Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is situated at ‘Prabhas Kshetra’ near in Saurashtra in the state of Gujarat on the Arabian Sea. This is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres in India and finds mention in the ancient books, like Shivpuran, Skandpuran and Shreemad Bhagvat. Som refers to the ‘Moon God’, thus Somnath means ‘Protector of the Moon God’. According to a legend, Som got the temple built in the honor of Lord Shiva as it was Shiva who cured the illness, which was inflicted on him due to his father-in-law’s curse. This temple is basically a home of 12 ‘Jyotirlinga’ of India. The seven-storied structure of Somnath temple is tall to 155 feet and was constructed in the Chalukya style of architecture.

 The temple was built by the professionals and masters masons of the Sompuras, Gujarat. The temple and its landmark are not visible from Somnath seashore till Antarctica. In an inscription at the temple, it was written in Sanskrit on the Arrow-Pillar of the sea-protection wall. Dr. Rajendra Prasad-the first president of India conveyed that- ‘’Somnath Temple signifies that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction’’. This temple has an illustrious history and religious importance and thus Somnath temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors across the world. The temperature varies between 20°Cand 28°C in the winters and between 28°C and 34°C in the summers, therefore the climate of Somnath is mild and balmy. Tourists can also visit the place round the year but the best season to visit is winters – from October to March.

 Another interesting thing about the place is that it is built on the shore of Arabian Sea and in between the temple and the South Pole, in a straight line there is no land area. Somnath temple was destroyed