46-681: Prabhas Patan , historically named Dev Patan , is a locality in Veraval , Gujarat . As the site of the Somnath temple and its associated Jyotirlinga (an aniconic representation of the god Shiva ), it is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage . Junagadh Gate serves as the principal entrance to Somnath, facilitating passage into the revered temple town from the adjacent city of Veraval. Esteemed for its historical importance, this triple gate stands as an ancient architectural marvel erected centuries ago. Adorned with intricate carvings along its walls,
92-496: A hot semi-arid climate ( Köppen BSh ) with very warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. Almost all rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon season from June to September. Veraval has a predominant Gujarati population. Amongst Gujaratis, Karadiya Rajput , Kumbhar Samaj (Prajapati), Jains (Oswal), the Soni (Jewellers, mainly from the clans of Dhakan, Patt, Sagar, etc.), Kharwa ,DHUNDHA FAMILY Ahir (Yadav), brahma samaj and
138-500: A Mayurdhwaj King, Kamnath Mahadev is a renowned temple located in Somnath, opposite to triveni sangam, close to suraj mandir. This is a large temple complex with a holy pond known as Dudhiyu Talav, water well known as Gangvo Kuvo and a bathing pool named as Mahadev no Kund. It is believed that Mayurdhwaj King recovered from leprosy after taking bath in this place, and devotees to this day take dip in this water for its healing powers. There
184-552: A small cave. His body was taken to the triveni sangam and cremated there. The site where he was shot is known as Bhalka Tirtha, and the site of his cremation, near a temple to Maha Kali, is called Dehotsarg. The term ‘Dehotsarg’ means ‘leaving the body’. Lord Krishna took his journey to Nija Dham [permanent abode] from Dehotsarg Teerth leaving behind his mortal body, hence is also called as Golak Dham Teerth or Shri Krishna Nija Dham Tirth. Ahir community women of this area wear black even to this day symbolizing mourning at his death. Dehotsarg
230-464: A small hillock and offering the panoramic prospects of the adjoining Somnath town and the Sea, this temple is dedicated to the five Pandava brothers [narrow steps lead to the cave and temple]. Apart from the idols of Pandavas, this temple also enshrines the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. Set up amidst the picturesque milieu and the calm and cool spiritual ambiance,
276-511: A visit to this Shiva Temple stationed outside the fort wall of Prabhas Patan every day. Mahmud of Ghazni decided that he would kidnap Veni and then force the king to yield. When the soldiers of Gazani attempted so later, the Shiv ling spontaneously got divided and the princess got buried into it. The Shiv temple here since then is known as "Veneshwar temple". The prints of the Veni as well as the marks of
322-475: Is 65th of such 84 bethakjis. Bhimnath Mahadev – located little North of Gita Mandir is yet another small ancient temple, which was ransacked by Muslim rulers in past. Jain temple – is located little North of old Bhimnath temple Dholeshwar Mahadev Mandir – is an ancient mandir, located further North of Jain temple complex, along River side. Back to town center – Shree Veneshwar Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiv –located in center of town opposite
368-399: Is a beautiful sunset point. Archaeological museum [Prabas Patan Museum] [open from 8:30am – 12:15pm and 2:30pm - 6pm] - Down the lane to the north of the temple is a museum with important archaeological remains from the former Somnath Temple. Though lacking in proper documentation or guidebooks, the time spent here is worth the journey, with the remains of the ancient shrine reconstructed by
414-960: Is a fairly busy railway junction station for Western Railways and is served by more than 14 pairs of regional and long-distance trains. Daily (or multiple daily) trains connect it to major cities in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad , Bharuch , Jamnagar , Junagadh , Porbandar , Rajkot , Surat and Vadodara . Daily connections are also available to many other towns in Gujarat such as Keshod , Jetalsar , Gondal , Wankaner , Surendranagar , Viramgam , Nadiad , Anand , Valsad , Vapi , Dahod and Godhra . Daily long-distance trains connect Veraval to several cities in India including Bhopal , Jabalpur , Itarsi , Ratlam , Ujjain , Indore and Mumbai . Pune , Varanasi , Trivandrum , Kochi , Kollam , Kottayam , Thrissur , Kozhikode , Kannur , Mangalore , Karwar , Madgaon , Ratnagiri and Panvel are some of
460-436: Is a highly revered place in Somnath. This location is a very peaceful and amazing, yet underrated - Many famous temples are located on the banks of Triveni Ghat. Dehotsarg - Krishna, reclining under a pipal tree was shot in the foot by a Bhil huntsman named Jara who had mistaken him for a deer. Limping a long way eastward, Shri Krishna reached the bank of the river Hiranya just above the triveni sangam, and breathed his last in
506-502: Is a saying in Gujarat, "He who does not bath at the Kund is as good as dead or is a living dead". A huge temple of the main deity, Kamnath, occupies the center surrounded by many small structures. It is believed that ages ago Shiva had reduced Kama to ashes by unleashing the fury of his third eye, hence the name Kamanath. In the interiors, there is a long, narrow cave where Adi Shankaracharya meditated for years. A spectacular presentation of all
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#1732772669149552-519: Is also considered the attraction for tourists, for its unique temple-based design. Veraval Veraval is a city and the headquarters of Gir Somnath district in the Indian state of Gujarat . Somnath temple , a place of pilgrimage due to its importance as Jyotirlinga site dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva , is located here. It is also known for the hub of fishing industries in India . Veraval
598-544: Is constructed in such a way that any sound made within the temple is echoed. As a result, the Krishna Bhajans and Stotras recited inside the temple echo in the environment and create a spiritual appeal. Lakshminarayan Temple, Somnath - located adjacent to the Gita Mandir along river Hiren is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Positioned along the pristine Beachside this Mandir is revered for enshrining
644-566: Is divided into three sub structures; sabha mandap, central mandap and a garbhagriha. The garbhagriha of this shrine houses the idol of Lord Parshuram sided by two idols of Kala and Kama. The temple complex also comprises the sub shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. Additionally, a smaller shrine consecrating the Goddess Renuka is also positioned behind the main temple. Endowed with its religious and mythological significance as well as its charismatic scenic background, this temple
690-588: Is located close to the Main circle leading to Somnath Mandir Brahma kund and Saraswati Devi temple – are located close to Somnath beach Somnath Beach – Situated near the Somnath Mahadev temple. Swimming is discouraged due to safety reasons. Visitors can find snacks available and have the option to explore the beach on camelback. Harihar Van – is a nice garden along Triveni sangam Rudralay Mahadev or Rudresvara Temple – Built in 11th or 13th century AD
736-512: Is located on the bank of river Hiran which is about 1½ km from Somnath Temple. Krishna's footprint in marble is made at this place and named as "Golok Dham". The place is in an open area and very peaceful. The tranquil water of river Hiran and trees make the place very lovely. Balramji ki Gufa (Baldev Gufa or Dauji - ni - Gufa) - Balarama the elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna was all through accompanying Sri Krishna in His final journey. After witnessing
782-478: Is located one kilometer from the Junagadh Gate which is the main gateway to Somnath from Veraval. It was originally a Hindu temple built for Sun God, and it was converted into a mosque during the period of Mohamed of Ghazni. Mai Puri Masjid is an impressive piece of architecture, covered with blue and white tiles. In its surroundings, there are several tombs that accentuate the fact that this ground belonged to
828-468: Is located to left of the road to Triveni Ghat Parsuram or Parshuram Temple – located to the right of the road to triveni sangam, opposite to Rudralay temple, is popular among devotees. Lord Parshuram, the son of Goddess Renuka and a pious sage Jamadagni is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the seven immortals (chiranjiv) as stated in Hindu mythology. This locale is believed to be
874-410: Is much frequented by the devotees and the tourists all round the year. Cremation yard or Smashan Ghat – is located adjacent to Parsuramji temple. Kali Mandir – located on Western end of Triveni ghat behind Parshuramji Mandir, on Triveni check-dam road. Triveni sangam; SnanGhat; Dehotsarg or Shri Krishna Nija Dham Prasthan Tirth; Baldev Gufa Triveni Sangam Snanghat of Somnath established at
920-535: Is the building of a Sanskrit university. The town is often known as the gateway to the magnificent Somnath Temple and the pilgrimage centres of Prabhas Patan and Bhalkha. Veraval is also the nearest town to the Gir National Park (42 km away). Before the rise of Surat, Veraval was the major seaport for pilgrims to Mecca . Its importance now is as a fishing port, one of the largest in India. Seafaring dhows and wooden fishing boats are still built by
966-598: Is the sacred site for taking a divine and sin cleansing dip in the Triveni Sangam. Apart from that, this Snanghat is also acclaimed as the place where ‘Pitru - tarpana’ can be offered to your departed ancestors. Triveni Ghat has a significant place in Hindu Mythology and Puranas. It is believed that Lord Krishna walked to this holy spot after he was struck by an arrow shot by Jara, a hunter in Bhalka tirth. This
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#17327726691491012-590: The Kolis Patni Jamat , Rajwadi bhois, Hadi , Lohanas , Maleks , Memons , and Raykas . There is also a sizable population Sindhis . Gujarati and Hindi are the most common languages in the town. Migratory people from other parts of the country also hold a good amount of population in the city. The city is home to Shree Somnath Sanskrit University . Some of the other institutions which provide higher education are College of Fisheries Science and Government Science College. Fisheries have always been
1058-411: The 2011 India census , Veraval had a population of 153,696. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Veraval has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71%, and female literacy is 53%. In Veraval, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age. Veraval has a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ) borderline on
1104-1038: The Chalukyan Maharaja Shri Mularaja Deva Solanki of Anhilvada Patan. To some, the museum is even more interesting than the modern temple, for it preserves stone sculptures, inscriptions and pottery from several periods. Places of interest along Triveni Sangam, Snanghat and River Hiren - listed anticlockwise as one drives from Somnath Mahadev main entrance gate Balaji Mandir – Brahma kund and Saraswati Devi temple - Somnath beach - Harihara Van – Rudralay Mahadev Temple – Parashuramji Temple - Cremation Yard - Kali Mandir– Triveni Ghat; Dehotsarg; Baldev Gufa – Kamnath Mahadev Mandir and Sharada Mutt – Suraj or Surya mandir – Panch Pandav Gufa or Hinglaj Mata Gufa – Gita Mandir – Lakshminarayan Temple – Kasi Vishvanath mandir - Betthakji of Mahaprabuhji – Bhimnath Mahadev – Jain temple – Dholeshwar Mahadev Mandir Balaji Temple – built in Dravidian style
1150-584: The Hindu Puranas. Apart from the idol of Lord Laxminarayan, this temple also enshrines several other idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev temple – located close to Lakshminarayan temple is small, yet ancient. Shree Mahaprabhuji Bethakji - is located close to Gita Mandir. At the Dehotsargt Tirth Shri Vallabhacharya gave discourses on Shrimad Bhagvat Gita for seven days, and this place
1196-507: The Muslim community. Pir Haji Mangroli Shah – Tomb of Haji Mangroli Shah is a revered place for Muslims, located close to Hazrat Maai Puri Masjid. His original name was khwaja Abul Hasan baghdadi urf haji piya, and he was a is Great saint from Baghdad who came to India before Huzur Garib Nawaz. Khwaja Miya Gulam Mohammad Masjid is another place sacred for Muslims in Somnath, located close to Daityasudan temple Somnath railway station
1242-530: The Niryana of Lord Sri Krishna, Balarama (Aadisesha Avathara) cast off his human form and left for his abode from a nearby place in his original serpent form. This place is marked by an ancient holy cave known as Dauji - ni - Gufa where you can find the mark of Aadisesha depicted on the cave wall from where he said to have departed. This place is adjacent to the place of Sri Krishna’s Niryana. The Kamnath Mahadev Temple and Sharda peet – Built about 200 years ago by
1288-533: The Panch Pandava Gufa temple also accommodates a Sanskrit college in its premises. Cave here is also referred as Aravalem caves; another namesake cave located in Goa is very popular] Temples along Hiren river, further upstream - Gita Mandir, Somnath - also known as Birla Mandir, placed at the confluence of three holy rivers known as Triveni Tirtha, is a Krishna temple built by Birla family in 1970. As
1334-684: The Shiva Lingam being split open can still be seen on the Lingam here. This incredible episode of Princess Veni’s deliverance is eulogized in his novel by the prolific Gujarati novelist K M Munshi. Gaurikund or BanGanaga - As per 68'th Adhyay of Prabhas Khund of Skund Purana, Gaurikund is named after Holy Shree Parvati Mata made Tapasya here. Once Lord Shiva comments on Pravati Maa that she looks Blackish (Kali). Little perturbed by his remark Parvati decides to do tapasya here in Prabhas. After much time
1380-519: The Somnath Trust Dharamshala Gate, can also be reached Westerly from Dholeshvar mandir on a narrow path. The Rajputa "Vaja" clan was in charge of Somnath during the Muslim desecrations. As the legend goes, when Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Somnath in 1025 AD, the king gave him a tough resistance. As the king was not surrendering, Mahmud of Ghazni hatched a new plan. He found out that the king had a daughter named Veni who used to pay
1426-574: The confluence of the three holy rivers Saraswati, Kapil and Hiran is a sacrosanct locale highly revered by Hindus as the Moksha Teerth. This is the place where the three blessed rivers flow into the Arabian Sea. As the sea is the ultimate destination of a river, obtaining Moksha is the ultimate goal of the human life. The three rivers Saraswati, Kapil and Hiran stand for the three stages of the life; birth, life and death. Triveni Sangam Snanghat
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1472-475: The divine ‘Shree vigraha’ of Bhagwan Laxminarayan. Supposed to be fashioned after the Laxminarayan Temple of Badrinath, this temple is built in modern Indian style of architecture. This daunting structure erected in glossy marbles and ornamented with beautiful carvings and engravings is distinguished for its commanding architectonics. The carvings on the temple walls depict the episodes chronicled in
1518-485: The fishermen without the use of any modern technology. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son. On 30 March 2021, Veraval–Pabhas Patan joint municipality passed a resolution to change its name to Somnath Municipality. The final decision will be taken by Home Ministry of India. Veraval is located at 20°54′N 70°22′E / 20.9°N 70.37°E / 20.9; 70.37 . It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet). As of
1564-419: The gate symbolizes a rich cultural heritage. Notably, Junagadh Gate bears witness to significant events of the past, including the incursion led by Mahmud of Ghazni. During this infamous invasion, Mahmud breached the gate's defenses, gaining access to the sacred city of Somnath. Subsequently, he orchestrated the desecration of its temples and the plundering of its considerable wealth, leaving an indelible mark on
1610-512: The legend goes, the Gita Mandir is nested at the very exact spot where Lord Sri Krishna after being shot by a hunter at the Bhalka Teerth had rested for a while before departing for His ‘Neej Dham’ at Dehotsarg. Lord Krishna with his bleeding foot is said to have walked about 4 km from Bhalka Teerth to this location. Marvelously built in polished marble stone, the Gita Mandir enshrines the idol of Lord Krishna in its sanctum. This idol of
1656-426: The local youth. The major ones being Indian Rayon Unit of Grasim industries limited, Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd, Gujarat Siddhee Cement Ltd and Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd. Kharwa and Patni Jamat , a local inhabitants have flourished as main seafood exporter after the 1990s. They have a very good hold on the fishing business. The city has two railway stations namely Veraval Junction and Somnath . Veraval Junction
1702-488: The lord Shiva impressed by her tapasya tells her that she is now Gauri (the white one). She was also given a "Vardhan" that the place henceforth will be known as "Gaurishwar" and whoever worships here gets his wishes fulfilled. Other places of interest in Somnath Buddhist caves of Prabhas Patan are very ancient, located North West of Dholeshwar, close to highway Mai Puri Masjid [Hazrat Maai Puri Masjid] -
1748-570: The main industries in the town and are dominated by the Kharwas (fisherfolk). The fishing is done mostly on traditional boats and trawlers. Veraval also has a large boat making industry. Veraval is home to a large number of fish processing factories in Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) which export prime quality seafood to USA, Japan, SE Asian, Gulf and EU Countries. The seafood-industry which
1794-517: The old Nawabi fort and Nawabi Gates in and around the place. The old walls of the port are now ruined, but the impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are still seen, but are in a very bad state. The Nawabi Palace with Gothic features which is one of the main attractions. It is popularly known as Somnath College (the palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the Nawab). At present it
1840-474: The presiding deity is flanked by two statues of Lord Laxminarayan and Lord SitaRam. The footprint of Lord Shri Krishna is carved here to mark the divine memory of Shri Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela. The most remarkable aspect of the Gita Mandir is its eighteen marble pillars that bear the 18 Adhyays of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta carved on them. The interiors of the temple are decorated with several paintings depicting various life episodes of Lord Krishna. The Gita Mandir
1886-481: The region's history. Daityasudan or Daityusudan temple - is an ancient one with an image of Vishnu from the 7th century AD. It is located close to Somanath Mahadev temple, Northerly. Chandraprabh Swami Jain temple lays adjacent to this temple. Mahakali temple - lies close Somnath Mahadev temple. It was built by Queen Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1783 AD. Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat
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1932-492: The twelve jyotirlings of Shiva is shown at the opening of this cave. Suraj Mandir - also popularly known as Sun Temple, in Somnath is also an ancient temple dating back to the origin of Somnath temple. This temple is situated at the north of the Triveni Ghat. The temple architecture is amazing with many images of elephants, lions and other birds and animals. There is also a step well in the temple premises. This temple too
1978-453: The very place where Lord Parshuram had performed a severe penance in the honor of Lord Somnath in order to get rid of the sin committing Kshatriya Vadh. The Parshuram Temple of Triveni Tirtha happens to be one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Parshuram. This baroque temple adjoined by two ancient bathing water tanks (holy kunds) is a much sought after religious destination where devotees spend time in prayers and meditation. The temple edifice
2024-529: Was attacked many a times by Muslim foreign invaders. Panch Pandava Gufa [Hinglaj Mata Gufa] - established near Lalghati in Somnath, close to Suraj Mandir is a cave temple that was expanded to present form in 1949 by the late Baba Narayandas. The pandav brothers, during their exile, are believed to have done penance in the caves in order to impress lord Shiva. Pandav brothers also worshiped Hinglaj Mataji along with lord Shiva here. Old temple might have been built around 15th century. Positioned at an elevated locus on
2070-553: Was founded in 13th or 14th century by Rao Veravalji Vadher, a Rajput . Present name is believed to be derived from its old name "Velakul" meaning Port City. Veraval was once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. It was a part of the Kingdom of Junagadh till 1947 when Junagadh was merged with India. The city still bears some remnants of the old Nawabi heritage, the Nawabi summer palace being among them. There are ruins of
2116-511: Was started through government initiative now is in its prime and many importers are attracted towards Veraval from around the globe. Regional research centers of CIFT and CMFRI situated at Veraval have done Yeoman service in development of fisheries sector in Gujarat. Veraval also is home to Grasim Industries limited (Unit - Indian Rayon) which is one of India's largest rayon manufacturing companies. There are various chemical, thread and cement companies around Veraval which provide employment to
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