Its towering spire is 150 feet high. The kalash (pinnacle pot) atop the spire weighs 10 tons, and the flag atop it stands 27 feet tall.

To the south of the temple, near the seashore, there is a pillar with an arrow indicating that there is no landmass between the Somnath Temple and the South Pole. At the rear of the temple, there is an ancient shrine believed to be a temple of Goddess Parvati. The administration and management of the temple are under the Somnath Trust. The government has provided land and gardens to the Trust to generate income.

This pilgrimage site is also known for rites such as Shraddha and Narayanbali performed for ancestors. During the months of Chaitra, Bhadrapada, and Kartika, special importance is given to performing Shraddha for the 22 Jyotirlingas. These months witness a large influx of devotees.

Additionally, this site is the confluence of three rivers – Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati. Bathing at this Triveni (confluence) holds great religious significance. The temple is a world-renowned center for tourism and religious pilgrimage. Every evening from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a Sound and Light Show narrates the illustrated history of the Somnath Temple. The temple’s grandeur naturally draws visitors. The sea, with its roaring waves, seems to worship Lord Somnath. Tourists enjoy photography, camel and horse rides, and sea bathing on the beach, giving the place a festive ambiance throughout the year.

For the worship and abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Somnath, sacred water is brought daily from Haridwar, Prayag, and Kashi. On special occasions, flowers are sourced from Kashmir for worship. The daily worship schedule runs from 7 AM to 12 noon and from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Major Festivals:

Somnath Temple is bustling every day with thousands of domestic and international pilgrims. Despite the constant footfall, special festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm:

Maha Shivaratri – This is the grandest festival of Somnath, celebrated in February–March. The Somnath and Ahilyabai temples are specially decorated. Devotees celebrate with immense devotion and fervor.
Kartik Mela – Held on the full moon day of the Kartik month, this grand fair displays religious unity and divine energy.
Janmashtami – Celebrated with grandeur at the Geeta Mandir to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
Other festivals like Holi, Navratri, and Diwali are also celebrated enthusiastically.

Prabhas Kshetra Pilgrimage:

Prabhas Kshetra is a major pilgrimage site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Key pilgrimage places include:

Agni Kund – Located outside Prabhas Patan town near the sea, pilgrims bathe here before heading to the Triveni Sangam.
Ahilyabai Temple – Built by Ahilyabai near the main Somnath Temple, the Shivalinga here is underground and always lit by a lamp. Statues of Parvati, Lakshmi, Ganga, Saraswati, and Nandi are also present.
Other Temples in Town – Temples of Mahakali, Ganeshji, Bhadrakali, and Vishnu (Daityasudan). Near the town gate is the Gaurikund pond with an ancient Shivalinga.
Prachi Triveni – About 1 km from the town gate, this is the confluence of Hiran, Saraswati, and Kapila rivers. Along the route are Brahmakund stepwell, Brahmakamandalu well, and Brahmeshwar temple. Further, there are Adi-Prabhas and Jal-Prabhas kunds. There is also a ruined Sun Temple and a cave shrine of Hinglaj Bhavani and Siddhanath Mahadev.
Baladevji Temple – Nearby under a tree, believed to be where Baladev took the form of Sheshnag and went to the netherworld.
Shrines Nearby – Includes shrines of Triveni Mata, Mahakaleshwar, Lord Rama, Krishna, and Bhimeshwar. Known as Dehotsarga Tirth, this is where Lord Krishna is believed to have departed after being struck by an arrow at Bhalka Tirth. His cremation is also believed to have occurred here.

Other Nearby Sites:

Yadavasthali – On the banks of Hiran river, where the Yadu clan was destroyed in mutual conflict.
Narasimha Temple – Encountered while returning from Yadavasthali.
Baan Tirth – Along the coast, 1.5 km from Veraval station, with an ancient temple of Shashibhushan Mahadev. Further west is Chandrabhaga Tirth, with a sand-covered shrine of Kapileshwar Mahadev.
Bhalka Tirth – Located in Bhalupur village, about 2.5 km west of Baan Tirth. It has the Bhalakund pond and Padmakund. Under a Peepal tree lies Bhaleshwar (Prakateshwar) Shiva, known as Moksha-Peepal. This is where Krishna was struck in the foot by an arrow fired by the hunter Jara. The arrow was removed and thrown into Bhalakund. Temples of Kardameshwar Mahadev and Durga Koot Ganesh are also nearby.

Other Sacred Sites:

Gorakhamadhi – 14 km from Prabhas, has a cave with idols of Gorakhnath and Matsyendranath.
Prachi – 21 km from Prabhas, has two ponds, a Moksha-Peepal tree with Lord Madhav beneath it, from where water continuously flows.
Mool Dwarka – There are two places by this name, one near Porbandar (Sudamapuri), and the other here, around 10 km from Gorakhamadhi, with ruins of ancient temples, and nearby sites like Gopi Talav, Surya Kund, and Gyanvapi.
Sutrapada – A village 11 km from Somnath Patan, with Chyavan Kund and an ancient Sun Temple. Chyavana Rishi is believed to have meditated here. About 3 km away is a temple of Varaha, with idols of Varaha, Vamana, and Narasimha.
Chela Somnath – In the hilly region of Jasdan, on the banks of the Chela Ganga, lies the famous Chela Somnath Temple. A fair is held here in the month of Shravan. The Somnath Linga here is considered identical to the Jyotirlinga at Prabhas.

The Legend of Chela Somnath:

About 400 years ago, a Hindu king ruled at Prabhas under the suzerainty of the Muslim Subedar of Khambhat. Due to political pressure, the king was forced to marry his daughter, Meenal Devi, to the Muslim prince. A devout follower of Lord Shiva, the princess went to the Somnath Temple and sat in protest. Lord Shiva appeared before her and granted her a boon.

She requested that the Jyotirlinga accompany her. Shiva consented but warned that the linga placed in a separate chariot would stop if she looked back. As she departed, the linga followed in another chariot, but when she inadvertently looked back, the chariot broke and the linga was established there. When attempts were made to forcefully take her away, she entered a nearby mountain. Her friend followed her. Her footprints remain where she entered the mountain.

Major Pilgrimage – Dwarka Dham:

About 200 km from Somnath lies the major pilgrimage site of Dwarka, the city of Lord Krishna. Every day, thousands of devotees visit from across India and the world. The Gomti river here is considered sacred. Its water rises at sunrise and recedes at sunset, reaching only 1.5 feet deep before sunrise. Its glory is mentioned extensively in scriptures.

Transport:

The nearest railway station to Somnath is Veraval, with rail connectivity to various places. Direct train services are now available to Somnath. Veraval is about 7 km from Somnath, and buses and taxis are available.

The nearest airports are Keshod (55 km away) and Diu (90 km away), with bus and taxi services available. The nearest port is Veraval.

Accommodation:

The Somnath Trust provides excellent accommodation through guesthouses and cottages at reasonable rates. Other guesthouses and dharamshalas are also available, including options in Veraval. Budget and affordable services are available for pilgrims.

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