SOMNATH TEMPLE
AT
JUNAGADH
Somnath temple is also known as Prabhas Pattan and the Shrine Eternal. Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of
God Shiva.
The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on
the western coast of Gujarat, India. Meaning of Somnath is the protector of God moon. First temple of Somnath was built before
the commencement of the Christian era. Second temple was built by Vallabhi King
in 480 - 768 A.D
Somnath
Temple is one of the very ancient temples of India located in Gujarat and stands as a famous landmark in the
Indian history. Somnath Temple is located about 79 kilometers from Junagadh in
the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval and the most legendary temples of the western
coast of India. Somnath Temple is the ideal sacred place of the Hindus that
survived the ravages of time.
The
Somnath Temple is an ideal example of the ancient Indian temple architecture.The
Somnath Temple is known as the eternal shrine whose glory and fame are
legendary. It is believed that Somraj, the moon god, built the Somnath Temple
or the Somnath Pattan out of gold.
It was rebuilt by Ravana in silver. Again
Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu built it in wood. Further in the
10th century it was rebuilt in stone by King Bhimdev Solanki.
The ruins of the Somnath Temple were pulled down in
October 1950 and the mosque was shifted a few miles away. The temple was built
in 1951. A statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in front of the temple as
a mark of honour for his contribution to the building of the temple.
The Somnath Temple is visited by millions of devotees
every year. It is not just the temple, but other tourist attractions like
Somnath Museum, Somnath beach and Junagadh Gate also attract visitors. The
Sound and Light Show held in the temple is another attraction.
By Bus
State
transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat
to Somnath.
By Train
Somnath
is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.Veraval,
(5 kms.) is the closest Railway station.
By Air
There are no
regular flights from other major cities of the country to Somnath. Nearest
airport is Diu Airport.
Somnath-63
km away Diu Airport (DIU), Diu,
Daman And Diu
Somnath-114
km away Porbandar Airport (PBD), Porbandar,
Gujarat.
Somnath Prabhas Patan 362268, Junagadh, Gujarat. India.
