Somnath temple is one of the most famous holy pilgrimages of Lord Shiva, located in the state of Gujarat. Every year, thousands of Hindu devotees make a beeline to have a glimpse of the holy Lord. Considered as the one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’, the temple of Somnath has existed since many centuries. In fact, the holy Hindu scripture Rig Veda also mentions the presence and importance of this temple. It was also attacked by foreign invaders on several occasions because of its wealth. The Somnath temple has been destroyed many times by the invaders yet it has always been rebuilt.
There are interesting legends about the construction of Somnath temple. It is believed to have been made by Moon first then demon king Ravana and even by Lord Krishna. One of the rulers of Gujarat, Bhimdev is also believed to have made the Shiva statue in stone. The temple boasts of amazing architecture and finesse. It is a beautiful example of rich architectural heritage of ancient India. The temple has been constructed in Chalukya style. The skilled artisans of Gujarat have really made the carvings intricate and flawless.
Thousands of Hindus visit this temple every year. The beauty of the temple has not vanished despite the onslaught of changing times. It has stood the test of time and devotion of pilgrims. To reach Somnath temple, one can take a flight to Keshod which is the nearest airport to Somnath. The distance between Keshod and Somnath is 47 kilometers. Somnath is also well connected through road and railway.
