All That Awaits You In & Around The Iconic Somnath Temple

“The power of creation is always more than the power of destruction.”

Those were the golden words uttered by former president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as he performed the pran-pratistha at Somnath Temple in 1951. After being ransacked 17 times and razed to the ground over six times, Somnath Temple indeed lives up to his words, and to its famous moniker – ‘The Eternal Shrine’!

The Legendary Beginning

Said to be as old as creation itself, the existence of this temple dates back to a popular legend. According to ancient Indian scriptures, the moon god, Chandradev was married to the 27 daughters of Prajapati Daksh ​— the son of Lord Brahma. However, he loved only one among those – Rohini. This made his other wives go up to their father and complain against this partiality, following which, Prajapati Daksh cursed Chandradev to wane away. A concerned Chandradev thus prayed to Lord Shiva and did severe penance. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him a boon, saying that he will gradually wane away but also grow back every 15 days. This is believed to be the reason why the moon gradually phases in and out.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Chandradev made a golden temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Somnath, thus creating the first Jyotirlinga. Thus, was born Somnath Dham.

Later, when the temple was destroyed, Ravana is said to have built a silver temple there during Treta Yug, followed by a sandalwood temple made by Lord Krishna in Dwapara Yug. The first modern version, made of stone, is believed to have been built by King Bhimdev, sometime around the 10^th century.

Read More: 10 Pilgrimages in India Worth Taking At Least Once

Did You Know?

Located right on the shore of the Arabian Sea, the wall of the temple has a Sanskrit inscription that reveals a rather fascinating geographical nugget of information. If one were to draw a straight line between the Somnath Temple and the continent of Antarctica, there would be no land mass in between! 

#MMTQuickFacts

1. Depicting splendid Chalukya style architecture, the temple commands sweeping views of the sea, and dazzles gloriously under the afternoon sun.
2. The first of the 12 Jyotirlingas on earth, the revered Somnath Temple finds mention in the Rig Veda, Shri Bhagwad Gita and other religious texts. Located at the confluence of three holy rivers, Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati, pilgrims can also take a holy dip in the waters here. Called the Triveni Sangam, it is said that a dip in this holy site can rid mortals of the cycle of birth and death and help them attain moksha.
3. The best time to visit Somnath is during winters, and devotees flock in large numbers during the month of February to celebrate Shivratri. Summers are extremely hot while monsoons are humid, but for those seeking solitude, these seasons provide a welcome respite from the crowds.
4. The closest domestic airport is at Diu, about two hours away. For international travellers, the Ahmedabad airport, about eight hours away, is ideal. The Veraval railway station, less than 20 minutes away, also provides easy access to the temple.

Things to do around the Somnath Temple

Explore the Beach: 

Hop over to Somnath Beach for a breath of fresh sea air and a sip of cool coconut water. We recommend a sunset visit to soak in the glorious views.

Pay your respects at the Bhalka Tirth: 

Legend has it that Lord Krishna was shot in the feet by a hunter, while resting here. This significant event marked the end of Treta Yug and the beginning of Kali Yug. A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built here to commemorate that. You can spend some time in the temple’s tranquil environs and learn further about this significant event.

Visit Suraj Mandir:

A few steps away from the Triveni Sangam beach sits Suraj Mandir, one of the rare temples dedicated to the Sun God. Offer your prayers and spend some time introspecting about life here.

Explore the Paanch Pandav Gufa: 

Popularly known as the Hinglaj Mataji Gufa, Hinglaj Mata herself is believed to have appeared here to protect the Pandava brothers during their exile. While you can seek divine blessings at the temple, a climb atop at sunset guarantees mesmerising views for your eyes to feast on.

Rejuvenate at the Chorwad Beach: 

Home to the former Nawab of Junagadh, the Chorwad Beach is a hauntingly beautiful beach standing testimony to the former glory of the princely state. Ideal for photography sessions and group outings, the beach is perfect to lose the crowd.

Pay homage at Parshuram Temple: 

A sanctified spot where Lord Parshuram underwent penance to free himself of a curse, this holy site is among a handful of temples dedicated to the fabled warrior. The temple becomes a hotbed of activities during the Harihar Parva, when Naga Sadhus from the Himalayas descend here to offer prayers. You can explore the ruins and check out the majestic black statue of Parshuram, replete with his signature axe and fierce look.

Celebrate Krishna’s legacy: 

Dehotsarg Teerth is the spot where Lord Krishna is said to have breathed his last. An impression of footprints marks the divine spot and a cave nearby, called Balram ji ki Gufa, is worshipped as the location where Lord Balram shed his mortal coils and moved towards the sea as Sheshnaag.​

Relive history at Prabhas Patan Museum:

Housing one of the best collections of relics and artifacts, the Prabhas Patan Museum attracts tourists with a popular folklore. It is believed that the collection hides the original Kalbhairav Linga from the Somnath Temple, and the moon god, Chandradev still comes in to worship there!​

Offer prayers at Prachi Tirth: 

Revered for being the spot where Lord Krishna offered tarpan to his Yaduwanshi ancestors, Prachi Tirth is a sacred spot, similar to the ghats of Varanasi, for paying respect to our ancestors.

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Embark on a wildlife safari: 

Famous as the last home of the dwindling Asiatic Lions, the Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for every nature lover. About two hours from Somnath, you can get a chance to look a lion in the eye, observe leopards and hyenas in their natural habitat and enjoy bird-watching here.

Book Your Flight to Somnath (nearest airport)