Konkan Railways is an engineering marvel. The entire stretch of 760 kilometers was designed and built in a record time. The tracks connect Mangalore with Mumbai and go through very rough terrain. The project was opened to public on January 26, 1998. The article from www.goodnewsindia.com details the process that resulted in this amazing feat. MORE

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SOMNATH

By: Kruti Patel

Also known as Prabhas Patan to many, the majestic temple of Somnath is a testimony of the firmness through the changing course of time. Waves of turbulent Arabian Sea lash the temple. Looted and destroyed by host of foreign invaders it has been re-established time and again as an edifice of the inner strength of the country's cultural fabric.

Believed to have been built around 4 AD, Somnath is the first among the twelve Jyotirlings dedicated to Lord Shiv. These twelve places are called Jyotirlings because Lord Shiva is said to have revealed himself to his devotees in the form of Jyoti – light at these twelve places.

According to the Shiva Purana Daksh Prajapati had 27 daughters (Ashwini, Bharani, Kritika, Rohini etc ) who wedded Chandra (Som), the moon god. Amongst all his wives, he had special love towards Rohini. Seeing the negligence of Chandra towards his other wives Prajapati Daksh cursed Chandra that he would lose his beauty and radiance. As the moon was devoid of his radiance and beauty the entire world became lifeless. On the advice of Brahmaji, Chandr started worshipping Lord Shiv. Pleased by his devotion Lord Shiv appeared before him and gave him the blessing of immortality. He blessed him that he would undergo waxing and waning accordingly each month. A happy Chandra requested the lord to reside there eternally. Since then the place is famous by the name Somnath.

Coming next week: The History, story, and legend behind the second Jyotirling.