Somnath/Shri Somnath Mahadev Temple Mount Abu,Sirohi,Rajasthan
Sirohi. Shri Somnath Mahadev Temple of Rajasthan, which is the only hill station of the state, is located in Mount Abu, this temple is situated near a small pond Sant Sarovar. Situated amidst the mountains of Aravali mountain range, this temple gives an experience of peace of mind. Here the devotees who come to visit the temple get the darshan of God as well as feel peace and tranquility of mind.
The temple was constructed at the behest of Shri Ishwaranand Ji Maharaj around the place of the already existing Shivalinga. The headquarters of the spiritual organization Sadhna Yana is also located inside the temple. There are many legends prevalent among the local people regarding Shivlinga. According to the legend, among these five Shivlingas, the one in the center is said to be from the era of Rishi Vashishtha as per Hindu mythology. At the same time, some believe that this Shivalinga is self-manifested and the stones themselves appeared here in the form of Shivalinga.
The most interesting and special thing about this temple is that Lord Somnath is installed in the form of five Shivalingas in this temple. These five Shivlingas are considered symbols of the five faces of Lord Shiva. It is said that these five Shivalingas are established for their five duties – creation, maintenance, merger, benevolence, and control. Another specialty of this temple is that generally in other temples, paintings are done on the walls but this is the only temple in which paintings are done on the ceiling. This grand painting on the roof of the temple further enhances the grandeur of the temple. Regarding the temple, it is said that four Shivlingas of this temple are installed towards the four directions of the universe and the Swayambhu Shivlinga of Lord Somnath is installed in the middle. In this temple complex, a small Sant Sarovar salt pond is also located near the temple complex. In which fishes are found in abundance. The devotees who come here to visit the temple also do charitable work by feeding these fishes with ata pellets.
