Shri Somnath Temple is first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India, in Veraval region of Junagadh district Gujarat, The temple is built at the shore of the Arabian ocean on the western corner of the Indian subcontinent. This pilgrimage is one of the oldest and finds its reference in ancient texts like Skandpuran, Shreemad Bhagvat, Shivpuran, etc. Somnath means ‘Lord of Moon’ and the town gets its name from the Somnath.

Shri Somnath Temple is one of the main religious places to visit in Gujarat where millions of devotees visited here every year. It is not just the temple, but other tourist attractions like Somnath Museum, Somnath beach, and Junagadh Gate also attract visitors. The Sound and Light Show held in the temple is another attraction. The first historical temple at Somnath is believed to have been built between 320 and 500 AD.

The temple was destroyed a few times during its first several centuries, In 1951, the new temple was constructed on the original grounds, next to the 18th-century construction of Holkar’s, The remains of the old temple are now preserved in a museum for public view. The Jyotirlinga was installed by the former President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1950 AD. The overall look reminds one of a Solanki temple in the manner of Modhera.

Published: Niresh Kumar Balan