The famous Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirling temples in India, experiences millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. In particular, the rush of pilgrims is always enormous during the holy month of Shravan, and believers have made Somnath Temple a holy pilgrimage site, where devotees can congregate to perform rituals, prayers, and celebrate their worship during this holy occasion.
Strong feelings of devotion and willingness to participate in tradition all month long are no small matter. People show love to the past, chant sacred mantras, bring divine flowers, and worship sincerely in a place with thousands of years of past history. The architecture and stone carvings of this temple — of the Chalukya style — also provoke fascination. It is also home to the Baan Stambh on the seashore, notable for pointing to the South Pole, or a straight line, with no landmass in between. The pillar represents the temple's link with infinity.
Importance of Shravan Month
Shravan (also known as Sawan) is a sacred month in the Hindu lunar calendar, devoted primarily to Lord Shiva. During Shravan, many devotees fast, recite prayers, and visit Shiva temples in large numbers. This month signifies purity, devotion, and the celebration of spirituality, and is often accompanied by its associated rituals and cultural festivals. Many believe that if they worship Lord Shiva in Shravan, the blessings, peace, and prosperity they receive will be great.
The History of the Occasion
In Hindu belief, the month of Shravan is auspicious because Lord Shiva drank the poison (halahala) during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), preventing the world from destruction. Therefore, many people worship Lord Shiva in this month out of gratitude.
Somnath Temple strongly resonate with this idea as it is one of the most holy Shiva temples. Although the exact history of its origins is lost in time, the temple has gone through several renovations and reconstructions—due to many invasions throughout history. The most recent reconstruction began in 1951 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was concluded in 1951–1955, restoring the temple to its full glory. Today, the great temple epitomizes resilience, faith, and the indomitable spirit of devotion.
What to do in Somnath during the Shravan month:
- Visit the Somnath Temple: You can witness majestic abhishekams (which is a holy bathing of the Shiva lingam) and attend the special poojas held throughout the Shravan month.
- Attend spiritual and cultural events: There will be lots of spiritual events, listening to music, and dancing, aside from spiritual discourses, which all take place in the precincts around the temple.
- Go to nearby local attractions: The nearby local attractions, such as Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, and Prabhas Patan, will have some special activities on them, and would particularly be busy with pilgrims & devotees.
- Fasting and prayers: Many devotees will follow a strict vegetarian satvik diet, and many will also choose to spend time meditating.
- Eat and enjoy food locally, which is cooked religiously: There are pure vegetarian offerings available in the temple and in general around the temple area.
How to Reach Somnath from Diu
- By Car/Taxi: A private cab or self-drive car gives you flexibility and comfort, especially with families.
- By Bus: Diu is connected to Somnath by state transport and private buses that run regularly, making for a cheaper travel option.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Veraval (7 km from the Somnath temple). There are frequent trains to Veraval from other parts of Gujarat.
Where to Stay: Praveg Beach Resort in Diu
Located on beautiful, pristine Nagoa Beach in Diu, Praveg Beach Resort is a short drive of a few hours from Somnath! Praveg Beach Resort captures the perfect harmony of comfort, luxury, and nature, with premium tents, elegant dual-bedroom suites, and cottages with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. It is a place of tranquillity, perfectly aligned with the peacefulness of your spiritual journey.
Praveg Beach Resort practically offers:
- Pure vegetarian lifestyle, satvik food at the Ocean Grill Restaurant, including special requests for devotees regarding fasting and diets.
- Immense green lawns, a sparkling pool, and wellness areas for aching muscles after performing a day of pilgrimage.
- AC rooms, free Wi-Fi, and modern amenities that provide comfort, being restful in a place away from the chaos.
- A peaceful ocean breeze, adding an enhanced quality to your spirituality, and a relaxed atmosphere for you to invigorate yourself.
- Praveg Beach Resort to stay at adds to your Shravan experience and comfort in the sacredness of your intentions with rejuvenation in nature!
Conclusion
It's a significant spiritual experience to visit Somnath Temple during the month of Shravan. The temple's original renovation in the 1950s, the Baan Stambh which links devotees from one era to the next and the community rituals of the time bring in devotees from all over India. When you book a reservation at Praveg Beach Resort in Diu you are not only enjoying modern day comforts with satvik hospitality, you are choosing the best possible place of solace to re-equalize your spirit between the spiritual energy of Somnath and the calmness of the Arabian Sea.
May the sacred chants of Shravan, the divine atmosphere of Somnath and the crashing waves of Diu conclude your sacred journey.
