Gujarat Tourism
Glowing like honey in the light of the setting sun, Somnath Temple is one of the most popular temples not just in Gir Gujarat, but throughout India. It is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which makes it highly revered. Somnath is a site of immense spiritual significance and a testament to enduring faith.
Mythology
There are popular mythologies associated with the Somnath temple. The Shiva Purana recounts how Lord Shiva himself declared his presence in twelve Jyotirlingas, and Somnath is the foremost of them. The temple is believed to be built on the site where the Moon God (Soma) regained his lost luster after a curse. Stories abound of the temple being built and rebuilt by celestial and earthly beings, highlighting its enduring sanctity.
History of Somnath Temple
Somnath's history is marked by cycles of destruction and reconstruction. The first temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. It faced its first major destruction in 725 AD and was subsequently rebuilt numerous times. The temple bore the brunt of invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and others. Yet, through the unwavering devotion of devotees and rulers like Bhimdev I and Mahipala I, Somnath rose again and again. The Mughal era saw both tolerance under Akbar and destruction under Aurangzeb. The 18th century witnessed the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar's efforts to revive the temple. Finally, in 1950, India saw the reconstruction of the present Somnath temple, a symbol of national pride and spiritual resurgence.
