The Somnath Temple stands on the shore of the Arabian Sea at Prabhas Patan in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. It is regarded as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Its long history of destruction and rebuilding has made it a symbol of resilience. Here is a guide.
Religious significance
Jyotirlingas are shrines where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared as a column of light. Somnath, meaning Lord of the Moon, is linked to the legend of the Moon god Chandra, who was cursed to lose his glow and was freed from the curse by worshipping Shiva here.
History
The temple has been attacked and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The best known attack was by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. Other invaders also damaged it in later centuries, and each time devotees and rulers rebuilt it.
Rebuilding after Independence
After Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pledged to rebuild the temple. The present temple, built in the Chalukya style, was consecrated in May 1951 in the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad. The temple is managed by the Shree Somnath Trust.
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What to see
- The main temple and its shikhara, with a flag hoisted on top.
- The Baan Stambh, an arrow pillar with an inscription saying there is no land in a straight line between this point and the South Pole.
- The Triveni Sangam, where three rivers meet the sea.
- Bhalka Tirth, linked to the end of Lord Krishna’s life on Earth.
- The evening light and sound show that tells the story of the temple.
Darshan and aarti
The temple is open from early morning till night, with aartis in the morning, at noon and in the evening. Timings can change, so check the Shree Somnath Trust website before you go. The trust also offers online booking for some pujas and guest houses.
How to reach
- Veraval railway station is about 7 km away.
- The nearest major airports are Diu, Rajkot and Porbandar, depending on flight options.
- Buses and taxis connect Somnath with cities across Gujarat.
Best time to visit
October to March has pleasant weather. Maha Shivratri and the month of Shravan draw very large crowds.
Tips
- Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple and must be deposited.
- Dress modestly.
- Combine the trip with Gir National Park or Diu, if time permits.
Bottom line
Somnath is not only the first Jyotirlinga but also a symbol of faith that survived centuries of attacks. A visit combines devotion, history and a beautiful seaside setting.
Source / स्रोत: Shree Somnath Trust, Gujarat Tourism, Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism
