Frequently Asked Question

Is there any legend associated with the Somnath Temple?

The founding legend of Somnath Temple is one of the most poetic in Hindu mythology, connecting the cycles of the moon to the grace of Lord Shiva.

Chandra (the moon god) was married to 27 daughters of the great patriarch Daksha Prajapati — these daughters represent the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) of Indian astronomy. However, Chandra was deeply partial to only one wife, Rohini, and neglected the other 26. Their father Daksha was furious at this favoritism and cursed Chandra: his light would wane and he would gradually diminish until he disappeared entirely.

Chandra, devastated by the curse, sought counsel from Brahma, who advised him to go to Prabhas (the name for present-day Somnath) and perform tapasya (severe austerities) to Lord Shiva. For six months, Chandra worshipped the Mrit Maha Mrityunjaya form of Shiva at this coastal site. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him partial relief from the curse: Chandra’s brightness would wane for 15 days (the dark fortnight, Krishna Paksha) and then wax again for 15 days (the bright fortnight, Shukla Paksha) — creating the cycle of the moon’s phases as we know it.

In gratitude, Chandra built a magnificent temple at Prabhas — the original Somnath — which translates as “Lord (Nath) of the Moon (Soma).” The site where Lord Shiva’s grace restored Chandra’s light became one of the holiest points in the Shaiva tradition.

The confluence of three rivers at this spot — the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati — is believed to have been created at this auspicious moment, and bathing at the Triveni Sangam at Somnath is considered a powerful act of purification.