Monday, 30 July 2012

Somnath Jyotirlinga

So finally I have been to both the Jyotirlingas in Gujrat as well....Somnath is beautiful ...so stunning u cant believe ur eyes!!

Now to reach there is very simple....either just take a train to Veerawal....the closest railway station, or take a flight to ahmedabad and then travel by road, which I think is a better option.  Drive from Ahmedabad to Veerawal is abt 8 hrs, no matter wat ur navigator says.  But the road is perfect, so even that 8 hr drive is not a problem.

Once in Verawal, the temple is only 5-6 kms away from the railway station.  If you want, officially the nearest airport is Diu, which is only 90 KM.

You are not allowed to bring in your cellphones or  purses inside the temple premises.  They  have locker facilities outside where you can keep your stuff.  Ladies though are allowed to carry a small wallet to keep there cash in, but nothing else.  And yes, they check very thoroughly if you do bring in anything to offer inside the temple, so you can't sneak in any cell phones.

Also remember to keep atleast 2 days, because the main temple is huge and beautiful.  There is a lights and sounds show on every night, a gallery with all 12 jyotirlingas made in glass enclosures, with there locations and all written in it etc.   There is also a Somnath Museum.  The temple itself is right next to the most beautiful sea beach so you can enjoy gazing at the setting sun for hours.

If you want to be able to stand for hours  in front of the Jyotirlinga without the rude guards pushing you off, opt for the Rajopchar Puja done early in the morning.  If you get it done, you and your companions wont be pushed back to let in space for other ppl to get the darshan.  I know it sounds money-minded, but why not??  The puja they do is beautiful!!

Last piece of info.....there is another smaller temple right in front of the big one, which they say has the actual Jyotirlinga.....so pls pls pls dont miss it.  The temple is tiny, but one you are inside, you can do all the pooja you like by your own hands if you manage to reach early.  If you ask a panditji for rudra-abhishek, he will make sure you get to do it properly.

I hope this info helps.
Pls do let me know if you need to ask anything else

Pls find below the beautiful Shivlinga photo after the shringar.



No comments:

Post a Comment