SOMNATH (PRABHAS PATAN)
Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am omnipresent but specially in 12 forms and places, the jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. Today, Somnath offers a holy pilgrimage, a beach holiday and a number of places of historic, religious or scenic importance.
SOMNATH TEMPLE
The shore temple of Somnath is believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravi, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimadeva. Tales of it’s riches brought in a series of invasions, but each time the temple was raided, whether by Muhammad Ghazni who took back the silver doors and treasures or by Aurangzeb in a fanatical vein, it was restored by zealous Hindu worshippers to it’s original glory. The present incarnation of the temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel, the much loved Gujarati leader, in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture, a 50 meter high shikara tower, intricate carvings, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the Shivalinga, a number of holy idols and images, and a splendid location facing the Arabian sea. Aarti is held at 7, 12 and 19 hours. The temple is open from 6-21.30 hrs.
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