Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shree Parshuram Temple, Chorwad Beach, Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath Beach, Veneshwar Mahadev Temple, Sana Caves, Dehotsarg Tirth, Balka Tirth, Surya Mandir, Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple, Triveni Sangam Atithigurh, Kamnath Mahadev Mandir and Sarada Math, Gita Temple, Panch Pandav Gufa, Prabhas Patan Museum, Hari Har Van.
There are many places to visit in Gir Somnath where you can indulge in various activities. At Somnath, you can watch the waves crash through the shores at Somnath Beach or admire the intricate carvings at Laxmi Narayan Temple. There are also many lesser-known attractions here like Junagadh Gate and Sana Caves.
Best Places To Visit In Somnath
1. Somnath temple
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 a curse by Daksha got back his luster by praying fervently to Lord Shiva at Somnath Temple and that Bhagavan 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 a 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 worth watching.
2. Prabhas patan museum
This archeological museum is one of the most-visited tourist places in Somnath. The museum was established in 1921 and has an astounding reminiscent collection of about 3500 objects which includes sculptures and carved stones from ancient temples, inscriptions, five domes, 12th-century, sacred waters of many rivers, pillars, 11th-century statues of Lord Agni, Uma Maheshwara, Lord Vishnu, Parvati and Natya Bhairava, seashells, and pottery shards.
3. Veneshwar Mahadev Temple
Veneshwar Mahadev Temple in Somnath is one of the most interesting places to visit in Somnath which 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 Ghazni 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.
4. Laxmi Narayan Temple
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 several 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.
5. Surya Mandir
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 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.
6. Gita Temple
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 a rest right at the place where Gita Temple is built. There is a footprint carving of Lord Krishna here too in the divine memory of his Needham Prasthan Leela.
7. Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is one of the most historical Somnath tourist attractions and is a must-visit for any traveler. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna who was sleeping under the pipal tree was mistaken for a deer by a hunter who hit him with his arrow fatally.
8. Shree Parshuram Temple
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 is located on the banks of River Triveni.
9. Chorwad Beach
A few kilometers away from Somnath, Chorwad Beach is one of the most scenic places to visit in Gir Somnath. In the past, the beach was hailed to be the royal home of the Nawab of Junagadh. The beach captivates everyone with its serene ambiance.
10. Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple
This ancient Hindu temple located by the seashore is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Shri Shashi Bhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganpati Ji. Pooja Acharya Shri Bhav Brihaspati is said to have built this temple. According to mythology, it was from this place that the Jara hunter aimed his arrow at Lord Krishna.
