Sawan 2025: Why Every Shiva Devotee Begins Their Pilgrimage With Somnath, The First Jyotirlinga

Add as a preferred source on Google

Every Sawan, millions of Shiva devotees embark on spiritual yatras across India, seeking blessings, purification, and divine connection through the sacred Jyotirlingas. But there's one place they turn to first-Somnath. Located in Gujarat's Prabhas Patan, Somnath isn't just geographically significant; it holds a deep spiritual and cosmic relevance as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

In Sawan 2025, which began on July 25, 2025 and will end on August 23, 2025. as spiritual energy heightens and Kanwariyas take to the roads, Somnath becomes more than a shrine. It becomes Shiva's gateway, the first footstep into a deeper, soul-stirring journey. But why does it all start here?

Let's know about the five spiritual, mythological, and cosmic reasons why Somnath is the first stop for every Shiva devotee.

1. Somnath Is The First Jyotirlinga - Where Light First Descended

According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light at twelve sacred places on Earth. Among them, Somnath was the first. The word "Jyotirlinga" itself means "pillar of divine light."

Starting with Somnath is symbolic-beginning one's journey at the original flame of divine consciousness. It sets the tone for spiritual awakening, grounding the devotee in purity and surrender. For centuries, yogis, saints, and sages have described Somnath as the Jyotirlinga that dissolves ego and prepares the seeker for the path ahead.

2. The Moon God's Redemption Happened Here - A Lesson In Renewal

Legend says Chandra Dev (the Moon God) was cursed by his father-in-law to wane in brilliance. Desperate, Chandra worshipped Shiva here and was finally blessed with the waxing and waning cycle.

That's why this temple is called "Somnath" (Lord of the Moon). Devotees begin at Somnath because the energy here is all about renewal, forgiveness, and second chances. In Sawan, a month already associated with healing and transformation, Somnath adds that much-needed emotional and karmic cleansing.

3. Destroyed And Rebuilt Multiple Times - The Temple That Refused To Fall

Somnath Temple has been attacked, plundered, and destroyed multiple times in history-from Mahmud of Ghazni to Aurangzeb-but it was always rebuilt by the faithful.

It symbolizes resilience, faith, and divine protection, making it the ideal starting point for Sawan pilgrims who are seeking inner strength to overcome personal battles. Just as Somnath rose each time it was shattered, devotees are reminded to rebuild their lives and faith, no matter what they've been through.

4. Somnath Aligns With Cosmic Energy - A Portal To The Infinite

Interestingly, Somnath Temple is built on the Triveni Sangam, where three rivers-Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati-are believed to meet. It is also said that no land exists in a straight line from Somnath till the South Pole, which has fascinated astronomers and spiritual seekers alike.

This makes it a powerful energetic gateway, ideal for starting one's pilgrimage in Sawan when the veil between the material and spiritual thins. Devotees often report feeling intense vibrations, clarity, and emotional peace just by being here.

5. The Pilgrimage Begins Where Karma Ends

In spiritual tradition, Somnath is considered the place where karmic debts begin to dissolve. Many believe that praying here during Sawan helps nullify past-life patterns that hinder spiritual progress.

Starting your Shiva journey here is like pressing the reset button. You walk in with your burdens and walk out feeling lighter, spiritually prepared to move to the other Jyotirlingas, or even just deepen your devotion from home.

Somnath is not just a temple-it's the doorway to Shiva's light, and starting here magnifies every mantra, every offering, and every prayer you make this Sawan.