Information of Somnath Temple, Veraval, Gir Somnath, Gujarat

The Somnath Temple is situated in Prabhas Kshetra close to Veraval in Saurashtra district Gir Somnath which lies on the west coast of Gujarat, India. The Somnath Temple is considered to be amongst the twelve jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also alternatively known as the Shrine Eternal or Prabhas Pattan. The Somnath Temple is considered to be quite holy owing to the association of several fables.

Somnath Temple Religious Significance

The recent reconstruction of the Somnath Temple was done in accordance with the Chalikya pattern of architecture which is unique to temples and is also referred to as the Kailash Mahameru Prasad Style. According to the legends it is believed that the Somnath Temple was actually built by the Moon God himself and therefore, is considered to be in existence since the era of creation. The remnants of this particular temple portray the history of such a city which has been found to have endured the jolts of time along with surviving the attacks and invasions of the destroyers. Bakhla Tirth, the place where the revered Lord Krishna was believed to have been shot by an arrow released by a Bhil tribal, is at a short distance from the Somnath Temple. The Somnath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva is considered to be quite an ancient one of Gujarat, India and remains to be a popular milestone in the history of India. The Temple is identified to be the idyllic holy place for the Hindus which successfully endured the devastation of time. It is regarded as the timeless shrine as the recognition and grandeur are legendry. The Temple is supposed to have been initially built by the moon god, Somanath with gold. Ravana, rebuilt it again in silver and then once more, Lord Krishna who is believed to be the re-embodiment of Lord Vishnu made it in wood. Then during the 10th century, it was reconstructed by King Bhimdev Solanki in stone.

Somnath Temple Mythology & History

Soma, Daksha's son-in-law is actually the name of moon. It is believed that Soma once had failed to obey a specific order which was given by Daksha. This annoyed his father-in-law, Daksha so much that he went ahead and cursed Soma which was however later withdrawn on the condition that Soma had to bathe in Saraswati river and offer his prayers to Lord Shiva. Thus, Shiva since then was regarded as the Lord of the Moon, Somanath.

The Somnath Temple is believed to be amongst the most revered holy shrines of the country as it is supposed to be the initial Jyotirlinga among the twelve ones and is known to share a special significance for the Hindus. The Somnath Temple is also found to have been mentioned in the famous Rig Veda. Individuals from the farthest regions of the country flock to this temple in order to offer their prayers and respect at Somnath. The Temple is referred to as "The Shrine Eternal" owing to the actuality that the temple was demolished several times by the Islamic rulers as well as kings. The temple was reconstructed every time it was destroyed and the final reconstruction was ordered by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the month of November, 1947. However, it needs to be mentioned in this regard that the Somanath Temple is presently known by the name of Kailash Mahameru Prasada.

Thus for peace and serenity, it is important to be the part of the eternity, immortal soul in the name of God that exist in this universe and we offer prayer. It would be wonderful to be the part of Somnath Temple, while in Gujarat.