On the western tip of Gujarat, where the Triveni Sangam meets the Arabian Sea, stands a temple that has been destroyed at least six times — and rebuilt every single time. Somnath, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is a statement of civilizational resilience.
The Legend
The moon god Soma was cursed to lose his lustre. He prayed to Shiva at this spot, and Shiva restored the moon's radiance in waxing cycles. The temple was named "Somnath" — Lord of the Moon.
A History of Rebuilding
Historical records begin with a grand stone temple from the 7th century. Its wealth attracted invasions — most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. After independence, Sardar Patel championed the current reconstruction, completed in 1951.
The Present Temple
Built in yellow sandstone, the shikhara rises about 50 metres. The Baan Stambh on the shore declares no landmass exists in a direct line south until Antarctica. The evening sound and light show is one of Gujarat's best cultural experiences.
Practical Information
Open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Aarti at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM. Entry free. Best time: October to March.
