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	:: W E S T I N D I A > S O M N A T H ::

	Brief -
	The legendary shore temple of Somnath, one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India has an extremely chequered past. Legend has it that Somraj, the moon god, originally built the Somnath Temple out of gold. Then, Ravana rebuilt it in silver and then again by Krishna in wood and yet again by King Bhimdev Solanki in stone in the 10th century. The temple was known for its riches in entire Asia and this prompted several conquerors to loot it. Yet, attracting countless devotees every year, it is a testimony to the resilience of the Hindu spirit that the temple was rebuilt after four consecutive desecrations by Muslim conquerors. It is believed that the temple once commanded such power and wealth that it maintained a retinue of hundreds of musicians, dancing girls and barbers (to shave the heads of the devotees).

	History -
	Its earliest history fades into legend - it is said to have originally been built out of gold by Somraj, the moon god, only to be rebuilt by Ravana in silver, then by Krishna in wood and Bhimdev in stone. In 1024, the temple was so wealthy that it had 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and even 300 barbers just to shave the heads of pilgrims. Mahmud of Ghazni, whose raid on the riches of India is legendary, descended on Somnath from his Afghan kingdom and after a two-day battle, took the town and the temple. Having looted its fabulous wealth, he destroyed it for good measure. The temple was again razed in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb. After the 1706 demolition, the temple was not rebuilt until 1950. The current temple contains one of the 12 sacred Shiva shrines known as Jyotirlinga.

	Culture - Climate & Geographical Location
	Summers are hot while winters are warm and balmy. Somnath, near Veraval is situated 79 Km from Junagadh and 25 Km from Chorwad.

	How to Reach -
	The port town of Veraval serves as a gateway to Somnath, which lies nearly 6Km to the east. Veraval is well connected by air, road and rail. By air, the nearest airport is at Keshod at 47 Km and is connected to Mumbai. By rail, the nearest railhead is at Veraval and trains run regularly to Ahmedabad, Sasan Gir, Diu and Rajkot. Veraval is 431Km from Ahmedabad. By road, Veraval is well connected to the rest of Gujarat and neighbouring states by road. Buses link Veraval to Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sasan Gir and Diu.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Somnath Temple -
	The fabled Temple of Somnath is mired in many myths. It is believed that the temple was built out of gold by Somraj (the moon god) and later rebuilt out of silver by Ravana. Later it was rebuilt by Krishna in wood and finally by Bhimdev in stone. The temple was known for its riches in entire Asia and this prompted several conquerors to loot it. Mahmud of Ghazni came knocking in 1024, the next two raids took place in 1297 and 1394; and the last led by Aurangzeb in 1706. After Aurangzebs attack, the temple was not restored till 1950 when Sardar Patel took personal interest in the proceedings. The temple was built according to the traditional design and is one of the most-visited Hindu shrines in India thanks to it being ranked as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It stands along a beach which is good for a short swim but not for lolling around.

	Sasan Gir -
	Gir forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The forest also harbours a variety of smaller animals and birds. Other predators are the powerful Panther and the ungainly striped Hyena. The largest Indian Deer, Sambar, Chital (spotted deer) Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here, along with the bear and the long tailed langur. The beautiful Peacock, Indias national bird with its resplendent plumage is among the common birds in Gir. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

	Chorwad Beach -
	23 Km from the fishing centre of Veraval and 66 Km from Junagadh, Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. The only beach in India where you can live in the timeless splendour of a palace built amidst soft golden sand facing the beach, it was built by the former Nawabs of Junagadh.

	Junagadh -
	An ancient fortified city, rich in myth and legend, Junagadh is at the base of the temple-studded Girnar Hill and is the departure point for visits to the Gir Forest. Taking its name from the Old Fort, which circles the medieval town, this interesting and unspoilt town has some exotic old buildings, and is a fascinating place to explore. The Girnar Hills stands from 2500 years B.C. having a legend of its own. Justifiably proud for its glorious past, Junagadh is unique in more ways than one. Known world over for its earliest message of peace and non-violence in the form of instructions chiselled on the rock, known popularly as Ashoka Rock Edicts; the city has witnessed great upheavals of history.

	Others

	BHALKA TIRTH - This sacred spot lies to the east of the town and is marked by the confluence of three rivers. It is believed that Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and wounded by an arrow as he lay sleeping here in a deerskin.

	JAMA MASJID - The Jama Masjid in Somnaths bustling little bazaar was built, like most mosques, from the debris and remains of many Hindu temples. The masjid now serves as a museum with a collection of carved stones and rocks from many temples.

	MAI PURI - The temple of Mai Puri stands barely a Km from the Junagadh Gate, which is the main gateway into the town from Veraval. Dedicated originally to the Sun God, it was later converted into a mosque and is now surrounded by countless tombs.

	SOMNATH MUSEUM - The museum stands down a lane from the temple and is home to debris and remains of the temple from the time when the temple was desecrated by Muslim conquerors.

	SURAJ MANDIR - This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and lies to the north of Bhalka Tirth. Mahamud of Ghazni also took a shot at this temple and went about desecrating it with great relish.