A Sacred Pilgrimage to Somnath : A Journey of Faith and Devotion

A Sacred Pilgrimage to Somnath: A Journey of Faith and Devotion

By Lokanath Mishra

(9–10 February 2026)

Somnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage centres of India, stands as an eternal symbol of devotion, resilience, and spiritual glory. Located on the western coast of Gujarat, this sacred land is deeply associated with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and numerous ancient and holy tirthas. Our pilgrimage to Somnath on 9th and 10th February 2026 proved to be a profoundly enriching spiritual experience, marked by divine darshan, sacred rituals, and moments of deep inner reflection.

Day One – 9 February 2026: Darshan of the Eternal Lord

Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Our pilgrimage commenced with darshan at the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity, compassion, and divine grace. The peaceful surroundings and devotional atmosphere of the temple set a sacred tone for the journey ahead, reminding devotees of dharma, balance, and spiritual harmony.

Old Somnath Temple (Ahilyabai Holkar Temple)

We next visited the Old Somnath Temple, built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva. This temple holds immense historical and spiritual importance, as it preserved the uninterrupted worship of Lord Somnath (Shiva) during periods when the main temple faced repeated invasions and destruction. The serene and intimate environment of this temple evokes deep reverence and devotion.

Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple (New Somnath Temple)

The central highlight of the day was darshan at the Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Somnath — the Lord of the Moon. According to ancient legend, Chandra Dev (the Moon God) was freed from a curse and regained his lost radiance after performing penance and worshipping Lord Shiva at this very site.

The grandeur of the temple’s architecture, the continuous chanting of Vedic mantras, and the powerful spiritual energy within the sanctum filled the heart with devotion, peace, and divine awe.

Evening Aarti Darshan

In the evening, we participated in the Aarti Darshan, where the rhythmic ringing of bells, sacred hymns, and glowing lamps created an atmosphere of divine bliss. The aarti invoked a profound sense of surrender and spiritual elevation.

Light and Sound Show

The day concluded with the Light and Sound Show at the Somnath Temple complex. Through evocative narration, music, and illumination, the glorious and turbulent history of Somnath—its destruction and magnificent reconstruction—was vividly portrayed, inspiring faith, resilience, and pride in India’s spiritual heritage.

Day Two – 10 February 2026: Sacred Rituals and Holy Tirthas

Snan and Tarpan at Triveni Sangam

The second day began with a holy snan (ritual bath) and tarpan (offerings to ancestors) at the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Hiran, Kapila, and the invisible Saraswati. This sangam is considered extremely auspicious for ancestral rituals, believed to grant peace and liberation to departed souls.

Golokdham Tirth

We then visited Golokdham Tirth, a sacred complex associated with Lord Krishna and His divine abode, Golok. This spiritually rich site houses eight important temples, each carrying deep religious significance:
• Shri Geeta Temple, symbolizing the eternal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
• Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
• Shri Krishna Paduka, marking the sacred footprints of Lord Krishna
• Bhima Mahadev Temple, a revered shrine of Lord Shiva associated with the Pandavas
• Other smaller temples dedicated to various divine manifestations and saints

Golokdham Tirth inspires devotion, love, and remembrance of Lord Krishna’s divine leelas and eternal presence.

Baan Ganga Tirth

Our next stop was Baan Ganga Tirth, where, according to legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, struck the earth with an arrow (baan) to bring forth the holy waters of the Ganga for worship. This sacred tirth stands as a testament to unwavering faith, devotion, and divine grace.

Valka (Valla) Tirth

We finally visited Valka Tirth, a site of great significance in the life of Lord Krishna. According to ancient scriptures, it was here that Jara the hunter (Jara Sabar) mistakenly shot Lord Krishna with an arrow, believing His foot to be a deer. This event marked the end of Lord Krishna’s earthly incarnation and His return to His divine abode. Valka Tirth is a place of deep contemplation, symbolizing the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul.
Here is a cleanly added and well-integrated paragraph you can insert after the temple and tirtha descriptions. I’ve written it in the same tone and style so it blends seamlessly with your article.

Sacred Jalabhisheka and Living Shivlingas

A deeply moving aspect of this pilgrimage was the opportunity to perform jalabhisheka (ritual offering of sacred water) at several holy sites. At the Old Somnath Temple (Ahilyabai Holkar Temple), jalabhisheka was offered to Lord Somnath’s Shiva Lingam, continuing an ancient tradition of personal and uninterrupted worship. At Baan Ganga Tirth, we offered water to the naturally manifested Shiva Lingam, believed to have been established during the time of the Pandavas, where the sacred waters symbolize devotion and divine grace. At Golokdham Tirth, jalabhisheka was performed at the Shiva shrine within the temple complex, representing the harmony between Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. Finally, at Valka (Valla) Tirth, jalabhisheka was offered to Mahadev ( Shiba Linga) at the sacred site associated with Lord Krishna’s final earthly leela, signifying the eternal truth that while the physical form perishes, the divine essence remains everlasting.

Conclusion

This two-day pilgrimage to Somnath was not merely a physical journey across sacred sites, but a profound inner journey toward faith, remembrance, and spiritual awakening. From the divine darshan of Lord Somnath (Shiva) and Lord Vishnu, to the sacred waters of ancient tirthas, every moment reaffirmed the timeless spiritual heritage of Bharat.

Somnath truly stands as a living beacon of Sanatan Dharma, reminding devotees that while temples may be destroyed and rebuilt, faith remains eternal and indestructible.

ସୋମନାଥ : ସମୟର ଶିଳାଲିପି

ସୋମନାଥ

ସ୍ମୃତି, ଭକ୍ତି ଓ ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତି

A Sacred Sojourn to Mahakaleshwar : From Bhubaneswar to Ujjain