The Somnath Temple is not just a temple; it is a saga of resilience, faith, and divine energy. The shrine of Lord Shiva stands tall on the western coast of Gujarat, where the Arabian Sea whispers ancient tales. Devotees revere it as the first of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. Invaders destroyed the temple multiple times over the centuries, yet devotees rebuilt it each time, making it rise again as a symbol of unshakable devotion and eternal strength.
Mythology of Somnath Temple
Mythology says Chandra Dev (the Moon God) originally built the temple. According to legend, Daksha, his father-in-law, cursed Chandra to lose his radiance. In despair, Chandra prayed to Lord Shiva at this very site. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva restored his glow, and thus the place was named Somnath – “Lord of the Moon.”
The temple also finds mention in the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, which speaks about this sacred Jyotirlinga. Devotees believe that worshipping at Somnath liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.
Historical Background
Somnath’s history is both glorious and tragic. Mythology says the Moon God built the original temple in gold, Ravana rebuilt it in silver, Lord Krishna rebuilt it in wood, and the Pandavas finally rebuilt it in stone.
References to the name Someshvara begin to appear in the 9th century. The Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhata II recorded his visit to tirthas in Saurashtra, including Someshvara. The Chaulukya (Solanki) king Mularaja possibly built the first temple for Soma (“Moon God”) at the site sometime before 997 CE, although some historians believe he actually renovated a smaller earlier temple.
Over the centuries, Somnath faced destruction 17 times at the hands of invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and Alauddin Khalji. Yet, every time it was rebuilt, signifying the undying spirit of faith.
In 1026, during Bhima I’s reign, the Turkic Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided and plundered the Somnath temple, broke its Jyotirlinga, and carried away booty worth 20 million dinars.
During its 1299 invasion of Gujarat, Alauddin Khalji’s army, led by Ulugh Khan, defeated the Vaghela king Karna, and sacked the Somnath temple.
In 1395, the temple was destroyed for the third time by Zafar Khan, the last governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate and later founder of Gujarat Sultanate. In 1451, it was desecrated by Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat. For more details refer to Wikipedia.
The temple we see today was reconstructed in 1951 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Government of India declared it as “the eternal shrine”, symbolizing cultural pride and resilience.
Architecture of Somnath Temple
The current temple, built in the Chalukya style of architecture, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its shikhara rises 155 feet high, and the main kalash weighs about 10 tonnes. Intricate carvings on the walls depict stories from Hindu epics.
Standing before the temple, I felt awestruck by its grandeur. What touched me most was the arrow pillar (Baan Stambh), which points directly towards the South Pole with no landmass in between – a reminder of India’s ancient scientific wisdom.
Inside, the sanctum housing the Jyotirlinga radiates a calm yet powerful energy. As I bowed before the deity, a sense of surrender and peace enveloped me.
Geographical Location of Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is situated in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. Perched on the Arabian Sea’s edge, the temple offers breathtaking views of the horizon. Standing here, you realize why this location was chosen- it feels like a divine gateway between earth and infinity.
Coordinates: 20.888° N, 70.401° E
How to Reach Somnath Temple
Traveling to Somnath is both convenient and scenic. Here’s how you can reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (63 km), well connected to Mumbai and other major cities.
- By Rail: Veraval Railway Station, just 7 km away, connects Somnath with Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and beyond.
- By Road: Gujarat’s highways are excellent. Regular buses and taxis are available from cities like Ahmedabad (410 km) and Rajkot (195 km).
Where to Stay Near Somnath Temple
Somnath offers accommodation for all budgets – from guesthouses to luxury hotels. The Somnath Trust runs dharmashalas that provide affordable and clean stays for pilgrims.
I stayed at the Sagar Darshan Guest House, located close to the temple. The rooms were comfortable, and clean. The warm hospitality of the locals made me feel at home. For those seeking a spiritual atmosphere, the Trust dharmashala near the temple is an excellent choice.
Best Time to Visit Somnath
- October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.
- April to June: Hot but manageable if you prefer less crowded travel.
- July to September: Monsoons bring a mystical charm, with the Arabian Sea adding drama to the temple backdrop.
For the best experience, plan your trip around festivals like Maha Shivratri.
Festivals at Somnath
Somnath comes alive during festivals, offering a glimpse into the vibrant spiritual culture of Gujarat.
- Maha Shivratri: Celebrated with grandeur; thousands of devotees gather for special rituals.
- Kartik Purnima: The temple glows with diyas, and the atmosphere feels surreal.
- Somnath Fair: Held annually, it blends spirituality with local traditions, music, and dance.
Local People & Culture
The people of Somnath reflect Gujarat’s warm hospitality. Locals are deeply spiritual and eager to share stories of the temple’s past. Gujarati culture thrives here through folk songs, dances, and traditional food. Don’t miss trying Undhiyu, Thepla, and Fafda-Jalebi at local eateries.
Nearby Attractions
Somnath is not just about the temple; it is a gateway to many other attractions:
| Attraction | Distance from Somnath | Highlights |
| Triveni Sangam | 1 km | Confluence of Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers |
| Chandrabhaga Shakti Peetha | 1.2 km | Located in Prabhas region, near the Triveni Sangam and Somnath Temple, Gujarat. |
| Bhalka Tirth | 5 km | Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow |
| Junagadh | 85 km | Historic forts, Girnar Hills, and Buddhist caves |
| Gir National Park | 70 km | Home to the majestic Asiatic lions |
| Diu Island | 80 km | Portuguese heritage, beaches, and forts |
Conclusion
The Somnath Temple is more than a pilgrimage – it is a journey through India’s soul. From mythology to history, from architecture to faith, it embodies resilience against time and destruction. My visit was not just about offering prayers but about experiencing the eternal spirit of devotion.
If you’re planning a spiritual journey, Somnath should be on top of your list. It is not just a temple – it’s a reminder that faith, like the ocean beside it, is boundless and eternal.
External References to Deepen Your Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Somnath Temple stands in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat, India, along the Arabian Sea coast.
Somnath Temple holds fame as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It also symbolizes resilience because devotees rebuilt it several times after repeated invasions.
Lord Soma (the Moon God) first built the temple in gold, according to legends. Later, Ravana built it in silver, Krishna built it in wood, and King Bhimadeva of the Solanki dynasty built it in stone.
Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the Somnath Temple in 1026 CE during his invasion. Other rulers later attacked and plundered it, but devotees kept rebuilding it.
The current Somnath Temple was reconstructed in 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi, after India’s independence.
Devotees worship Lord Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlinga at Somnath Temple.
Somnath Temple stands at a spot where no land lies between the temple and the South Pole, making it geographically unique. Ancient scriptures also describe it as a sacred confluence of Triveni Sangam – the meeting point of rivers Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati.
You can reach Somnath Temple by:
Air: Diu Airport (85 km away) is the nearest airport.
Rail: Veraval Railway Station (7 km away) connects Somnath to major Indian cities.
Road: State and national highways link Somnath with Rajkot, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad.
The best time to visit Somnath Temple is October to March, when the weather remains pleasant for darshan and sightseeing.
