Somnath Temple

By George On

Somnath Temple is a famous Shiva temple on the Western Coast of India. It is situated in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat state.

Somnath Temple Somnath Temple. Photo Source: Creative Commons

The meaning of the word Somnath in English is The Protector of (the) Moon-god. The Temple was destroyed many times by non-Hindu kings or rulers and was rebuilt many times.

The last restoration/ renovation was immediately upon attaining Indian Independence in 1947, under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s (Iron Man of India, who was the leading force in the integration of India on its Independence by making almost all of the Princely states existing at those time as part of the Indian Union; the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Mister of India) plan of restoration for the temple. The restoration/renovation continued under K. M. Munshi on Sardar Patel’s death in December 1950. A statue of this great leader, Patel, is in front of the temple.

This place finds a place in the great epic Mahabharata. This Temple is considered the most sacred jyotirlinga among the 12 jyotirlingas of India,

There is a Museum and beach here that attracts millions of tourists every year. Junagadh Gate is another tourist attraction here.

How Do I Go to Somnath Temple?

Veraval station, with code VRL, is the nearest railway station at around five kilometers distance to this temple in Gujarat. Rajkot, with station code RJT, is at around 190 kilometers distance, which is well connected to other cities in India. Ahmedabad is 400 kilometers distance from Somnath town. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Asiatic Lions, is 42 kilometers from the temple.

Where Do I Stay at Somnath?

There are many guest houses around the temple at Somnath. Those guest houses run by the temple trust offer free accommodation on a first-come-first-served basis. There is also a VIP Guesthouse that accepts bookings. There are also many other guest houses in Somnath town.

What is the Ideal Time to Visit Somnath Temple?

October to March is the ideal time to visit this temple, as the climate is good.

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