Experts believe one of India's twelve holy jyotirlingas appeared at the honey-coloured. The beautifully done Somnath temple is in the western part of the state. People say this is where Shiva came up as a burning column of light. The temples are where the Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati rivers meet. The Temple is one of the most beautiful attractions among the places to visit in Somnath. 

The Arabian Sea waves hit the shore where the temples are. The history of the old Temple goes back to 649 BC, but it is thought to be older than that. The present shape of the Temple was put back together in 1951. On the north side of the temple yard, there are colourful dioramas of the Shiva story. It's hard to see them through the foggy glass, though. 

History

It is a belief that Somraj, the moon god, built the first Temple in Somnath out of gold. Ravana rebuilt it out of silver, Krishna out of wood, and Bhimdev out of stone. The new building, which is calm and symmetrical, is under construction on the original coastal site using standard plans. 

On top of it is a small sculpture and the colour is cream. Jyotirlinga is the name for one of the 12 most holy Shiva sites. Its centre is a giant, black Shiva lingam.

Why did 17 attacks happen on Somnath Temple?

Mahmud of Ghazni was a Turkish invader who struck India 17 times between 1000 and 1024 AD. He did this to get rich and to spread Islam. In 1024 AD, he attacked Gujarat and robbed the Somnath Temple of all its wealth, damaging it.

What is the secret of Somnath Temple?

On the arrow pillar called Baan-Stambh, which is part of the sea-protection wall at the Temple, there is a Sanskrit inscription that says the Temple is at a point on Indian land that is the first point on ground from the north pole to the south pole at that longitude.

The best time to visit

The cooler months of October through February are the best times to visit Somnath Temple. However, the place is open all year. People here enjoy Shivratri (usually in February or March) and Kartik Purnima with great joy. Your Somnath tour package will only be complete with a visit to the Temple.