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 Temple Somanath is situated in the south coast of
Saurashtra, near Veraval in Gujarat. The original temple structure
had been destroyed several times by attack of invaders. The great
freedom fighter, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, played a vital role in the
renovation of the temple & there is a sculpture of Sardar Patel
at the entrance to the temple.
The temple was once upon a time decorated with gold and
silver, but was all looted by invaders. But the temple that remains
in stone is still a splendorous beauty. Sthapathis from various
parts of India played a role in the renovation process, revealing
their skills, adding to the sculptural glory of the temple. The lord
here is called Somanathar and Someshwar. This Siva Lingam that was
formed spontaneously is one among the 12 Jothirlingams. The tank,
where Chandra Bhagavan took his holy dips during penance is called
Somagundam. Chandra Devan worshipped Siva at this spot to rid
himself of the curse of Daksha.
The story : Chandra Devan is considered
to have built this temple & hence the name Somanathar to the
Lord. Chandran fell in love with Rohini, one of the daughters of
Dakshan. But Dakshan wanted to give all his daughters in marraige to
one able & loving person, who would treat all his daughters
equally. Chandran got married to all, but his love for Rohini was
too great & the other daughters complained to their father.
Dakshan cursed Chandran to dwindle in power & beauty.
When Chandran begged forgiveness, Dakshan said that only
prayers to Lord Siva, could free him of the curse. Chandran came to
Somanath & prayed to Lord Siva, doing penance for about 4,000
years. Lord Siva appeared & said that he could not fully absolve
him of the curse. Instead, he would wane in 15 days, but would grow
again. This is the story said for the waxing & waning of the
moon, producing new moon & full moon.
This temple had been demolished and reconstructed several
times. It was reconstructed in 649 A.D and again in 722 A.D. From
750A.D - 950 A.D, the temple was well maintained by the Chalukya
rulers, after the destruction by Mahmud of Ghazini. During this
period the dome & sthupi were laid in gold. Once again, the
temple was destroyed by Allaudin in 1296 A.D. The Khengars who ruled
from 1325 - 1351, took up the restoration work. It was later
destroyed again by Aurangazeb. It was reconstructed at a slightly
different spot by Ahalya Bai & was later well maintained by the
Baroda rulers. After Independence, a committe was appointed to
reconstruct in the original spot & Sardar Patel played a major
role in this reconstruction.
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