Explore Somnath Temple – Know Everything Here!
Posted on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 by Renu Dahiya
The Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India. Located in the district of Gir-Somnath in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, the temple is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Somnath Temple was built by Lord Soma, the moon god.
The Somnath Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination and the site of numerous festivals and fairs. The temple is also visited by tourists from all over the world who come to witness its iconic architecture and to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. Find more information about the temple below –
History Of Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple is one of the most venerated and historically significant temples in India. Located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Gujarat, the temple is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas or the abodes of Lord Shiva. The Somnath Temple has a long and legendary history. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Soma, the Moon God, and was later rebuilt by Ravana, the demon king. The temple is said to have been destroyed by the armies of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD, who is said to have taken away the famous ‘Somnath Linga’.
The temple was subsequently rebuilt by a number of rulers, including the Guhilas of Mewar, the Chaulukyas of Gujarat, the Paramaras of Malwa, and the Solankis of Anhilwara. In 1783, the temple was again destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1869, the temple was restored to its former glory by the efforts of Raja Bhagvatsinh of Gondal and Karm Vir Pratap Singh of Junagadh. The restoration work was funded by the generous donations of the people of Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Architecture Of Somnath Temple
The temple has been a source of religious, cultural, and historical significance for thousands of years. It has been a pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is known for its grandeur and beauty, with intricate carvings and intricate sculptures. It is estimated that around 10 million devotees visit the temple every year.
The temple is said to have been destroyed and rebuilt several times in its history. The first temple is believed to have been built by Lord Soma, the moon god. The second temple was built by the legendary ruler of the Solar Dynasty, Bhagiratha. The third temple was built by the Yadav Kings of Gujarat and the fourth temple was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
Festivals Celebrated In Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple, one of the important religious tourist attractions in India, is also considered an auspicious site for offering prayers and puja. The temple is built on the banks of the holy river Saraswati and devotees perform rituals and ceremonies like Shraddha, Mahashivratri, Gopashtami, Akshaya Tritiya, and Maha Shivratri at the temple.
Best Time To Visit Somnath Temple
Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Depending on your personal preferences and the time of year, some months may be more suitable for your pilgrimage. Here is a look at the best times to visit the Somnath Temple:
1. The Spring Season: March to May
The spring season is the best time to visit the Somnath Temple. The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and exploring the temple complex. During this time, the temple is adorned with flowers, adding to the beauty of the place. The period between March and May is also considered to be a favorable time to perform rituals and seek blessings.
2. The Monsoon Season: June to September
The monsoon season is also a good time to visit the Somnath Temple. Although the weather can be quite humid, the greenery around the temple complex adds to its beauty. The monsoon rains also bring out some of the best views of the temple from nearby hills. You can also attend the annual Somnath Temple festival during this period and witness the grand celebrations.
3. The Winter Season: October to February
The winter season is a great time to visit the Somnath Temple. The temperature is cool, and the climate is pleasant for exploring the temple complex. The winter months are also the best time to witness the grand celebrations of the Makar Sankranti and Maha Shivaratri festivals. So, book your India tour packages this season and explore this peaceful place.
How To Reach Somnath Temple
If you plan to visit Somnath Temple, here is a guide to help you reach your destination.
- By Air– The nearest airport to Somnath Temple is at Diu, which is situated at a distance of around 75 km. You can catch a flight to Diu from any major Indian city such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. From Diu Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Veraval, which is the nearest town to the temple. You can also prefer booking international flights to Ahmedabad and then taking a cab or bus from the airport to the temple.
- By Train- The nearest railway station to Somnath Temple is Veraval Railway Station, which is located at a distance of just 3 km from the temple. The station is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. You can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach Somnath Temple.
- By Road– If you plan to drive to the Somnath Temple, there are several routes available. The most convenient route to take is via National Highway 8E, which connects Veraval to Ahmedabad. You can also take National Highway 8B, which connects Junagadh and Porbandar. There are also several state highways that connect the temple to other major cities in Gujarat.
Planning to book flight tickets to Gujarat from the USA? Check these popular USA-India routes that you can take –
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Other Temples In Gujarat
Attracting thousands of visitors from home and abroad every year, this state is known for its historical buildings and monuments that are the perfect example of heritage and modernity. Temples in Gujarat are known for combining elegance and culture. Here are some of the other temples of Gujarat that you should explore –