Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva and the spiritual heart of this coastal town. The honey-coloured stone temple stands right on the Arabian Sea, with waves crashing against the compound wall and an uninterrupted sea horizon behind the shikhara. Inside, the garbhagriha houses the black Somnath lingam, surrounded by gold-plated walls and constant abhishek and aarti. Mantras, bells and the smell of incense fill the air from dawn till night. A landscaped campus, viewing gallery and nightly “Jay Somnath” light-and-sound show complete the experience. For Ghoomein, this is the primary landmark: “sea-facing Jyotirlinga darshan + evening aarti + sound & light show” in one powerful visit.
About this place
History & highlights
The site at Prabhas Patan has been sacred since at least 1st millennium BCE and may have earlier Harappan occupation. Texts say Somnath was first built by the Moon god, then rebuilt in gold, silver, wood and finally stone by different patrons. Historically, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, including by Mahmud of Ghazni (1025 CE) and later Muslim rulers. The present structure was reconstructed in classic Chalukyan style and consecrated in 1951 under Sardar Patel and the Shree Somnath Trust, symbolising cultural resilience and independence-era revival.
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