The Somnath Jyotirlingam holds a prominent place in Hinduism, representing one of the twelve sites where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as an endless pillar of light. These Jyotirlingas are considered sacred expressions of Shiva’s supreme and indivisible essence. According to tradition, devotees are encouraged to begin their pilgrimage of all twelve Jyotirlingams from Somnath.
Ban Ganga is steeped in legend, particularly in connection with Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the story goes, after vanquishing the Kshatriya warriors to restore dharma, Parshuram sought to atone for the resulting bloodshed. He arrived at this very site and shot an arrow (baan) into the earth, from which sprang a stream of the sacred Ganga river, hence the name “Ban Ganga.”
This act of divine intervention transformed the location into a site of purification and penance, further amplifying its spiritual aura.
The Swayambhu Shiva Lingams of the Sea
One of the most visually and spiritually striking aspects of Ban Ganga is the presence of three self-emerged (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingams along the seashore:
- Two of these Lingams are located approximately 500 meters apart along the coastline. The Arabian Sea’s tides continuously wash over them, symbolizing nature’s reverence for the divine.
- During high tide, these Lingas are partially submerged, with waves gently cascading over them.
- As the tide recedes, the Shivlingams are gradually revealed in full, offering a mesmerizing view that draws awe and devotion in equal measure.
- A third Shivling is situated further out in the sea, visible only from a distance, yet ever-present as a reminder of the site’s timeless sanctity.
- These three Swayambhu Lingas stand as eternal testaments to unshakeable faith and spiritual continuity across generations.
Ban Ganga is also believed to be the sacred location associated with the final earthly moments of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu lore, it was here that the hunter Jara mistakenly shot an arrow that struck Krishna, after which the Lord is said to have left his mortal form and returned to his divine abode. This adds another profound layer of significance to the already hallowed ground.
Ban Ganga, Somnath, thus, is not just a geographical landmark, it is a confluence of myth, devotion, and cosmic history. With its legends rooted in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, and its seafront sanctity preserved by time and tide, Ban Ganga continues to inspire reverence as a place where the divine has touched the Earth.
Source / Image Credit : Tripadvisor, Worldwide Hindu Temples ॐ, Explore To Earn Experience, YatraDham - YatraDham.Org, Ancient Temple