This temple is built on the rocky area of the arabian sea in Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is a symbol of strength and reverence. This very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts millions of people visited for peace.
Rise and Rebirth
The history and stories of the Somnath is very deep. It is not just a stone temple, but is considered a symbol of a “living” faith.
- Mythical Origins: Legend says the Moon God, Chandra, built the first temple in gold to cure his negative impact of fading light. He bathed in the nearby Sarasvati River, regaining his glow. Later versions came in silver by Ravana, wood by Lord Krishna, and stone by King Bhimdev.
- Historical Timeline: Traces date to 649 BC, with mentions in the Rigveda and Mahabharata as a holy tirtha (pilgrimage spot). It faced brutal raids: Mahmud of Ghazni looted it in 1026 AD, killing thousands; Alauddin Khalji struck in 1299; Aurangzeb ordered its fall in 1706.
- Modern Revival: After India’s independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel laid the foundation in 1947. The current structure rose in 1951 through public donations, symbolizing national unity.
Somnath temple architecture
Forget big grand temples — Somnath shows simple beauty in the Maru-Gurjara style, mixing Solanki traditions with an open and graceful look.
- The honey-colored limestone walls shine in the sunlight. They are design by cutting and shaping materials with gods, dancers, and flower designs on 212 panels.
- A tall 15-meter shikhara (tower) stands above the main room of the temple. Inside it is a smooth black Shiva lingam, the powerful heart of the Jyotirlinga.
- The halls are perfectly balanced and lead into a pillared mandapa. Cool sea air comes in through the arched windows, giving the feeling of old coastal trading times.
Why Somnath calls the Soul
As the first of Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, Somnath isn’t just a temple—it’s a cosmic anchor.
- Divine Glow: According to the Shiva Purana, this is the place where Shiva appeared as a never-ending pillar of light. People believe that taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam here can give moksha (freedom from rebirth).
- Pilgrim Magnet: This place is also connected to the last rituals of Lord Krishna. Devotees believe that visiting here can free the soul from the cycle of rebirth. During festivals like Maha Shivratri (Feb–Mar) and Kartik Purnima (Nov), the whole area becomes even more powerful with prayers, lights, and celebrations.
- Global Echo: Long ago, this temple was a rich cultural center with around 300 musicians and dancers. Even today, it brings peace and healing to people from all over the world as part of Gujarat’s famous spiritual route.
How to Plan
Make your trip seamless with these straightforward steps.
- Choose Your Season: Aim for October to February—cool days (20-30°C) beat summer scorch. Avoid monsoons for clear views.
- Get There Easily:
- Train: Hop off at Somnath or Veraval station (7 km away)—direct from Ahmedabad (7-8 hours).
- Flight: Land at Diu (85 km) or Rajkot (200 km), then taxi.
- Road: Drive 410 km from Ahmedabad via NH47; buses run frequently.
- Daily Rountine:
- Arrive post-6:30 AM darshan (worship) to beat crowds.
- Linger till 9 PM for the 7:45 PM sound-and-light show narrating Shiva’s saga (in Hindi/English, voiced by Amitabh Bachchan).
- Explore the garden’s dioramas for myth visuals.
Tips:
- Dress simply (cover shoulders/knees); no leather inside.
- No photos in the sanctum—respect the vibe.
- Stay nearby at trust guesthouses (book via somnath.org); pair with Gir Lion Safari (50 km away).
- Emergency? Dial Gujarat Tourism helpline: 079-23237198.
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