Why Somnath Temple is famous ?

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The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. Destroyed and reconstructed several times in the past, the present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951.

Located in the state of Gujarat in India, the famous Somnath Temple is a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" (lighted lingas), which is a symbol of Lord Shiva.

The temple of Somnath has existed since times immemorial and it is also mentioned in the oldest holy scriptures, Rig Veda. An interesting fact about Somnath temple is that though it has been destroyed a number of times; it has always been rebuilt.

Read the legend behind the Somnatha pilgrimage.

It is said that the Somnath temple was built by the moon God himself in gold, then by the demon king Ravana in silver, in sandalwood by Lord Krishna and in stone by the one of the rulers of Gujarat, Bhimdeva.

It is said that the moon was very proud because of his beauty.

Angered by his arrogance, his father-in-law cursed him to decrease and ultimately vanish. He pleaded for mercy and then was told to worship Lord Shiva.

His curse was removed partially and he thus built the temple for Lord Shiva.

The architecture of the present temple reflects the Chalukya style of construction.

The intricate and flawless carvings speak volumes about the skilled artisans of Gujarat.

An inscription on the Arrow Pillar on the sea protection wall states that there is no piece of land between the point where the temple stands and Antarctica.

The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad commented that the Somnath temple symbolizes the fact that the power of creation is always more than the power of destruction.

Somnath Temple is in news yet again but not for a very good reason. Now, non-Hindus will require special permission to visit the great temple (which is no less than an architectural marvel)

As per the news available, to get this special permission, the visitors will have to give valid reasons and convince the authorities. Let’s take a look at some fascinating yet unknown facts about the Somnath temple…

Shree Somnath Jyotirling is a pilgrimage for Hindus. Non-Hindus will have to obtain permission from the office of the General Manager (of the temple) to enter the sacred premises," read a notice that was put up beside the temple's main entrance earlier this week

The temple authorities claim the decision has been taken in view of security issues. They point out that several temples in South India have similar rules.

The modern day Somnath Temple was built over five years, from 1947 to 1951 and was inaugurated by then President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad.

Somnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva which are considered to be very holy as each of the twelve Jyotrilinga is considered to be the manifestation of the Lord Shiva

The Shivalinga in the temple is believed to have been safely hiding within its hollowness the famous Syamantak Mani, the Philosopher’s stone, which is associated with Lord Krishna

It had been desecrated and vandalised repeatedly by Muslim invaders. Every time it was rebuilt at the same site. The modern temple was built over five years - from 1947 to 1951. It was inaugurated by then President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad.

The Shiva linga in the temple was believed to safely hide within its hollowness the famous Syamantak Mani, the Philosopher's stone associated with Lord Krishna

The temple finds its reference in the most ancient texts of Hindus like Shreemad Bhagavat, Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Rig-Veda which signifies the importance of this temple as one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India.