Somnath temple

Somnath Temple is a historic Shiva shrine on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat and is revered as one of the twelve holy Jyotirlinga sites. The current white-stone temple complex is a modern reconstruction that stands on the traditional coastal site.

The complex includes the principal garbhagriha (main shrine) containing the lingam, open courtyards and ghats facing the sea used for ritual bathing and ceremonies. The coastal setting and ceremonial steps to the water are integral to the site’s ritual use.

Historically the Somnath site has a long tradition of constructions and destructions; it was attacked and rebuilt multiple times over the medieval and early modern periods. The present reconstruction was carried out in the 20th century and inaugurated in the early 1950s, reflecting efforts to restore the temple to public worship.

Somnath sits on Gujarat’s Saurashtra coast in the Gir Somnath district, near the town of Veraval and about 40 kilometres from the city of Junagadh; it is accessed by road from nearby coastal towns and regional transport hubs.

• Jyotirlinga shrine: One of the twelve traditional Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, making it a major pilgrimage destination in Hindu practice.
• Modern reconstruction: The present temple structure was completed in the mid-20th century after multiple historical destructions and reconstructions; the complex sits on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan.

What to See #

• Main shrine: Main shrine (garbhagriha) housing the primary Shiva lingam, set within a white stone reconstruction completed in the mid-20th century.
• Temple ghats and coast: Triveni Sangam and temple ghats on the Arabian Sea where pilgrims perform rituals and view the coastline; steps lead down from the complex to the water.
• Museum and courtyards: On-site museum and complex courtyards that display archaeological finds, inscriptions and items associated with the temple's long reconstruction history.