Ahilyabai Temple
This sacred shrine, also known as the Old Somnath Temple, was commissioned by the legendary Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1783. The history of this temple is deeply intertwined with the resilience of Hindu faith, as it was built when the original Somnath Temple lay in ruins after mult iple invasions. Legend says the Queen had a divine dream of Lord Shiva, guiding her to the exact spot of the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam, which was hidden to protect it from desecration. Unlike the modern grand structure nearby, this temple maintains a quiet, meditative atmosphere that transports visitors back to the 18th century. It served as the primary place of worship for nearly two centuries until the new temple was consecrated in 1951. Today, it remains a vital pilgrimage stop where devotees can experience a more personal and intimate connection with the deity. The spiritual energy here is palpable, and the temple stands as a testament to the architectural and religious patronage of the Holkar dynasty. Visitors often find solace in its simplicity and the deep historical roots it represents.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Religious & HistoricalEntry Fees:
Special Events:
Events:
Mahashivratri: Celebrated with intense devotion and night-long prayers.
Shravan Month: Special decorations and daily rituals attract thousands of pilgrims. ...Events:
Mahashivratri: Celebrated with intense devotion and night-long prayers.
Shravan Month: Special decorations and daily rituals attract thousands of pilgrims.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
The Entrance: The traditional wooden doors and stone archway provide a vintage frame.
Temple Spires: Capture the pink Shikhara against the blue sky.
Court View: ...Photo Spots:
The Entrance: The traditional wooden doors and stone archway provide a vintage frame.
Temple Spires: Capture the pink Shikhara against the blue sky.
Court View: The wide-angle view of the temple complex from the main gate.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Activities:
Rituals: Participate in the traditional Jal-Abhishek on the Shivling.
Meditation: Sit in the quiet corners of the courtyard for mental peace.
Exploration: Study the 18th-century Maratha stone masonry and scripts.
Aarti: Witness the evening aarti which is less crowded but more soul-stirring.
History Walk: Learn about the Queen’s vision from the local temple priests.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the old pink stone and the new temple.
Souvenirs: Buy small brass Shivlings from the nearby local vendors. ...Activities:
Rituals: Participate in the traditional Jal-Abhishek on the Shivling.
Meditation: Sit in the quiet corners of the courtyard for mental peace.
Exploration: Study the 18th-century Maratha stone masonry and scripts.
Aarti: Witness the evening aarti which is less crowded but more soul-stirring.
History Walk: Learn about the Queen’s vision from the local temple priests.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the old pink stone and the new temple.
Souvenirs: Buy small brass Shivlings from the nearby local vendors.
Information
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Why Famous:
Fame:
Restoration: Famous for being the "Substitute Temple" built during the era when the main site was destroyed.
Rani Ahilyabai: It honors the legacy of the Queen who restored countless temples across India...Fame:
Restoration: Famous for being the "Substitute Temple" built during the era when the main site was destroyed.
Rani Ahilyabai: It honors the legacy of the Queen who restored countless temples across India.
Spirituality: It is renowned for housing the hidden Swayambhu Lingam that escaped historical raids. -
Architecture:
Structure: The temple features a classic Maratha style with a modest yet elegant stone structure.
Sanctum: The main Garbhagriha is located underground to protect the deity from past invaders.
Dimensions: Th...Structure: The temple features a classic Maratha style with a modest yet elegant stone structure.
Sanctum: The main Garbhagriha is located underground to protect the deity from past invaders.
Dimensions: The temple complex spans roughly 50x50 feet with a spire height of 30 feet.
Carvings: It showcases intricate floral patterns on pillars and a pinkish stone facade. -
How To Reach:
Reach:
By Air: Rajkot Airport is 200 KM away.
By Train: Veraval Junction is just 5 KM from the site.
By Road: Well-connected via NH-51 with regular buses.
Read MoreReach:
By Air: Rajkot Airport is 200 KM away.
By Train: Veraval Junction is just 5 KM from the site.
By Road: Well-connected via NH-51 with regular buses.
Local: Auto-rickshaws are easily available from all parts of Somnath.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Time:
Winter: October to March is the most pleasant.
Daytime: Morning hours are best for rituals, while Evenings are best for the cool sea breeze. ...Best Time:
Winter: October to March is the most pleasant.
Daytime: Morning hours are best for rituals, while Evenings are best for the cool sea breeze.Near Tourist Places:
Somnath Temple (0. 2 KM), Triveni Sangam (1. 5 KM), Bhalka Tirth (5 KM), Gita Mandir (1. 5 KM), Prabhas Patan Museum (0. 5 KM), Somnath Beach (0. 5 KM), Suraj Mandir (1 KM), Panch Pandav Gufa (1. 5 KM), Laxminarayan Temple (1 KM), Junagadh Gate (1. 2 KM).Tourism Tips
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Tips:
Safety: Keep your belongings safe as the area can get crowded.
Packing: Wear modest traditional clothing as a mark of respect.
Accommodation: Stay at the Somnath Trust ...Tips:
Safety: Keep your belongings safe as the area can get crowded.
Packing: Wear modest traditional clothing as a mark of respect.
Accommodation: Stay at the Somnath Trust guest houses for proximity.
Etiquette: Do not take photos inside the sanctum sanctorum.
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