Shree Somnath Temple, Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Gujarat 362268

Description

The Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval on the western coast of Gujarat, is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, it is a major pilgrimage destination and one of Gujarat's most visited spiritual landmarks. Throughout its long history, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The present temple, constructed in the magnificent Chaulukya style of Hindu architecture, was rebuilt after India's independence under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was completed in May 1951. Today, it stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and India's enduring cultural heritage. Somnath has been a revered pilgrimage site since ancient times due to its location at the sacred **Triveni Sangam**, where the Kapila, Hiran, and the legendary Saraswati rivers meet the Arabian Sea. According to Hindu tradition, the Moon God (Soma) was cursed and lost his radiance. He performed penance and bathed in the holy waters at Prabhas Patan, where Lord Shiva blessed him and restored his brilliance. This divine legend is associated with the waxing and waning phases of the moon. The names **Prabhas**, meaning "radiance," and **Someshwar** or **Somnath**, meaning "Lord of the Moon," are believed to have originated from this sacred tradition.

History

Temple Website

• First of the Twelve Jyotirlingas

• One of India's Most Sacred Shiva Temples

• Sacred Triveni Sangam Nearby

• Associated with the Legend of the Moon God

• Mahashivratri, Kartik Purnima, and Diwali

• Bhalka Tirth Temple

• Prachi Tirth