Somantah

One of the most important pilgrimages or tirthas in India for Hindus, Somnath is a city within the Veraval municipality of the Saurashtra region of western Gujarat. Somnath derives its name from its famous Somnath Temple, Somnath meaning The Protector of Moon God. According to the legend, the conceited Moon, otherwise called Chandra became so arrogant that her father-in-law cursed her to fade away. She prayed to Lord Shiva who gave partial respite from the curse, so she disappears periodically.Somnath is famous for the Lord Shiva temple, which is considered to be the first of the Twelve Jyotirlingas across the country, making it an important religious centre revered by many. The name Somnath is derived from another description of Lord Shiva which translates to 'Lord of the Somnath, however, isn't just known for the temple but also for the beautiful beaches within the vicinity too. Somnath is a small easy going town with mostly pilgrims coming here year round and in numbers for certain festivals such as Mahashivratri. You can also visit other temples in the area such as the Rudreshwara temple and Bhalka Tirth. Other attractions in Somnath include Prabhas Pata Museum and the Somnath Railway Station, which is set apart in its unique architecture. This is a quaint little seaside town where you can come to rejuvenate yourself spiritually and also take in the view of the serene seaside. Somnath Temple located in Somnath in the state of Gujarat it is dedicated to the Moon Goddess. It is said that the temple was first constructed by Moon Goddess with gold, then by silver and rock respectively by Ravana and Bhima. The second Somnath Temple is said to have been massacred by the Afghans several times. It was revamped by Pratihara king Nagabhata II who also built the third temple in 815 AD, which was essentially constructed with red sandstone. It is one of the greatest Tourist Attractions at Somnath.

Kailash Mahameru Prasada is another temple that has been constructed in the Chalukya style of temple architecture; the skills of the Sompuras who were regarded as Gujarat's master masons are reflected through the elegant architecture. It is another greatest Tourist Attraction in Somnath.

Somnath is incomplete without its magnificent Shiva Lingam which is worshipped day in and day out by ardent devotees, who comes here with their wishes that needs to be fulfilled. In the year 1951 Dr. Rajendra Prasad who was the first President of India, participated in the Jyotirling-Pratishthapan ritual at the new Temple and said the famous words, "The Somnath Temple signifies that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction."