The principal Somnath Mahadev Temple is supposed to have been constructed using gold by the God of Moon called as Soma and also using the silver made by the God of Sun called as Ravi with wood; in stones by Rajputs of Solanki of the 11th century. Mahmud of Ghazni an Arab traveler on hearing the description of the richness of the Somnath temple by Al Biruni, visited this temple in 1024 AD. During that time, the temple had about 500 dancing girls, 300 musicians and 300 barbers to shave off the heads of pilgrims. After 2 days of battle, Mahmud destroyed the temple carrying away gold and jewels to his native soil. This incident started the tradition of the Muslims destroying the temples and the Hindus rebuilding them. The Somnath Temple was again raided in 1927, 1706 and 1934. In 1706, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb raided this temple. The temple was destroyed for eight times. With the support of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel the temple was finally rebuilt in 1950. The present temple, built eight reconstructions on the innovative site, but every occasion during the temple got invaded to its original glory and got restored for the worshippers that belong to Hindu Religion. The temple has a spectacular sight from the tilt of the peninsula of Saurashtra, touched Arabian Sea waves with the shikhara of nearly 50 m tall the temple has its construction of Chalukyan style.
Somnath Mahadev Temple’s striking architecture comprising of convoluted carvings, an impressive Nandi idol, silver doors and Shivlinga in the middle. In the courtyard there is a massive hall called mandapa and also the main holy place whose soothingly coiled pyramid can be noticed over the complete complex. From the beginning to end the other side of the door is the sea flickering in the sunlight, the sea is dangerous for swimming. In the view of the sea you can also notice the Deep Stambha, the tower which is placed on the edge. On the summit there is a silhouette of conch shell in a side, and in the surpass is an arrow pointing unswervingly to the Southern side of Pole. The fair called Kartik Purnima takes place here in the temple for 4 days of the commencement of Kartik Sud fourteen according to the calendar of Hindus, this fair attracts a large number of tourists.
Somnath Mahadev Temple was earlier known as ‘Prabhas Patan’. Somnath was mentioned in the Puranas and Hindu Epics including Mahabharata. This is the place where moon worshipped Lord Shiva and so was called Somnath. Being placed at the extreme southwest Arabian Coast in Sourashtra, the town encloses a scene of serene beach, bus stand and few streets. It is believed that Somnath is located at the place where river Saraswati flows into the sea. This temple is always enchanted with ‘Shiv-Bhajans’ all the time.