"Lingams of Light", shrines dedicated
to the Three-eyed God-Trinetra are among the highly venerated spiritual
attractions in our nation of varied religions.
'Somnath' is the first manifestation of
Lord Shiva in the form of a jyotirlinga, in the state of Gujarat. In the golden old days, it was considered to be
the richest temple in India. The temple in Somnath is dedicated to Someshwara, Lord Shiva with moon on his head. This
shrine was destroyed and re-built about sixteen times. The current temple’s architecture resembles
Chalukya style and Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in this shrine, as a
sizzling column of light.
Every jyotirlinga is preceded by the legend behind it. The story behind the
emergence of Somnath Jyotirlinga has a vivid mention in the Shiva Purana.
Legend goes that Chandra (moon) was married to all the twenty seven daughters
of Daksha Prajapati, out of which he loved Rohini the most. He gave all
importance to her while the other daughters of Daksha were lonely and upset. This
angered King Daksha and he cursed Chandra to lightlessness. The world crept
into darkness with the curse. It is belived that this forced the gods to request
Daksha to forgive Chandra. A disturbed moon along with Rohini came to Somnath and worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his lost beauty and shine. This
is how lord Shiva also got the name of Sommeshwar. The almighty granted his
wish and resided here as Somnath eternally.
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