Shri Somnath (Somanatham ca, Saurastre) - Somnath


More Information

The Somanath Temple, one of the 12 most sacred Jyotirlingas in India, stands magnificently on the coast of the Arabian Sea in the state of Gujarat. It is said that the temple was originally built by Soma, the Moon God, in penance and worship of Lord Shiva who had laid a curse upon him. Ransacked and destroyed several times by many invaders like Muhammad of Ghazini in 1025 A.D. and later by Allaudin in 1296 A.D., the present structure was once again rebuilt, this time in the original spot by a committe that was appointed after Independence. The temple was once decorated with gold and silver, but only the stone remains to display it's splendorous beauty. In the recesses of the balconied corridor, the mutilated form of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva can be found.


How to reach?

This is situated 5km from Verawal. It is a port on the seashore. Buses are always available from railway station. To reach Verawal Railway station trains are available from Rajkot and Khijari Verawal.