In the day of Mahashivaratri the Holy Somnath Shiva Linga
Somnath, also in Saurashtra, is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India associated with the Jyotirlinga. A majestic monument by the seashore, the temp-le is washed by the clear Arabian Sea.
The beach by the temple is very lovely and sunrise and sunset make for breathtaking moments. It is called the Shrine Eternal, for it has been ransacked and destroyed by Muslim invaders many times, but phoenix-like, it has risen renewed at the same spot each time. The beautiful gates of the earlier shrine were carried away by Mahmud of Ghazi. The present temple is a recent reconstruction in the old style.
Places of pilgrimage
Gujarat can offer something to everybody-pilgrim, archaeologist, architect, lover of wildlife or just a plain, jaded human being wishing to get away from it all for a few days. The devout pilgrim and the ordinary tourist would both find a visit to the pilgrim centers worth while for, apart from their religious significance, many of the temples are either situated amidst lovely surroundings or have beautiful architecture with exquisite carvings. The legends and myths connected with these places lend them an added charm.