For the city of Pathankot, this is a moment of great pride and faith as devotees will be blessed with the divine darshan of Somnath Jyotirlinga, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This sacred opportunity is especially significant for those devotees who are unable to visit Somnath Dham in Gujarat due to various reasons.
Devotees in Pathankot will get a rare opportunity to witness the Divine Darshan of the 1000-year-old Jyotirlinga (Birbr) on 5th March, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Raghunath Temple, Pathankot, Punjab.
Through this holy event, devotees will experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva in their own city. On this auspicious day, the entire city will be filled with an atmosphere of devotion, faith, and spiritual energy.
This sacred occasion will allow devotees to experience the divine presence and spiritual energy of Lord Shiva without traveling far from their city. The event is expected to draw a large number of devotees from Pathankot and nearby areas.
The atmosphere will be filled with devotion, chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya,” and collective prayers, creating a spiritually uplifting environment for all attendees.
All devotees are invited to take part in this holy darshan and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Religious Significance of Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath Jyotirlinga holds the foremost place among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is regarded as a symbol of faith, belief, and the eternal strength of Sanatan Dharma. History bears witness that the temple was destroyed several times, yet it was rebuilt each time, reflecting the unshakable devotion and resilience of devotees. It continues to be a source of inspiration and spiritual strength for Shiva followers.
A Grand Festival of Devotion in Pathankot
A large number of devotees from Pathankot and nearby regions are expected to attend this divine darshan program on 5th March. The event will include bhajans, kirtans, satsang, and collective worship of Lord Shiva.
The surroundings will resonate with the sacred chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” creating a deeply spiritual and peaceful environment.
Special arrangements have been made by the organizers to ensure the comfort and smooth darshan of all devotees, allowing everyone to participate in a calm and disciplined manner.
Connecting Youth with Sanatan Culture
One of the primary objectives of this event is to connect the younger generation with their religious and cultural heritage. In today’s modern era, where youth are increasingly drawn towards Western culture, such spiritual programs will help introduce them to the teachings of Lord Shiva and the values of Sanatan Dharma.
Message of Faith and Unity
The divine darshan of Somnath Jyotirlinga is not merely a religious event but a message of unity, peace, and harmony for society. People from all walks of life will come together to worship Lord Shiva and experience spiritual upliftment.
This sacred occasion will strengthen faith, promote unity, and fill the hearts of devotees with divine energy and blessings.
History of the Somnath Jyotirlinga
The sacred Somnath Mandir is the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the holiest shrines in Sanatan Dharma. Located in present-day Gujarat, Somnath has stood for centuries as a symbol of faith, resilience, and spiritual heritage.
According to ancient scriptures, the Somnath Jyotirlinga is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) form of Lord Shiva. The original temple was believed to be a magnificent structure adorned with gold and precious stones and described as a marvel of ancient Hindu architecture.
In 1024 CE, the temple was invaded and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni. Historical records state that thousands of devotees were killed while defending the shrine, and the Shivalinga was shattered and desecrated. This attack marked one of the most tragic chapters in Somnath’s history.
After this destruction, the temple remained in ruins for many years. It was later rebuilt by King Kumarapala of the Chaulukya dynasty in the 12th century. However, Somnath continued to face repeated attacks and destruction:
In 1299 CE by Alauddin Khalji
In 1395 CE by Muzaffar Shah
In 1665 CE by Aurangzeb
Each time, the temple was reconstructed by devoted rulers and followers, reflecting the unbreakable spirit of Sanatan Dharma.
By the 19th century, Somnath again lay in ruins. After India gained independence, the reconstruction of the temple became a national mission. In 1951, the present Somnath Temple was rebuilt under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, restoring its glory and sanctity.
Today, Somnath stands not only as a place of worship but as a powerful symbol of revival, faith, and cultural continuity. The history of the Somnath Jyotirlinga is a story of destruction and rebirth — showing that devotion to Lord Shiva has endured through centuries of trials and transformations.
“Somnath is not just a temple; it is the eternal testimony of Sanatan Dharma’s resilience.”
Devotees to Receive Divine Darshan
Date: 5th March
Venue: Raghunath Temple, Pathankot
A historic and spiritual moment for Pathankot!
The sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga from Somnath Mandir will arrive in the city, giving devotees a rare and blessed opportunity to receive divine darshan.
