Shree Somnath Mahadev
Nagar Palkhi Yatra
Every mid of the year, Sompura brahmin do nagar palkhi yatra.
Devotees join this celebration from around the world to get blessed.
History
In ancient times, hundreds of Sompura Brahmins gathered to celebrate as the temple and its glory became the talk of the globe. It is believed that since the first Jyotirlinga was founded by Lord Chandra (Moon God), Brahmins decided to commemorate the day of its foundation with the Palki Nagar Yatra.
Sompura Brahmins have been conducting the Palki Yatra since the Vedic era. These Brahmins originated from the Moon Empire and arrived at Prabhas to perform the Pratishtha Yagnya. Upon the request of their king, the Moon God, they decided to settle in Prabhas permanently to conduct all the puja rituals for the devotees who come to worship Lord Shiva, known globally as Shree Somnath first Jyortirlinga out of total 12.
Palkhi Nagar Yatra - Prabhas Patan Somnath
In ancient times, hundreds of Sompura Brahmins gathered to celebrate as the temple and its glory became the talk of the globe. It is believed that since the first Jyotirlinga was founded by Lord Chandra (Moon God), Brahmins decided to commemorate the day of its foundation with the Palki Nagar Yatra.
Importance
We follow our traditons for centuries.
For handicapped devotees
The Palki Nagar Yatra also serves another purpose: it allows elderly or handicapped devotees who are unable to walk to the temple for darshan to still have the opportunity to see Somnath Mahadev. As the Palki Yatra moves through the town or city, these devotees can have darshan of the deity.
Religious
When the linga or idol is in its garbha gruha, a devotee can only have darshan. However, during the Palki Yatra, the vigrah (भगवान् नुं प्रतिकात्मक स्वरुप) allows devotees to perform puja, abhishek, etc. on the idol. This leads people to believe that on the day of the Palki Yatra, Lord Somnath Mahadev himself comes to the door of the devotee. This arrangement, initiated by the Sompura Brahmins centuries ago, serves to enrich the faith and devotion of the devotees.
Social
When the Palki Yatra moves through the city streets, there is no consideration of caste or casteism. All devotees are considered equal before the holy feet of the Lord. This sends a clear message to the masses about communal harmony, emphasizing that in a society where casteism has no place, there is an enrichment of stability in the political and social welfare structures.
Cultural
In Sanskrit, there is a well-known saying, "जनाः उत्सवप्रियाः" which means that people are fond of festivals. Psychology suggests that entertainment is essential for relaxing the human mind. Even today, festivals remain a crucial aspect of celebration. Regardless of age - be it children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged, or elderly - everyone enjoys festivals as a means to express their emotions and happiness. The monotony of modern living, akin to a mechanical existence, is seldom satisfactory for the common man. Festivals serve as a vital element to infuse enthusiasm and joy into their daily lives. They are a key factor in maintaining the good mental health of individuals, as they were thoughtfully arranged by our ancestors for this very purpose.
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Air
The nearest airport is Rajkot, which is 250 KMs away.
The nearest airport is Diu, which is 90 KMs away.
Train
The nearest convenient railway station is Gir Somnath, which is 1 KMs away.
Bus
The nearest major city is Veraval which is 7KMs away.
Sompura Brahmins, in Skanda Puran refers as Agnihotri Brahmins of Soma Loka, on request of their king moon came to Prabhas to perform pratishtha yagya of worshipped god named Somnath, later on request of lord moon the Agnihotri Brahmins decided to stay in Prabhas and perform all rituals for devotees, since the days the Brahmins are known as Sompura.
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