Somnath (The Protector of Moon God)

The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God".  Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. The Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple was done on 11th May 1951 by then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

With unstinted support from faith, mythology and history, the temple town in Gujarat Somnath proudly stands with the towering shikharas of grand old ancient Somnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Somnath temple, dedicated to one of the 12 revered Jyothirlingas, directs all the movements in city. It enlivens the life of the locals and visitors. 

Somnath, literally means Lord of Moon, derived its name from the famous Somnath temple. This religious destination was earlier known as ‘Prabhas Patan’. This town, unaffected by the modern luxuries and concrete jungles, still holds its historical, mythological and religious appeal to masses of Hindu devotees. 

Somnath has got its mention in Puranas and Hindu Epics including Mahabharata. This place is considered as a place where Moon (Soma) worshipping the Lord Shiva and hence Shiva is called as Somnath here. Another Hindu mythological story mentions Somnath as the place where Lord Krishna was shot by an arrow in his foot. It is believed that the Yadavas, the descendents of Lord Krishna, fought among themselves and destroyed the Yadav community.

Placed at the extreme southwest Arabian Coast in Saurashtra, Somnath town encloses a serene beach, few streets and a bus stand. It is believed that Somnath is located at a place where the holy River Saraswathy flows into the Sea.

This sacred temple town vibrant with ‘Shiv Bhajan’ is visited by millions of tourists every year. Several nearby attractions, including Somnath Museum, Somnath Beach, Junagadh Gate, Balukha Teertha, Akhilabai temple and Mai Puri, makes this town as a perfect tourist destination for the pilgrims to India.

Kartik Poornima held on the full moon day in November / December is a major draw of devotees in this temple town.

• How To Reach Somnath?

Amdavad is connected by Rail, Road and Air with all the major destinations. Veraval Somnath is connected with Amdavad to Rail and Road facilities. Somnath is at a distance of 465 km. from Amdavad. At present Jet Airwais operates passenger flight from Bombay to Diu every day accept Thursday. Somnath is connected with Diu by road (95 km).

By road: The nearest town is Veraval 6 km away.
                Junagadh : 79 km
                Chorwad: 25 km. 
                Vadodara: 310 km.
                Ahmedabad: 407 km. 

By rail: Somnath is located 6 km from the nearest railway station at Veraval.

               Ahmedabad to Somnath : 400 km

               Mumbai to Somnath : 887 km

               Delhi to Somnath:1303 km

» Guesthouse Facility :
Pilgrims can avail the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. Trust maintains a VIP Guesthouse, Eighteen other guest houses and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses are in excess of Two hundred.

http://accommodation.somnath.org/

Not recommended for swimming, but a wonderful escape into the roaring silence of nature. It also offers some more active patches where you can enjoy a camel ride and light snacks.