Somnath Temple is one of India's oldest pilgrimage sites, with references to it in the Shiv Puran, Skanda Purana, and Shreemad Bhagvat Gita. Somnath means 'Protector of the Moon God,' because Soma means 'Moon God.'

Soma, the Indian God of the Moon, was cursed by his father-in-law to lose his lustre, according to mythology. Lord Shiva was the one who cured his condition, and Soma later erected this temple in his honour. Among India's 12 jyotirlingas, it is one of the most renowned 'jyotirlingas.'

The temple lies in Saurashtra's Prabhas Kshetra (Gujarat). Lord Krishna is said to have left his mortal form in Prabhas Kshetra. The pilgrims can also enjoy a Somnath museum, Junagadh gate, beach, and a sound and light display.

Interesting Facts about Somnath Temple

The modern-day Somnath Temple was constructed during a five-year period, from 1947 to 1951, and was dedicated by then-Indian President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

The legendary Syamantak Mani, the Philosopher's stone, which is associated with Lord Krishna, is said to have been carefully hidden beneath the hollowness of the Shivalinga in the temple. It was thought to be a mystical stone with the ability to produce gold. Stone was also thought to have alchemical and radioactive qualities, as well as the ability to produce a magnetic field around itself that allowed it to float above earth.

The temple is mentioned in Hindu scriptures dating back to the Shreemad Bhagavat, Skandpuran, Shivpuran, and Rig-Veda, indicating its significance as one of India's most famous pilgrimage destinations.

According to historians, Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times since it was supposed to be the confluence point of three rivers: the Kapila, Hiran, and the mythical Saraswati. Triveni Sangam was the name given to the confluence, and it is thought to be where Soma, the Moon deity, washed and regained his shine. At this seaside location, the effect is thought to be the waxing and waning of the moon or the waxing and waning of the tides.

According to mythology, the temple's first construction was created by Moon God, who used gold to construct the temple. The Sun God built it out of silver, whereas Lord Krishna built it out of sandalwood.

Mahmud Ghazni in 1024, Khilji's troops in 1296, Muzaffar Shah in 1375, Mahmud Begada in 1451, and Aurangzeb in 1665 all destroyed the temple.

The temple is supposed to be placed in such a way that there is no land between the Somnath coastline and Antarctica in a straight line. The temple stands at a point on the Indian piece of land that happens to be the first point on land in the north to the south-pole on that particular longitude, according to an inscription in Sanskrit found on the Arrow-Pillar called Baan-Stambh erected on the sea-protection wall at the Somnath Temple.

The name of Somnath Temple will change every time the earth is reconstructed, according to the Skanda Purana. When Lord Brahma creates a new universe after terminating the previous one, it is said that Somnath would be renamed Pran Nath Temple.

Along with Shiva, sculptures of Lord Brahma and Vishnu can be found on the temple's walls. Lord Shiva discloses that Somnath has been named eight times, according to the Prabhaskhand of the Skanda Purana, in response to Parvati's enquiry.

There have been around 6 Brahmas, according to another passage in the Skanda Purana. This is the Shatanand era, which is named after the seventh Brahma. Lord Shiva further discloses that the temple's name in the 7th Yuga is Somnath, while the Shivlinga's name in the last Yuga is Mrityunjay.

The first temple was established 7, 99, 25,105 years ago, according to Hindu scholar Swami Gajanand Saraswati, based on the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran.

Best time to visit:-

Though the site is open all year, the best time to visit Somnath Temple is during the milder months of October to February. Shivratri (typically in February or March) and Kartik Purnima (around Diwali) are both widely observed here.