Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindus travelling Gujarat. With a strong historical background the temple of Lord Shiva is situated at Prabhas Ksetra-Veraval, which is around 80 km from Junagadh. There are few streets that connect the phoenix like home of Shiva. The Arabian Sea washes the feet of the temple here. Somnathji is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas across the whole India. Visiting the pilgrimage is no less than exploring the Omkareshwarji dham, Rameshwaram dham or Kedar Nath ji.
"The Shrine Eternal"—which is another title of Somnathji has been attacked several times by Islamic rulers and invaders. But it has been remodeled and reconstructed under the initiative of Sardar Vallabhai Patel later on.
Top Tourist Attractions in Somnath
Though the major tourist attraction of the place is the Somnath temple where the ‘Shoma’ epithet of Lord Shiva is worshipped but there are few other places to explore for the tourists after they are done with their morning aarti and worship in the temple.
Somnath Temple
This is one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. Hindu pilgrims from the remotest corners of the country visit this temple. Besides, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Gujarat. As already mentioned earlier that the temple has been ravaged several times by the Islamic invaders starting from sultan Mahmud of Ghazni to the Mughal monarch Aurangzeb himself as the temple was built and ornate with various riches including with gold. History says the temple has been built eight times. But finally, the temple of Shivji was rebuilt in the year 1950 with the benevolence and support of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel. The symmetrical and sinuous structure of the gigantic temple awe-struck the pilgrims.
Prabas Pata Museum
This museum preserves the relics of the previous destroyed temples of Somnathji. The 11th century elaborated ceiling is preserved here along with the priceless fragments of the temple that has been stored from the ruins after the invasions. Tourists can make an idea of the magnificence once the temple had.
Rudresvara Temple
This is another ruined temple located in a close proximity of the main Somnath temple. This temple also laid its foundation centuries back along with the Somnathji Temple. Visitors can make an idea of the previous Somnath temple from the wall arts and sculpture of this ancient edifice. Rudravesvara is a must see destination here.
Bhalka Tirth
This place is famous for Lord Krishna one of the Holy Trinities of the Hindus besides Brahma and Maheshwara. Bhalka Tirth is located in between Somnath and Veraval. Here, a hunter threw an arrow to the Lord Krishna mistakenly as a deer. Bhalka Tirth is a confluence of three rivers.
Triveni Ghat
Triveni Sangam, Triveni Sangam Snanghat or Triveni Ghat is a major attraction here. This place witnesses the confluence of three rivers Saraswati, Kapila and HIranya in the sea. Hinds believe that bathing in the confluence can wash off all sins that you make in a human life and moksha is felicitated.
How to reach Somnath?
By air: The nearest airport is at Keshod, which is about 47 kms and is well connected with Mumbai.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Veraval, which is about 5 Kms from there.
By Car: Somnath is well connected with other states of Gujarat.