History:

is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in India. It is located in the city of Veraval in Gujarat, on the western coast of India. The temple is renowned for its history and is believed to be one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. The current temple is the seventh structure to have been built on the same site. It was last reconstructed in 1951 by the then-Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the then-Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The temple has a large compound which includes a mandapa, temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a samadhi of Lord Shiva, and a hall of mirrors. The temple complex also houses two important structures, the Nageshwari Temple and the Dharmashala. It is one of the best temple in Gujarat which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Somnath Temple, or the Shrine Eternal, is an important pilgrimage destination that is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Gujarat. 2. The iconic structure is an impressive structure built in Chalukya architectural style of the Saurashtra region. 3. The foundation of this temple dates back to the period when Lord Krishna was ruling in Dwarka. 4. The temple is said to have been built by Soma, the Moon God after whom the temple is named. 5. It is believed that the temple has been demolished and rebuilt 6 times in the past by rulers of different religious communities. 6. The current temple was reconstructed by Vallabhbhai Patel the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. 7. The temple showcases intricate carvings and a distinct architectural style. 8. The Somnath Temple has a mesmerizing backdrop of the seashore and majestic waves of the Arabian Sea. 9. The temple organizes numerous religious rituals and activities throughout the year. 10. The temple is also associated with many Hindu mythological and folklore. Here are some facts about the Gujarat temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Gujarat

Worship Method:

Shri Somnath Temple at Veraval in Gujarat has been around since ancient times, it is believed to be one of the oldest existing temples in India. The worshippers of Lord Shiva are drawn to the Somnath temple to pay their respect and worship the deity. The temple follows the Vedic style and includes a range of rituals including a round of Aartis (chanting of prayers), Shodashopachar Puja (worshipping by offering sixteen types of offerings), Abhisheka (bathing the Lord with milk, honey, ghee etc), Shringaar (decoration and dressing up of the deity) and Maha-aartisa (the grand finale involving singing of hymns). Devotees are also given the opportunity to perform their own Puja or special prayers. Aside from the devout prayer rituals, the sacred Parikrama (circumambulation) of the temple is also an important ritualistic practice. Pilgrims from far and wide come to be piece of the procession that passes around the main shrine of Somnath. Furthermore, to honour and remember the great heroic legend of the temple, devotees take part in the ritual of Narasimha Yagna. This is a traditional Vedic ritual of offering of life and material things to The Lord. As part of this process devotees also perform Durga Paath and special Hawan (fire-ritual). So overall at Shri Somnath Temple, Veraval, Gujarat, worshippers seek blessing of the Lord through all these ancient, traditional Vedic rituals. This most visited temple in Gujarat

Opening Timing:

The Shri Somnath Temple at Veraval in Gujarat is open from 4 am to 9 pm on all days of the week. top temples in Gujarat

How to reach:

The most popular route to reach Shri Somnath Temple in Veraval, Gujarat is by road. Veraval is well connected by roads and highways to the nearby cities. The nearest airport to Veraval is the Diu Airport which is located at a distance of 36 km. The closest railway station to Veraval is the Veraval Railway Station, just 1 km away from the temple. You can also take buses from various cities like Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Rajkot, Veraval, and Vadodara to reach the temple. famous temples in Gujarat