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The
Temple Complex
The
present temple with its imposing exterior adorned with marvelous
sculpture and a grand Sabha Mantap in front, and a huge sikhara atop
measuring 155 feet in height casts a spell on pilgrims even from
miles afar. It faces East and has a lovely garden to its right
extending up to the high compound wall acting as dyke along the
Arabian sea. Pilgrims enter through the Digvijaya Dwar, a piece of
architectural beauty that detains them longer with its majesty and
decor. The Jyotirlinga installed on the Brahmasila is about 4 feet
in height and affords a royal banquet to the eye with its sandal
paste decoration, which is a novelty here. Imbibing its beauteous
splendour, the devotees close their eyes for a while when Somanath
of the ancient times installed by Brahma flashes across their minds
and recounts His former glory. There were 1000 priests in His
service attending to several activities round the clock. During its
heyday, the temple was beautified with invaluable golden ornaments,
the garbha griha was lighted by jeweled lamps and a grand bell was
rung during the harati with a chain of solid gold of 250 maund in
weight. It had hundreds of giant sized vaults stuffed with rare
jewels, and the pillars inside were studded with gems. No wonder, it
ignited the lust and greed in the hearts of unscrupulous Mlechchas,
who raided it again and again.
Going
down further to the state of Maharastra, we arrive at Triyambak, to
feast the Triyambakeswar' at the Brahmagiri near Panchavati sprayed
by the holy water of the river Gautami.
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