Puja

There are a number of holy places to visit and offer prayers at Somanath during the SMP classes. Here is a list to help you plan your visit.

1. Somanāth Jyotirliṅga

Darshan – 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Arati timings- 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM; Light and sound show- 7:45 PM
Time Required : 2-3 hrs; Entry Fee : Light and sound show: INR 25

Pañcākṣarī Dīkṣa
We shall be having the pañcākṣarī dīkṣa for those who have not done so previously. This dīkṣa is to be done on the first Monday. If interested, please give your name for the pañcākṣarī dīkṣa list in the Telegram Group.

Mahāmṛtyuṅjaya Mantra Dīkṣa
This is three dīkṣa for the mantras (1) Tryaṁbaka mantra of Maharṣi Vaṣiṣṭha (2) Sadāśiva bīja mantra dīkṣa ॐ हौं सः and (3) Kahola Ṛṣi mṛtyuṅjaya bīja mantra dīkṣa ॐ जुं सः. These three dīkṣa must be received on a Thursday in Karkaṭa Lagna.

Māsika Śivarātri Pūjā
The Pausa Māsa Śivarātri is on the night of 9th Jan, 2024. This is a full night pūjā and is compulsory for the full group. The pūjā is conducted for the full night and after giving arghya to the rising Sun in the morning, we shall rest. The next day 10th Jan, 2024 shall be a holiday.

2. भालका तीर्थ Bhālakā Tīrtha

This is the place where the hunter (Rudra deva) had mistakenly shot an arrow in Śrī Kṛṣṇa left foot. Thereafter Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa initiated the departure līlā for leaving bhū loka. The word भल्ल (Bhalla) refers to many things – Sun, arrowhead, a particular shape of arrowhead that cannot be easily retrieved. It has other good meanings as well like favourable, auspicious, and to bear [burden]. The tree on which Śrī Kṛṣṇa rested with the wound is the specific spot of pilgrimage as His holy blood fed the roots in this ground and the tree was a mother whose lap gave rest as the Lord of the worlds lay bleeding. It is located about 4 km from Somanāth Temple.

Rakṣa Mantra Japa
Visit the place on a Tuesday or Saturday evening (3pm -7pm). Carry your asana and mala. Sit facing the tree, from any spot – near or far, and recite the eight mṛtyu rakṣa mantra of the Garuḍa Purāṇa. Hint: ॐ जुं हंसः कृष्णाय नमः। One needs to sit down because this is Mahāprabhu baiṭhak

3. Pañca Pāṇḍava Cave

The Hiṇgalā Mātā cave is also known as pañca pāṇḍava cave. These are the sister forms of the Vaiṣṇava śakti Bagalā Mātā, the mother of Hanumān. They are like Piṇgalā, Maṅgala, Hiṇgalā etc.

Vidya Mantra Japa
It is best to visit this cave on Friday when Śukra (Venus) is associated with Vṛścika (Scorpio).

4. Lakṣmī Nārāyaṇa Temple

A modern temple built by the greatest pious philanthropist of India, Śrī Ghanshyam Das Birla, it is also called Birla Mandir. Try counting the pillars of this temple ~ do you get 18-pillars? What are the implications of 18 pillars and 18 purāṇa?

Vivāha Rakṣa
It is best to visit the temple on a Friday in Mīna Lagna or other auspicious muhurta with your spouse and pray for conjugal bliss and saṅsāra.

5. Triveṇi Saṅgam

The confluence of three streams represents one of the ṣaḍchakra in the body. The three rivers are the Hiran, Kapila and Sarasvatī and they meet the Arabian sea at this Triveṇi saṅgam. This is considered a mokṣa tīrtha and maps to the ājñākhya chakra ~ taparloka. It is believed that a dip in the river at this holy ghat cleanses the spirit of all sins committed in his life. The Lakṣmī-nārāyaṇa and Gita Temples are located on the shores of the ghats.

6. Sūrya Temple

Also located in the triveṇi saṅgam, colloquial ‘Suraj Mandir’. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Sun God and is a must-visit for jyotiṣa. There are depictions of elephants, lions and various other birds and animals in the temple. A rare holy site dedicated to the spirits of nature, praised in the Hindu heritage and religion. Sūrya and Chāyā devī are the principal deities. Built around 14th century, the pārśva devatā are Viṣṇu, Lakṣmī, Brahmā, Sarasvatī, Sitā and Pārvatī. Water pool called Sūrya kuṇḍa is attached for oblations and water offerings to the Sun god. This is close to the Kāmanātha Mahadeva Temple of the Śārada Pitha.

Sūrya Pūjā
It is best to visit on Sunday in the morning and offer gāyatrī mantra, āditya aṣṭākṣarī, āditya dasākṣarī or sūrya rakṣa mantra of Garuḍa Purāṇa ॐ जुं हंसः सूर्याय नमः

For a detailed list of temples to add to your visit, read this and similar pages https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prabhas_Patan