Jyotirlinga · Gujarat
Somnath Temple
Revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
- Primary deity
- Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
- Location
- Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat
- Category
- Jyotirlinga
- Coordinates
- 20.888, 70.401
History
Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt many times across its long history. The present temple was reconstructed in 1951 in the Maru-Gurjara (Chalukya) style, an effort spearheaded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and was dedicated by then-President Rajendra Prasad.
Architecture
Maru-Gurjara (Chalukya) style in sandstone, with an intricately carved shikhara rising above the sanctum on the Arabian Sea shore.
Legend & tradition
Tradition holds that the moon god Soma built the original shrine in gold to be cured of a curse, giving the site its name 'Somnath' (Lord of the Moon).
Festivals
Darshan & timings
Generally open early morning to night, with aarti three times daily. Confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting.
How to reach
Nearest railway station: Veraval (~7 km). Nearest airports: Diu and Rajkot.
Sources
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