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SOMNATH (PRABHAS PATAN)

Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am omnipresent but specially in 12 forms and places, the jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. Today, Somnath offers a holy pilgrimage, a beach holiday and a number of places of historic, religious or scenic importance.

SOMNATH TEMPLE

The shore temple of Somnath is believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravi, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimadeva. Tales of it’s riches brought in a series of invasions, but each time the temple was raided, whether by Muhammad Ghazni who took back the silver doors and treasures or by Aurangzeb in a fanatical vein, it was restored by zealous Hindu worshippers to it’s original glory. The present incarnation of the temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel, the much loved Gujarati leader, in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture, a 50 meter high shikara tower, intricate carvings, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the Shivalinga, a number of holy idols and images, and a splendid location facing the Arabian sea. Aarti is held at 7, 12 and 19 hours. The temple is open from 6-21.30 hrs.

PRABHAS PATAN MUSEUM

The museum houses art treasures of various periods from Somnath. Holy waters of different rivers, 5 domes, inscriptions, pillars, 12^th century toranas, 11^th century stone apsaras and statues of lord Agni, lord Vishnu, Uma Maheshwara, Natraj Bhairava and Parwati.
TIMINGS : 8.30-12.15, 14.30-18.5 ENTRY: Rs.0.50 CAMERA FEES:Rs.2/photograph

SOMNATH BEACH : Just behind the temple is the Somnath beach, with pleasant sands, great sea views, camel and pony rides, coconut stalls and snack places.

BAKHLA TIRTH : A short distance from the Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was hit by accident by an arrow of a Bhil tribal.

TRIVENI TIRTH : A river is holy in Hinduism, and the meeting place of 3 rivers-Hiran, Kapil and mythical Saraswati-with the Arabian sea, is triply important. The Triveni tirth is an important place of pilgrimage, specially to immerse ashes and pray for dear departed. At the Triveni ghat is the chattri of lord Krishna, and important temples, including one dedicated to lord Laxminarayan.

SURYA MANDIR : The Sun temple of Prabhas Patan, probably dates from the time of the Solanki Rajput dynasty in Gujarat. Like the Sun temples of Modhera, Ghumli and Kera, it has a sabha mandap, sanctum sanctoruim and intricate carvings. Next to the temple is the Pandav Gufa, a cave associated with the 5 Pandawas, with mosaics of lord Ganesh and other religious art.

AHILYA MANDIR : This creamy colour domed temple was commissioned by the famous queen, Ahliyabhai Holkar of Malwa. Nearby, along the coast, Shivalingas washed ashore by the sea have been re-installed.

VERAVAL BEACH
4 kms from Somnath, Veraval has a picturesque fishing harbour, where sea worthy dhows are handcrafted by expert artisans without using any modern machinery, mechanical, electrical or electronic. The Veraval beach is a good place to relax, with benches and a jogging path. Near the beach is the old beach palace of the Nawab of Junagadh, now deserted. The town has intricate gateways, one facing Prabhas Patan, the other Junagadh.

GETTING THERE	Convenient overnight trains
PLACES TO STAY
- LUXURY
- DELUXE	Hotel Park(Veraval)
- AVERAGE	Satkar, Madhuram, Rajdhani, tourist bungalow, Ajanta(all at Veraval).
- BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE	Chandrani(Veraval), Mayuram, Shri Somnath guest house. Some new properties in Somnath Numerous dharamshalas
PLACES TO EAT	Park(multi-cuisine), Ali Baba(sea food), Sagar(N and S Indian), Jill(N Indian), Foodlamp(Indian), La Bela, Swati, New Apsara, Supreme, all at Veraval. Cheap local food at Somnath.