Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, located along the coastline of Prabhas Patan in Veraval, Gujarat. It is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva and holds immense religious and historical significance. The temple has been rebuilt several times throughout history after repeated invasions, most notably by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. The present temple was reconstructed in the Maru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture after India's independence, under the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The reconstruction was completed in May 1951. The temple stands at the Triveni Sangam — the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and the legendary Saraswati. According to Hindu scriptures, the Moon God (Soma) bathed in the Saraswati River at this site to regain his lost lustre, giving the temple its name Somnath, meaning Lord of the Moon.