An overview of the temple. It represents Chalukyan architecture. The height of the main Shikhar of the temple is 155 feet. The kalash pot like structure laid on the top of the Shikhar weighs 10 tonnes. The Dhwajadand – flag mast – is 37 feet long and one foot in diameter.
At the time of India s independence there was no Somnath Mandir. Despite stiff opposition from India s first Prime Minister Nehru India s iron man Sardar Vallabhai Patel whose picture you see here initiated the reconstruction of the temple in 1947. And on 11/5/1951 the temple reconstruction was completed and the sacred ceremony of Linga Pratishtha - idol installation was performed by the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Carvings at the temple entrance.
The Somnath Temple lit up at night.
Due to security issues taking pictures inside the temple complex is prohibited. This one is an overview of the entrance and the temple in the background.
A closer view of the main entrance.
A closer view of the top portion main temple.
Somnath Mandir, one of the 12 Jyotirlangas (most sacred Lord Shiva shrines in India) strikes an emotional chord in most Indian hearts. Destroyed & looted by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 he carried away camel loads of jewels and gold. The temple was rebuilt 7 times. What you see is the old Somnath Mandir constructed by Ahilyabai Holkar in 1783.