MAA CHANDRABHAGA

Contents

·         Introduction

·         Location

·         Other places of Tourist Attraction

·         The temple

·         Puranic Reference

·         Festivals

Introduction

Prabhas Shakthi Peeth is the place where Sati’s Stomach fell. Devi Sati is worshipped as Maa Chandrabhaga (the moon goddess) and Lord Shiva as Vakratunda (one with curved body).

Location

Prabhas Shakthi Peeth is located near Mumbai. Prabhas is well connected by all three modes of transport. Veraval railway station (13 kms) is the nearest rail line. There is good bus transport facility from all major cities to Prabhas. There are many private cabs which are easily available to reach Prabhas. The Shakthi Peeth is located close to Somnath temple.(one of the twelve jyotirlingas) People can travel by steamer from Mumbai to Veraval.

Other places of tourist attraction

a)   Prabhas Patan Museum – This museum has Kalabhairav Linga of Lord Shiva, holy stones (shaligram) and statues of goddess Parvati.

b)   Bhalka Tirth: This place is dedicated to Sun God

c)   Other temples are Geeta Temple, Ahilyabhai temple Suraj temple and Balramjiki guha

d)   Somnath temple is one of the important 12 Jyotirlingas.

The Temple

There is no temple for Chandrabagha devi. The temple is identified with the holy confluence of three rivers, Hiran, Kapila and Saraswathi.

Puranic Reference

According to one reference, Moon had to marry one of the daughters (named Rohini), of King Daksha Prajapathi, instead moon married all his 27 daughters. This infuriated King Daksha Prajapathi and he made Moon disappear. Moon prayed to Lord Shiva at Prabhas to regain his glow.

Festivals and Fairs

Navaratri during Ashwija masa( Sep- Oct) and Chaitra masa (March- April) is celebrated with great fervour for nine days. Special poojas are held during Shivaratri. Nagapanchi during Shravan masa is another festival celebrated at Prabhas Shakthi Peeth.

Additionally a fair is held at Somnath on Karthik Poornima during November every year.