Frequently Asked Question

What is the significance of Somnath Temple in Gujarat?

Somnath Temple is considered the first and most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlingas — the principal shrines of Lord Shiva across India. This alone gives it a status that few temples in the country can match. Pilgrims who visit all twelve Jyotirlingas typically begin their journey here at Somnath, on the southwestern tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat.

The name “Somnath” means “Lord of the Moon” (Soma = moon, Nath = lord), referencing the legend of the moon god Chandra who built the original temple here after being relieved of a curse by Lord Shiva. The location on the shore of the Arabian Sea adds to the spiritual atmosphere — the sea extends uninterrupted to the South Pole from this point, a fact inscribed on a pillar at the temple complex (the Baan Stambha) that notes there is no land between Somnath and Antarctica in that direction.

Historically, Somnath is a symbol of resilience. The temple was looted and destroyed at least six times — most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD, who reportedly carried away enormous wealth — and was rebuilt each time by devoted rulers and communities. The current structure, the seventh reconstruction, was built between 1947 and 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as a statement of India’s independence and cultural revival. It was inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad in 1951.

The temple’s location at the Triveni Sangam — the confluence of the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers — adds another layer of sanctity. Ritual bathing at this confluence before temple darshan is considered highly auspicious.

For travelers, Somnath is typically combined with a visit to Dwarka (230 km) and Girnar (90 km) as part of a Saurashtra pilgrimage circuit.