Updated May 25, 2023
History of Somnath Temple
The Somnath temple, a Hindu temple in ancient times, was called Somanātha temple or Deo Patan. Its location is in Prabhas Patna, Veraval, Gujarat, India. Devotees believe that Somnath temple is the first among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, which is why it is one of the sacred religious journeys of Hindus. The Temple was destroyed many times by different Muslim rulers and invaders, specially started in the 11th century by Mahmud Ghazni. Because of this, its reconstruction took place many times. There is no clear evidence of when the construction of the Somnath temple took place. It varies between earlier centuries of the 1st millennium and the 9th century CE.
Location
The Temple Somnath is along the coastline in Prabhas Patan near Veraval. This area comes in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. From Ahmedabad, it is 400 KM (249 mi) in the southwest direction, and from Junagadh, 82 KM (51 mi) south direction. If you start from Veraval railway junction, it is 7 KM (4 mi) in a southeast order. From Porbandar airport, it is 130 KM (81 mi), and from Diu airport, it is 85 KM (53 mi).
About Somnath Temple
Popular belief is that the building of the shore of Somadeva is in Stone. The seventh temple architecture follows the style of Kailas Mahameru Prasad.
The temple was built in 4 phases: by Lord Soma in Gold, by Ravi in Silver, By Lord Krishna in Wood, and By King Bhima.
We can see the beauty of this temple in the Garbhgruh, Sabhamandap, and Nritya Mandap, which has a 155F high Shikar. At the top of the Shikhar, there is a Kalash of 10 tons. Dhwajdand is also there, standing 27 ft tall and 1 foot in circumference.
Tirth Stambh, the Abadhit Samudra Marg, indicates the sea route to the South Pole, which is free from obstruction. From the South Pole, the nearest land is about 9936 KM away. The location of this Jyotirling indicates the good geographical strategy and wisdom of ancient India. Maharani Ahilyabai renovated the temple, which is adjacent to the main complex of the temple.
In the Geeta Mandir are Eighteen marble pillars on which a carving of the divine message of Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta is present. And nearby Geetamandir, Shri Lakshminarayan Mandir is also situated. Along with his Temple, there are many more places to visit, such as Balramji Cave and Tapobhumi of Parashuram, and many holy stories connect themselves with this sacred Somnath Temple.
Facilities for visitors or pilgrims
One can plan a pilgrimage to this Temple and avail of many of its facilities that the Shree Somnath Trust manages. The Temple boasts facilities like a VIP Guest House and 18 other Guest Houses with an affordable Dormitory. There are more than 200 rooms in the guest houses. Charges for rooms vary according to the type of guest house. Visitors can book these facilities online also.
The timings for Darshan and Arti at Somnath Temple,
Darshan: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Aarti: 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 PM.
There is also a light show by Jay Somnath, which starts at 7:45 PM.
This Temple is a symbol of cultural unity. The Temple symbolizes strength and grit as it stands tall even after various assaults by invaders. Sardar Shri Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, is this seventh Temple’s pioneer.
Recommended Articles
We hope that this EDUCBA information on “Somnath Temple” was beneficial to you. You can view EDUCBA’s recommended articles for more information,
