Somnath

Somnath has a long and storied history. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas, or pillars of light, and is considered to be one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1947 after India gained independence from Britain.

Before being destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025, the temple is said to have been even more grand and beautiful than it is today. It was rebuilt in the 12th century by the Solanki dynasty, only to be destroyed again by the Mughals in the 16th century. The current temple was built in 1951 with donations from the people of India.

Despite its long history of destruction and rebuilding, Somnath Temple remains a place of great beauty and pilgrimage for Hindus from all over India. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to see its beautiful architecture and stunning setting on the Arabian Sea.