History:

Somnath is an ancient Hindu temple located on the western coast of Gujarat in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva and considered to be the most sacred of all the shrines. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India and is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The Somnath Shivling is a lingam, or a representation of Lord Shiva which is worshipped at Somnath temple. It is said that the original lingam of Somnath temple was made of gold and is believed to have been destroyed and pillaged many times in the past. The present lingam is made of a single piece of stone which is said to have been brought from the Himalayas. It is one of the best temple in Gujarat which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Somnath temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples since ancient times. It is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. 2. The Somnath temple is considered to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. 3. The Somnath Shivling is made of a rare composition of five metals; gold, silver, iron, brass, and lead. 4. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva was so pleased with the worship and devotion of Moon God, that he bestowed a boon to him and blessed him with this divine shivling. 5. Lord Shiva is believed to have performed a cosmic dance here and thus the shrine is known as the "Dancing Shiva". 6. The Somnath temple is visited by millions of devotees every year, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of the Hindu faith. 7. The temple underwent a major renovation in the year 1951, when it was commissioned by the government of India. The entire remodelling was done according to the Skanda Purana, and is an exemplary architecture of the Chalukya era. 8. The Somnath temple is also a recognised cultural heritage site according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 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:

The main worship method of Somnath Shivling at Somnath Temple in Gujarat is as follows: 1. Puja – Puja is performed by offering naivedya (food) to the Lord. Various types of offerings such as dakshina (cash), flowers, incense, and tarpan (ritual offerings) are done. 2. Abhishek – Water or milk is offered to the Shivalinga with the chanting of mantras and playing of musical instruments. 3. Arti – Arti is a form of prayer which involves waving of an arti plate with lit lamp on it (diya) in front of the deity. 4. Sankalp – Sankalp is made as a pledge to Lord Shiva. 5. Prasad – Prasad is offered to the Lord and is then distributed among devotees as a sacred offering. 6. Havan – Havan is performed with the chanting of mantras and offering havan samagri (sacred ingredients) into the fire. This most visited temple in Gujarat

Opening Timing:

: The Somnath Temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day. top temples in Gujarat

How to reach:

The Somnath temple is located near the Gulf of Khambhat on the western coast of Gujarat, India. It is situated in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India, about 163 km south of Junaghar. You can reach Somnath Temple from Junaghar by road or by air. The nearest railway station is Somnath station situated at a distance of 5 km. It is well-connected by all major Indian cities. Nearest airport from Somnath Temple is Diu, located at a distance of 80 kilometers. There buses and taxis available to reach Somnath Temple from major cities. famous temples in Gujarat