Shree Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is one of the very ancient temples of India located in Gujarat and stands as a famous landmark in the Indian history. Somnath Temple is located about 79 kilometers from Junagadh in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval and the most legendary temples of the western coast of India. Somnath Temple is the ideal sacred place of the Hindus that survived the ravages of time. Study of history reveals that the Somnath Temple was invaded by the different conquerors who came to India whereby some looted its wealth and others destroyed some parts of it. Many legends are attached to the Somnath Temple regarding its origin and existence.

The other names of this famous Somnath Temple are Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, or Somnath Pattan. In the past, the Somnath Temple was known as the treasure trove of wealth and goodies, that were looted away by Muslim rulers. The Somnath Temple is an ideal example of the ancient Indian temple architecture. The Somnath Temple is home to one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas', which is considered to be the most sacred lingas in the Hindu pantheon.

It was believed that the Somnath Temple or Somnath Pattan was popular even in the ancient times. Revenues were collected from 10,000 villages to maintain the Somnath Temple. The temple was visited by the people from all parts of the country even in the ancient times. The Somnath Temple is known as the eternal shrine whose glory and fame are legendary. It is believed that Somraj, the moon god, built the Somnath Temple or the Somnath Pattan out of gold. It was rebuilt by Ravana in silver. Again Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu built it in wood. Further in the 10th century it was rebuilt in stone by King Bhimdev Solanki.

Architecture of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Reconstructed in the Chalukya style of architecture, it showcases the fine skills of the oldest and best temple architects or the Sompura Salats. An arrow pillar mentions that it is located at such a location that it is the first point of land in the north to the South Pole at that particular longitude. The recesses of a balconied corridor also house a rather mutilated form of Nataraja, or the dancing Shiva. The flag atop the temple tower bear the symbols of Nandi and Trishul. Jain influence on the carvings and the overall design is clearly visible despite it being a Brahmanical temple.

How To Reach Somnath Temple
Somnath is well connected by rail and road from main cities of Gujarat. Overnight buses available from Ahmedabad and Dwarka. The nearest airport is Keshod at a distance of 55 km. Nearest railway station is at Veraval at a distance of 7 km.