Know your Somnath temple: Gujarat
Read this article to know more detail on Somnath temple, oldest temples and pilgrimage place. Also, check the history, ancient Indian, tourists destination, Jyotirling at Somnath temple.
Somnath temple is one of the significant temples that stand at the shore of the Arabian Ocean on the western corner of Indian subcontinent in Gujarat state. Somnath temple compromises of twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva that symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India. This pilgrimage is one of the finest and oldest temples whose reference is mentioned in Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Shreemad Bhagvat, etc. According to Nandi Upapurana and Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva said, "I am always present everywhere but especially in 12 forms and places where Jyotirlingas are". Somnath is the first among the twelve holy Shiva Jyotirlingas. According to history the present temple of Somnath is said to have built for the seventh time. It is said that the first temple of Somnath was structured in Gold made by moon god itself then in 7th century, Somnath temple was reconstructed by Maitraka Kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat but this second structure was destroyed by the Arab governor of Sind named Junayad in 725. Later on in 815 Nagabhata II, Pratihara King rebuilt this temple. In 1024, Mahmud Ghazni raided this temple and took all jewels and valuables from here. In 1024-1042 again this temple was rebuild by Paramara King of Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki King of Gujarat. Fifth time, the wooden structure was replaced by Kumarpal. Consequently in 1297 this temple was destroyed by the Sultanat of Delhi. And finally last time this temple was attacked by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1706. Currently this temple was again rebuilt by built in 1995 by Somnath Trust with the co-operation of Government of India. The architecture of Somnath is unique as it is seven storied structure that is 155 feet tall constructed in Chalukya style. This temple is sited in such a manner that you cannot see land from Somnath seashore till Antarctica. The temple consists of Sabhamandap, Garbhgruh and Nrityamandap with 150 feet high Shikhar. At the top of Shikhar there is Kalash that weighs 10 tons and the Dhwajdand 27 feet tall and 1 foot circumstances. Then there is a wonderful indicator of sea route, Tirsthambh(Arrow) that indicates the unobstructed sea route to the South Pole. This indicator represents the ancient Indian wisdom of strategic and geographical location of Jyotirling. Beside this there is Geeta Mandir where the divine message of Shrimad Bhagvat Geeta is carved out on eighteen marble pillars. All these features and religious and historical importance make Somnath temple one of the favorite tourists destination among tourists. Know your Somnath temple: Gujarat
Shree Somnath Temple – 7 KM away from Hotel Madhuram
Somnath-temple. This is the first among the Twelwe Jyotirlings, since ancient times, Somnath has beena pilgrimage being the confluence of the mythological Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila, Legend has it that Lord Shiva's Kalbhairav Linga is situated at the Somnath.
It is also surrounded by many other Temples like, Bhaluka Tirth, Geeta Mandir and Shree Saibaba Temple.