According to the Puranas, the Somnath Jyotirlinga is considered to be the first Jyotirlinga, which is located in the Prabhas region of Kathiawad, Gujarat. Let's learn its story.

The story and glory of the emergence of the first Jyotirlinga, Somnath:

Sut Ji narrated the story of the Somnath Jyotirlinga to the scholars, saying, "Among the Jyotirlingas, Somnath is mentioned first. Its story is as follows:

The great Prajapati Daksha married his 27 daughters to the Moon. By marrying the Moon, these daughters became exceedingly beautiful and radiant, and the Moon also began to live happily with them. However, among all his wives, the Moon's affection for Rohini was the greatest, which made the other wives unhappy. They went to their father Daksha to express their sorrow.

Hearing this, Daksha was deeply distressed. He went to the Moon and, while explaining, said, Moon, you were born into a noble lineage. Why do you not treat all your wives equally? Why do you show more affection to some and less to others? What has happened so far has already occurred, but from now on, do not engage in such discriminatory behavior. It is improper and distressing.

Prajapati Daksha, with confidence, advised his son-in-law the Moon and returned to his home. However, the Moon disregarded his father-in-law's advice and did not reduce his affection for Rohini. He became so absorbed in Rohini that he no longer showed respect to his other wives. Seeing this, Daksha became distressed once again and made another attempt to counsel the Moon.

Daksha said, "Moon, listen! I have advised you many times before about this behavior, but you did not heed my words. Therefore, today I curse you to be afflicted with inactive disease." As soon as Daksha said this, the Moon was struck by inactive disease. As he weakened, a cry of distress spread all around. The gods and sages began to lament, "Alas! Alas! What should we do now? How will the Moon be cured?"

Afterward, the Moon informed Indra and the other gods, as well as the sages, about his situation. Then Indra and the other gods, along with sages like Vasistha, went to Brahma Ji.

Hearing the words of the gods and sages, Brahma Ji said, "Gods, what has happened cannot be undone. However, there is an excellent way to be freed from this curse, which you should listen to carefully. The Moon should go to the sacred region known as Prabhas and, while performing the ritual of the Mrityunjay Mantra, worship Lord Shiva there. Pleased with this, Mahadev will relieve the Moon from the disease.

At the request of the gods and sages, the Moon performed continuous penance for six months according to the method described by Brahma Ji, and worshiped Lord Shiva with the Mrityunjay Mantra. While chanting ten crore mantras and meditating on the Mrityunjay, the Moon stood there, unwavering and continuously. Pleased with his rigorous penance, Lord Shiva appeared and spoke to his devotee, the Moon.

Shiva Ji said, "Chandra Dev! May you be blessed. Ask for any boon you desire, for I am pleased and will grant you a complete blessing." The Moon replied, "Lord of the gods! O Lord Shankar! Please remove this affliction of inactive disease from my body and forgive the offenses I have committed."

Shiva Ji said, "Chandra Dev! On one side, your brilliance will wane daily, and on the other side, it will continually increase." After this, the Moon praised Lord Shankar with complete devotion. Pleased with his praise, despite being formless, Lord Shiva took a tangible form. Delighted with the gods, Lord Shiva named the region 'Someshwar' to enhance its significance and expand the fame of the Moon. Thus, He became renowned as Somnath across the three worlds.

Sut Ji said, "Scholars! Worshiping Somnath eliminates diseases such as inactive and leprosy for the devotee. The Moon is blessed, having established Lord Shankar, the Lord of the three worlds, in the Prabhas region on Earth with his name. The gods established the Som Kund there, which is believed to be the eternal abode of Shiva and Brahma. Chandra Kund is renowned on Earth as a pilgrimage that eradicates sins. Anyone who bathes in it is freed from all sins. Incurable diseases like inactiveness also gradually diminish when bathed in this kund. Whatever purpose a person comes to this sacred pilgrimage with, they will surely achieve that fruit."

Thus, the Moon was freed from his illness and resumed his previous duties. This is how Someshwar Ling came into existence. Anyone who listens to or recites the story of the emergence of Somnath will attain all their desires and be freed from all sins.

Verified from Puran…………

Writer :- krishna