Somnath Temple

The Story

About This Sacred Structure

The sacred Somnath Temple — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — was reconstructed after India's Independence under the architectural leadership of Shri Janak M Sompurabhai Oghadbhai Sompura, entrusted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Consequent upon the Independence of India in 1947, the historic responsibility of planning and constructing the grand Shri Somnath Maha Meru Prasad was entrusted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the renowned temple architect Shri Janak M Sompurabhai Oghadbhai Sompura. This monumental and devotional undertaking led to the creation of the Maha Meru Prasad — a Sandhar Prasad representing the divine abode of Lord Shiva. The structure includes a circular inner pradakshina path for devotees, seven ascending levels crowned by a summit, and two mandaps — the Gudh Mandap and Nritya Mandap — open from the sides with an ornate eastern entrance crafted from seriaj stone. The Nritya Mandap was recently extended and inaugurated. Built in the traditional Nagar style, the temple stands as a magnificent revival of a shrine that had been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times through history. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it holds immense religious significance. Ongoing beautification efforts include enhancements to the pradakshina path, red stone pagathi steps, fountains, and landscaped surroundings, further elevating the temple's spiritual and architectural grandeur.