Hindu temple
Somnath Temple
In short
Somnath, on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat, is traditionally regarded as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Destroyed and rebuilt many times through history, it stands today as a symbol of resilience and enduring devotion.
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Key facts
- Presiding deity
- Shiva
- Significance
- The first of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva
- Location
- Prabhas Patan (Veraval), Gujarat
- Official source
- Official — Shree Somnath Trust
Significance
Somnath is held to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, giving it a special place among Shiva shrines. Its seaside setting at Prabhas Patan is ancient and storied.
Rebuilt repeatedly after successive destructions, Somnath has become an emblem of the endurance of faith; its present temple was reconstructed in the mid-20th century.
History
The shrine was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The present temple was rebuilt after India's independence, completed in 1951, in the Chalukya style of Gujarati temple architecture.
How to reach
At Prabhas Patan near Veraval, on the Gujarat coast. The nearest major hubs are Veraval (rail) and airports at Diu and Rajkot.
For current darshan timings and arrangements, always check the temple’s official source: Official — Shree Somnath Trust.
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About Somnath Temple
Why is Somnath famous?
It is traditionally the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, and famous for having been destroyed and rebuilt many times — a symbol of the resilience of faith.
Where is the Somnath Temple?
At Prabhas Patan near Veraval, on the Arabian Sea coast of Gujarat.
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