Somnath Temple: The First Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
Nestled peacefully on the western coast of Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is revered as one of the first temples to house the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The name 'Somnath' signifies the 'Protector of the Moon God.' The temple is also known by various names such as 'Somnath Pattan', 'Prabhas Pattan', 'Deo Pattan' and the 'Eternal Shrine'.
It is believed that the first Somnath Temple existed before the 1st century AD. Later, a Vallabhi King constructed the second temple between 480–786 AD. The Pratihara King Nagabhata II is said to have rebuilt and strengthened the temple's architecture. The prayer timings were once announced by ringing a bell attached to a golden chain. The temple’s Chalukya architectural style remains one of its most striking features. Indian mythological texts like the Mahabharata and the Puranas have also mentioned the Somnath Temple in their sacred verses.
The main attractions of the Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple: According to legend, the construction of the shore temple of Somnath took place in four successive phases. Lord Soma is believed to have built the original shrine in gold, followed by Lord Ravana who rebuilt it in silver, Lord Krishna who reconstructed it in wood, and finally King Bhimadeva who rebuilt it in stone. The temple has a long and turbulent history marked by six invasions. The present structure showcases the Kailas Mahameru Prasad architectural style. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a vital role in initiating the reconstruction of the current temple.
The temple complex consists of the Garbhagriha (sanctum), the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), and the Nrityamandapa.
Vallabhghat: A beautiful sunset point located within the temple precincts, named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Bhalka Teerth: This sacred pilgrimage site is located on the Prabhas–Veraval Highway. It is believed that Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow at Bhalka Teerth. A magnificent idol of Lord Krishna can be seen here, attracting devotees throughout the year.
Triveni Ghat: Revered for its frequent references in the Puranas and the Vedas, Triveni Ghat marks the confluence of three rivers—Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. Prominent temples near the ghat include Suraj Mandir, Gita Mandir, and Laxmi Narayan Mandir.
Excursions from Somnath Temple: Travellers can explore nearby attractions such as Veraval Beach (5 km), Chorwad Sarai (26 km), Gir National Park (75 km), Junagadh (87 km), and Dwarka (229 km).
Shopping in Somnath: Pilgrims often purchase small idols and pictures of Lord Somnath as souvenirs. Handmade dolls are also popular among tourists.
When to Visit: The best time to visit Somnath is between October and February. Pilgrims also arrive in large numbers during festivals such as Mahashivratri and the Somnath Mahadev Fair.
How to Visit:
Air: The nearest airport is in Diu, located 90 km away.
Rail: The closest railway station is in Veraval, just 5 km from Somnath.
Road: Luxury buses operate regularly between Diu and Somnath.
