Somenath temple is one of the oldest temple of india which is located about 70 from junagadh in Prabhas Kshetra near veraval in gujrat. It stands as a famous landmark in indian history. Somnath temple was invaded by different conquerors who came to India whereby some looted its wealth.
Some parts of temple were destroyed. Many legends are attached to the Somnath Temple regarding its origin and existence. Somnath temple is also known by various names like Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, or Somnath Pattan. The Somnath Temple is home to one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’, which is considered to be the most sacred lingas in the Hindu pantheon. The Somnath Temple is an ideal example of the ancient rich Indian temple architecture. History says that Somnath Temple was known as the treasure trove of wealth and goodies, that were looted away by Muslim rulers.
Somnath temple was popular even in the ancient times & revenues were collected from 10,000 villages to maintain the Somnath Temple. Somnath temple was very popular and the holy place was visited by the people from all parts of the country even in the ancient times. The Somnath Temple is known as the eternal shrine whose glory and fame are legendary. It is believed that Somraj, the moon god, built the Somnath Temple or the Somnath Pattan using gold. Further Ravana rebuild somnath temple in silver. Again Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu built it in wood. Furthr, the temple was rebuild in stone in the 10th century by King Bhimdev Solanki.