|
| Somnath Tour Information |
|
| Location: |
 The Somnath temple is located in Saurashtra in Kshetra Prabhas near Veraval in the western part of Gujarat. It is one of the holiest shrines in India that worships the deity of Shiva as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Located beside the Arabian Sea it is one of the most sought after pilgrimage spots in the country. It is believed that the temple has gone through destruction six times and still has reemerged because of some divine power that exists in the temple. |
|
|
|
|
| Nearest Airport / Railway Station: |
| Keshod is the nearest airport to the Somnath temple in Veraval, located at the distance of 47 kilometers. It is connected to Mumbai by several flights.
The nearest railway station to the Somanth temple is located at the distance of 5 kilometers in Veraval. It is connected to some of the major states of the country by several trains. |
|
| Highlights: |
| Kailash Mahameru Prasad, The Somnath Museum, Bhalka Tirth, Junagarh Gate, Mai Puri, Ahilyabai Temple. |
|
| Best Time to Visit: |
The best time to visit the Somnath temple is during the winter season in the months of October to March when the weather remains soothing and pleasant. |
|
| History of Somnath: |
| According to the Hindu mythology, the Somnath temple was constructed by the Moon God. It was made up of gold. After being destroyed for the first time it was again built by Ravana who used silver for the job. It was again destroyed and was rebuilt of wood by Krishna. It was also reconstructed of stone by Bhimdev.
It is believed that the temple was destroyed several times by various invaders. The ancient inscriptions and carvings found at the place reveal that the place was initially inhabited by the Aryans.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the country, reinstalled the Jyotirling in Somnath in the year 1951.
|
|
| Places to see in Somnath: |
|
Kailash Mahameru Prasad: it is the present temple at Somnath that worships the Jyotirlinga shrine. The temple comprises of the shikhara, Garbhagriham, sabha mandap and the nritya mandap. It has been built based upon the Chalukya style of architecture. There are several inscriptions on the wall that reflect the history of the temple.
The Somnath Museum: it is a museum located beside the Somnath temple that exhibits the remnants of the previous temples that had been destroyed repeatedly. The carvings, pieces of stones having the inscriptions, potteries, water bottles containing sea waters and various other things are displayed at this museum that reveal the past of the temple.
Bhalka Tirth: it is the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have been wounded, mistaken as a deer. This place is located at the convergence of three rivers. There is also a temple of the Sun God located at the region.
Junagarh Gate: it is an ancient gate that was the entrance to the region and was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni. The gate is well known for its architectural magnificence.
Mai Puri: it was a Sun temple that was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni and converted into a mosque.
Ahilyabai Temple: it was built as an alternative to the Somnath temple. Located at the beach it offers a magnificent view of the picturesque landscape around.
|
| Things to do in Somnath: |
| Offer prayers at the temple, visit the tourist attractions of the place, stroll on the beach. |
| Shopping in Somnath: |
| The images of Lord Shiva, the miniatures of Jyotirlinga, the pictures and images of the temple and other religious memorabilias are the things to look for in the local shops located in the town and around the temple. |
|
|
|
|
