Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Somnath temple is one of the first 12 Jyotirlinga or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam which is a very known and ancient temple of Shivji. The temple has historical importance and was destroyed and built many times by Muslim and Hindu kings respectively. It is one of the famous temples in Gujarat. Somnath means "Lord of the Soma", a term of Shiva.

History:

The Somnath Jyotirlinga temple has a history that dates back thousands of years. The original temple was built by the Moon God, Soma, in gold, followed by Ravana in silver, and later by Krishna in wood. The current stone structure was reconstructed in the Chalukya style by the Solanki Rajputs in 1951, under the guidance by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to attacks by foreign rulers, notably by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Temple Timings:

The temple is open to devotees from early morning till late evening:

1. Darshan Timings: From 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2. Aarti Timings: 7:00 a.m. in the morning, 12:00 in noon, 7:00 p.m. in the evening
3. Light & Sound Show Timings: 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The temple also hosts a spectacular light and sound show every evening, which displays the temple's history and significance.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

1. Bhalka Tirth
2. Somnath Beach
3. Paanch Pandav Gufa
4. Somnath Museum
5. Gauri Kund
6. Gita Mandir
7. Triveni Sangam
8. Prabhas Patan Museum