The holy place Prabhas also known as Somnath is located on the South West coast of India in the Sourashtra province of Gujarat State, on the shores of Sindhu Sagar(Arabian Sea). Spiritually known as Prabhasa Theertha this place was called as Prabhasa Pattan in ancient times and was famous as a town of temples.
In its long history, it had many names such as Arka Theertha, Bhaskara Theertha, Soma Theertha and Chandra Theertha. Over a period of time, it came to be known as Prabhasa Theertha. Prabhas is a Sanskrit word meaning radiance, splendor, shining, enlightens, the one that illuminates. Prabhas also means dawn. Being situated at the western coast, this entire area is radiated by Sun light for a relatively longer period of time and hence called as Prabhasa Pattan, the town that glows.
Prabhasa is located at the holy confluence of the mythological rivers Saraswati, Kapila, and Hiranya known as Triveni said to be in existence since Vedic period. Prabhasa is a famous Shiva Kshetra known as the Aadi Jyothirlinga Kshetra where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Somnath also known as Someshwar. Named after the Moon God (Soma), it is the place where Moon (Chandra) worshipped Lord Shiva and performed severe penance and got relieved from the ill effects of the curse he had from Daksha Prajapathi.
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Prabhasa Kshetra is highly sanctified with the Niryana of Lord Sri Krishna at this place known as Bhalka Theertha where, the Lord undertook his last journey on this Earth and left for his celestial abode ending his glorious Avathara. Known as Parashurama Kshetra (Tapo Bhoomi) it is also the place where, Lord Parashurama did penance to get rid of the ill effects of killing Kshatriya Kings several times. It is also said that, Deva Guru Brihaspathi attained his position as the Preceptor of Devathas by performing penance on the banks of Prabhasa Theertha. Blessed with the glorious presence of Lord Shiva in the form of a Jyothirlinga, and sanctified with the Niryana of Lord Sri Krishna (Avathara of Lord Maha Vishnu) the place Prabhasa is known as Hari Hara Kshetra.
As per Skhanda Purana it is said that, Prabhasa Theertha is considered as the crown of all holy places that is incomparable in its merits and capable of liberating a man from all his sins. Spread in an area of five yojanas this sacrosanct place contains several temples of both Lord Shiva and Vishnu apart from Sun temples. Dwelling about the merits of this place it is said that, anyone who has the good fortune of living in this Prabhasa Kshetra and not abandoning it, despite hardship and troubles is certain to get absolved from his sins and attain salvation.
Devoted to its sanctity as a place of meditation and penance, Prabhasa Theertha was a frequented by both Pandavas and Yadavas. It is said that Pandavas during their exile had stayed here for some time. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama also had done pilgrimage to Prabhas. As per Bhagavata Purana, it is said that Lord Sri Krishna had advised his clan to move to Prabhasa Theertha before his Niryana. Finally, Lord Sri Krishna himself moved to Prabhasa Theertha for his ultimate journey.
The Hindutva Times 