Somnath -Tourism

This temple town has a long and chequered History. Even though it is referred to by several other names, names it acquired in the various phases of History, the name Somnath is unrivalled as far as popularity is concerned. And understandably so because this small town would have faded to oblivion but for the presence of the magnificent Somnath Temple from which it receives its best known name.

Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, Pattan Somnath (some of the other names of this sea side town in Gujarat, India) would have all been erased from public memory. But instead of that this place has made a distinctive place for itself primarily because of this brilliant structure. The History of Somnath (as in referring to the city) is so completely dominated by the History of Somnath Temple that it would not be exaggeration in the least to say that they are synonymous.

Not much is known about the early History of Somnath temple. However it is popularly believed that the first temple existed even before the commencement of the Christian era. The second was built in the period 480-767 A.D. by the Vallabhi kings. This was again replaced by the Pratihara king Nagabhattta II in 815 A.D.

The Somnath temple which enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas was so highly revered that people from various nook and corners of the country came to offer their prayers here.

As many as 2000 Brahmin priests were engaged in temple activities and the revenue collected from ten thousand villages were used for its maintenance. Prayers were announced by ringing the bell which was attached to a golden chain. Its walls were nothing less than pages of History. The exquisite sculptures were a reflection of the times and the pillars even had the names of the sculptors carved on them.

Unfortunately what happened in the year 1025 was a very unfortunate event in the Somnath temple history. Muhammad of Ghazni invaded the city and in spite of the valiant resistance put up by fifty thousand Shaivites, the temple was looted and razed to the ground. What was regarded as an architectural masterpiece was demolished brutally.

King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa then took upon themselves the noble task of renovating this fine edifice in red sandstone. However it was fated to be destroyed once again by Alaf Khan in 1300 A.D. This time King Mahipala belonging to the Chudasama dynasty renovated it.

Thereafter also the History of Somnath is punctuated with episodes of destruction and reconstruction at various points of time in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Finally the temple was once again ruined in 1706 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After that more than two hundred years passed before Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel finally took upon himself the responsibility of constructing it once again in the year 1947. Much to the glory and pride of not just Somnath but of the whole of India this stunning temple was once again reincarnated. Presently this "Shrine Eternal" is visited by a large number of pilgrims as well as by common tourists. So without further delay you too can plan your Tour to Somnath to witness this majestic temple.

Tourist Attractions in Somnath- Located in Gujarat, Somnath derives its name from its famous Somnath Temple, Somnath meaning The Protector of Moon God. According to the legend, the conceited Moon, otherwise called Chandra became so arrogant that her father-in-law cursed her to fade away. She prayed to Lord Shiva who gave partial respite from the curse, so she disappears periodically.

Tourist Attractions in Somnath

Somnath Temple located in Somnath in the state of Gujarat it is dedicated to the Moon Goddess. It is said that the temple was first constructed by Moon Goddess with gold, then by silver and rock respectively by Ravana and Bhima. The second Somnath Temple is said to have been massacred by the Afghans several times. It was revamped by Pratihara king Nagabhata II who also built the third temple in 815 AD, which was essentially constructed with red sandstone. It is one of the greatest Tourist Attractions at Somnath.

Kailash Mahameru Prasada is another temple that has been constructed in the Chalukya style of temple architecture; the skills of the Sompuras who were regarded as Gujarat's master masons are reflected through the elegant architecture. It is another greatest Tourist Attraction in Somnath.

Somnath is incomplete without its magnificent Shiva Lingam which is worshipped day in and day out by ardent devotees, who comes here with their wishes that needs to be fulfilled. In the year 1951 Dr. Rajendra Prasad who was the first President of India, participated in the Jyotirling-Pratishthapan ritual at the new Temple and said the famous words, "The Somnath Temple signifies that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction.

Best Time to Visit Somnath- In the western coast of Gujarat, near Veraval, lies the Somnath Temple. It is a very revered site, for the several legends associated with the site and is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Somnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations among the Hindus and the devotees pay a visit to the temple, throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the temple is during the winter season, when the weather remains pleasant and makes it easier for sightseeing.

Excursions from Somnath- Once you have seen the tourist attractions of Somnath, you may plan for some enjoyable Excursions from Somnath. These Tours from Somnath would take you to some interesting places that lie close to Somnath and would offer you a lot to do and see.

On your Excursions from Somnath, Gujarat, India, you can select Chorwad as your stopover. Chorwad, the striking little beach village, is your ideal destination for a nice holiday. Enjoying boat riding and stunning views of rocky shores could be an enjoyable pastime of yours at Chorwad. In case you want to visit the erstwhile timeless grandeur of the royal era, make sure to pay a visit to the Chorwad Palace, a summer abode of the former Nawabs of Junagadh.

When you Travel from Somnath, you can also aim for Veraval. A Tour to Veraval would enable you to take a walk down the lanes of history. Veraval, a fortified port town of the former royal family of Junagadh, still retains a part of its royal splendor. The beautiful Nawabi summer palace, the ruins of the erstwhile Nawabi fort as well as the Nawabi Gates-all make for a grand viewing. So, make sure to watch all these. Also, remember to appreciate, in particular, the gothic features of the Nawabi Palace.

So, rush to book your place for these Excursions from Somnath as soon as possible. You would certainly take back enjoyable memories of these excursions.

How to Reach Somnath- Somnath in the western Indian state of Gujarat has made a distinctive place for itself amongst the various tourist destinations of the country. Its greatest claim to fame is the magnificent Somnath temple which is nothing less than an architectural marvel and enjoys a fantastic location beside the sea shore. It lures people to plan a Tour to Somnath and much to their benefit Indian Holiday offers extensive online information on How to reach Somnath.

Irrespective of whether you are a religious minded Hindu devotee visiting the temple to offer your homage and seek the Lord's blessings or simply a lover and admirer of art and architecture visiting the temple to marvel at the exemplary skills displayed in the construction of this fine edifice, let not the thought of How to reach Somnath bother you. As will be gathered from the information provided below, Somnath is very well linked and reaching it does not pose any sort of problem to any traveler.

By Road- A good network of roads connects Somnath to the different important places in the state of Gujarat. The state capital Ahmedabad is 400 km away; Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Porbandar are at a distance of 85, 266 and 122 km respectively but all of them are well linked to Somnath by roads and buses ply on these road routes. In fact Bombay which is 889 km from Somnath is also connected to it by road.

By Train- Veraval is the nearest rail head which is merely 7 km from Somnath. A special train "Somnath Express" runs from Ahmedabad to Veraval. Ahmedabad is the state capital of Gujarat and is well linked by rail not only to different places in the state of Gujarat but also to many of the prime cities in India. All you have to do is to take a train to Ahmedabad from any part of the country and then catch the corresponding train to Veraval. From Veraval, just get into a bus or else hire a car or auto to reach Somnath.

By Air- The nearest airport is Keshod. Located at a distance of about 55 km from Somnath, this domestic airport is well connected to Mumbai. There are flights at regular intervals from Mumbai to Keshod. Mumbai is in turn well connected to all important cities in the country as well as to various other important places in the world. After reaching Keshod airport one can easily avail of any local means of transportation like bus or else hire a car to reach Somnath.