One of the newest additions to the state of Gujarat and amongst the most remarkable places to visit in Gujarat, Gir Somnath was carved out of the Junagadh District in 2013. The two places are located in the Saurashtra region edging on the Arabian Sea in the south and are famous around the world for their stunning natural beauty and centuries-old heritage that even finds a mention in the Rigveda and Gita.
Though their names are often used interchangeably, Gir and Somnath have a distinctly unique beauty. While Somnath’s location next to the Arabian Sea adds richness to its landscape, Gir’s tropical forest cover lends a luxuriant and verdant charm looking like a sea of green extending across endless miles.
Believed to have been built by the Yadava dynasty in 649 CE, the Somnath temple is amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is influenced by the Chalukya style complete with a ‘shikara’ that is 15-metres in height, intricately carved walls, and ancient figurines of Shiva. One of the inscriptions in Sanskrit here says that Antarctica and the Somnath temple lie in a straight line without any land interrupting this line.
Gir’s National Park’s rare savannah & deciduous forest cover is the only place on the planet to house the Asiatic Lions besides other famous residents like Golden jackals, Ruddy mongoose, Honeybadger, Chinkara, Monitor lizard, etc. The park is also famous for its scenic water reservoirs like Hiran, Datardi, and Raval that also serve as water points for wild animals.
One of the best things to do here is to take a long stroll on the Chorwad Beach and try local snacks at the beachside shacks. Visit the Prabhas Patan Museum to explore ancient pictures and manuscripts about the history of the place. Visit the majestic and intricately adorned Junagadh gate, which is said to be the route taken by Mahmood Gazni to plunder the Somnath Temple. Enjoy a safari and overnight camping at Gir to spot the elusive Asiatic Lion and explore the coastal biodiversity.
Gir Somnath experiences hot and dry summer months (March-June) with temperatures rising ranging between 30-42°C. The winter months (October-February) are cold with temperatures ranging between 10-24°C. Their proximity to the coastal areas makes Gir Somnath experience heavy and humid monsoon rains (July-September) with possibilities of cyclones and sharp winds.
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Gir Somnath Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Gir Somnath
This Chalukya-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most thronged Places to visit in Somnath and has many fascinating mythological stories attached to it. One such is that Moon God who lost his light and glory due to curse by Daksha got back his lustre by praying fervently to Lord Shiva at Somnath Temple and that Bhagvan Shree Krishna had built Somnath temple with Sandalwood. There are inscriptions on the Arrow-Pillar or Baan-Stambh of the temple which says that there is no piece of land in straight line between the temple and Antarctica to the south. A flag flutters atop the main spire which is 15 metres tall. The Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” featured every night from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm is definitely worth watching.Location: Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, GujaratTiming for Darshan at Somnath Temple: 6.00 am to 9.00 pmTiming for Aarti: 7.00 am, 12.00 Noon and 7.00 pm"Jay Somnath" Sound and Light Show: 8.00 pm to 9.00 pmBest Time to Visit: All round the year
Somnath Beach is located 6 km east of the port town of Veraval and just about 750 metres from the Somnath temple. The beach looks serene and one can spend hours watching the waves rumbling to the shoreline and breaking the silence that fills the air. While swimming on the beach is not recommended, one can enjoy came and horse rides at the beach. There are also streetside eateries by the shore, where you can enjoy light snacks like tender coconut and corn. Tourists can shop for souvenirs like seashell crafts at the shops lining the shore. The beach is usually crowded by locals and tourists alike.Location: Near Access Road to Temple, SomnathTiming: 07.00 AM - 07.00 PM on all daysBest Time to Visit: From November to February
Shana Dungar Buddhist Caves at Vankiya or shortly referred to as "Sana Buddhist Caves" are artificial caves that were carved out of rocks and excavated by the Buddhist monks. The caves are actually a complex of 62 caves spread over the hill consisting of stupas, chaityas, pillows, and benches. Cave 2 which is named Bhima-ni-Cori is the largest cave and the caves have archaeological symbols representing Buddhism. These caves were created between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD to provide shelter during the monsoons. Sana Caves are one of the most interesting places to visit in Somnath to know about the influence of Buddhism in the western parts of IndiaLocation: Shana Vankiya, GujaratTimings: 6.00 am - 6.30 pm Mon-Sun-MonBest Time to Visit: All round the year
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Laxmi Narayan Temple is perched beautifully on the serene shores of Somnath. It is well-known for its magnificent architectural design that is full of intricate carvings on its 18 pillars. These carvings depict the sacred messages of Krishna which are propagated in Bhagavad Gita.Attracting a number of devotees throughout the year, the temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Somnath. It is renowned for being a gorgeous replica of the Laxmi Narayan Temple which is in Badrinath. When visiting here, don’t forget to relish some tranquil moments while watching a brilliant sunset on the banks of River Hiren.Location: Somnath Mandir Rd, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268.Timings: All days of the week from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
If you are seeking a religious respite away from the troubles of life, then a visit to Shree Parshuram Temple is most recommended. It is one of the most sacred places to visit in Somnath and located on the banks of River Triveni.It is believed that this was the spot where Bhagwan Parshuram performed a strict penance and eventually got relieved by Bhagwan Somnath from the curse he had got because he killed Kshatriyas. The beautiful temple also consists of shrines which are dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh.The temple is also well-known for having two ancient kunds along with the prominent structures-sabhamandap, a central mandap and a garbhagriha. When you are here, you can also see a structure which is dedicated to Renuka, Parshuram’s mother. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in mythology and legends.Location: Sree Parshuram Temple, Somnath, Gujarat.
Also known as Suraj Mandir, Surya Mandir is one of the ancient Places to see in Somnath. The temple is believed to be 5000 years old and is located in the northern part of Triveni Ghat. Sun God is the main deity at the temple and just above the entrance doorway lies the image of Surya with his two wives riding on seven horses. There is a circumambulatory passage around the main shrine with three niches. The temple walls have sculptures of lions, birds, elephants, etc., The temple is small and is located within a residential area. There is a small water body, the Surya Kund within its premises.Location: Near Triveni Ghat, GujaratTiming: 7.00 am - 7.00 pm on all daysBest Time to Visit: All round the year
Veneshwar Mahadev Temple in Somnath is one of the most interesting places to visit in Somnath that is located opposite the Somnath Trust Dharamshala Gate. This east-facing temple with an unusual spire is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a history behind its name. In 1025 AD, Mahmud Gazni decided to invade Somnath but failed in his attempt. So, he devised a cunning plan of kidnapping Veni, the princess of the kingdom who visited the Shiva temple outside the fort every day. When Ghazni tried to kidnap her, Veni sought Lord Shiva's help to save her. On hearing her earnest plea, the shiva linga opened into two, engulfed her in, and closed itself back. At that time a ‘Veni’(a strand of her hair) was left out and Lord Shiva and henceforth worshipped as Veneshwar. Location: Somnath Mandir Rd, Prabhas Patan, GujaratTiming: 07.00 am - 07.00 pm on all daysBest Time to Visit: All round the year
Gita Temple is built on the banks of Triveni Sangam and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. As per mythology, when Lord Krishna was shot by an arrow at Bhalka Tirth, he walked towards Triveni Sangam and took rest right at the place where Gita Temple is built. There is footprint carving of Lord Krishna here too in the divine memory of his Needham Prasthan Leela. The temple’s current white marble structure was built by the Birla Group and hence is also referred to as “Birla Mandir ''. The 18 marble pillars at the temple portray the Bhagavad Gita by beautiful inscriptions on them. The temple is built in a way that one can hear his own echo within the temple.Location: Veraval, Somnath, GujaratTiming: 07.00 am - 07.00 pm Mon-SunBest Time to Visit: All round the year
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