Somnath Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the magical and mystical land of Somnath Temple, situated in the western Indian state of Gujarat. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a renowned pilgrimage destination, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and intriguing history. Located on the banks of the sacred Arabian Sea, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Here, we have put together a guide to the temple, covering interesting facts, information and travel tips. Read on to discover more about this magnificent and holy place.

Interesting Facts About Somnath Temple

1. The Somnath Temple was originally built in 725 A.D. and is said to be the first temple ever built for Lord Shiva in India.

2. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times due to invasions throughout the centuries.

3. The original Shiva lingam in the temple is made up of five metal pieces, said to have been set in place by the celestial architect Viswakarma.

4. The temple complex houses a museum which contains relics that belonged to various rulers who destroyed the temple in the past.

5. Every twelve years, a grand fair, the Maha Shivratri fair, is held at the temple in the honor of Lord Shiva.

6. The temple complex is also home to the ‘Gates of Somnath’, three entrances on the eastern, western and northern sides.

7. Somnath is known for its numerous temples located on the beach, the most important being the Somnath Mahadev shrine.

8. The Somnath Temple is said to be one of 12 jyotirlingas of the country, and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

9. The temple is also a popular spot for tourists from around the world who visit to admire its beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery.

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History & Information About Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in India. The temple is considered sacred due to the various legends connected to it.

The Somnath Temple is believed to have been first built by Somraj, the Moon God, in the period of the golden age. Legends also state that the temple was rebuilt by Ravana, the great antagonist in the Ramayana.

The temple was resurrected numerous times during its history, but was ultimately destroyed again and again by successive Muslim invaders from the north. The present temple was rebuilt by the Indian astronomer, Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya, and features gilded sculptures that make it a visually stunning structure.

The Somnath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, and its chief deity is known as the Somanath. The daily prayers are offered to Shankar, the creator, and Vishnu, the Preserver.

The main temple complex also houses several smaller shrines to other deities like Ganesh, Sun God Surya, and the Moon God Chandra. Some of the sages who are associated with the temple include Ajgara, Upamanyu, and Guru Dattatreya, among others.

The Somnath Temple is not only an important Hindu pilgrimage destination, it is also an iconic land mark of rich history and culture. Many religious scriptures mention this temple as an important site of pilgrimage. Today, it is a symbol of national pride and stands as a testament to the timeless nature of Hinduism and the ancient culture of India.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Somnath Temple

1. Get In:
Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra in Gujarat, India. Prabhas Patan is well connected to major cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, & Bhavnagar via air, rail, and road. Veraval city also has connecting flights and world class facilities. The temple is located around 2000 metres away from the shore of Arabian Sea.

2. Explore the temple:
Somnath Temple is dedicated to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Somnath temple was the very first of the 12 jyotirlingas and also is popularly known as the Shrine Eternal. This temple is considered one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is built in the Chalukya style of architecture and has magnificent carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars of its structure.

3. Religious ceremonies:
There are various religious ceremonies that take place inside the Somnath temple. The main puja is held every day early in the morning and the Aarti is held in the evening. The Mahashivratri festival is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur here. The Somnath Mahadev Temple is also visited by many devotees throughout the year who come here to take part in poojas and other rituals.

4. Accommodation:
Since, Prabhas Patan is a popular tourist destination, there are many options available for accommodation. There are various luxury and budget hotels, resorts, guesthouses and homestays available for visitors to stay in. Depending on the budget and requirement, one can choose any option.

5. Shopping:
Shopping at Prabhas Patan is a delight for the visitors. There are many markets selling artifacts, artifacts, jewellery, carpets, handloom items, spices, and traditional Gujarati cuisines. One should not miss out on shopping for local food items like Chikki, Jalebi and Fafda or taste delicious dishes like Dhokla and Khandvi.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Somnath Temple

Q. Where is Somnath Temple located?
A. Somnath Temple is located in the Veraval town, district Junagadh, Gujarat.

Q. Is there any other name for Somnath Temple?
A. Somnath Temple is also known as the ‘Shrine Eternal’ or ‘the Shrine of the Moon God’.

Q. How old is Somnath Temple?
A. Somnath Temple dates back to the 7th Century AD, but was destroyed and re-built several times over the centuries.

Q. What type of architecture is used for the Somnath Temple?
A. The current temple of Somnath is a beautiful example of Nagara-style architecture.

Q. What activities can I expect to find at the Somnath Temple?
A. The temple houses several shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva, along with a number of other activities such as aarti, pooja, yagnas, bhajans, and parikrama. Apart from this, devotees also visit the temple for spiritual healing and blessings.

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