Somnath Temple: A Sacred Marvel of India

About Somnath Temple: The intricately carved honey-colored Somnath Temple, located on the western edge of Gujarat, is revered as the site of the first of the twelve holy jyotirlingas in India, where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a fiery column of light. This ancient temple, nestled at the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati rivers, stands where the waves of the Arabian Sea kiss the shore. The history of Somnath Temple dates back to 649 BC, though it is believed to be much older. The current structure was reconstructed in 1951. Visitors can enjoy colorful dioramas of Shiva’s story in the temple garden and a mesmerizing one-hour sound-and-light show narrated by Amitabh Bachchan at 7:45 PM daily.

Brief History: According to legend, the moon god Somraj first built the temple in gold, later reconstructed by Ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood, and by Bhimdev in stone. The present structure, built to traditional designs, features creamy-colored walls and intricate sculptures. The large, black Shiva lingam at its heart is one of the 12 most sacred Shiva shrines, known as jyotirlingas.
The temple has witnessed numerous invasions and reconstructions. The Arab traveler Al-Biruni’s glowing description of the temple led to a raid by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024, during which the temple, known for its immense wealth, was destroyed after a fierce battle. The temple was subsequently razed in 1297, 1394, and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb. It was not rebuilt until 1950.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is from October to February when the weather is cooler. Major festivals like Shivratri (February/March) and Kartik Purnima (around Diwali) are celebrated with great fervor.

How to Get There:
By Road: Somnath is 82 km from Junagadh, 270 km from Bhavnagar, 120 km from Porbandar, and 400 km from Ahmedabad.
By Train: Somnath railway station is well connected to major towns in Gujarat and across India.
By Air: The nearest airports are Porbandar Airport (120 km) and Rajkot Airport (200 km).