Prabhas Patan: The ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ is set to be celebrated at Somnath in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commemorating 75 years of the temple’s redevelopment and modernization.

Among the 12 revered Jyotirlingas of India, Somnath holds a special place as the first Jyotirlinga. Today, more than 25,000 devotees visit the temple daily, while nearly 97 lakh pilgrims visit annually. Enhanced road, rail, and air connectivity, along with modern infrastructure and pilgrim facilities, have played a key role in boosting religious tourism in the region.

The Shri Somnath Trust, headed by Prime Minister Modi, has also developed accommodation and dining facilities for pilgrims, including Sagar Darshan guest houses, modern circuit houses, and other amenities designed to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors.

Major Attractions at Somnath

A 16-foot-tall statue of Hanumanji has been installed near the Samudra Darshan Path, which has become a major attraction for tourists and devotees alike. Additionally, 202 Maruti Haats have been developed along the seafront promenade.

Another unique initiative includes the purification and distribution of Gangajal offered to Lord Shiva, which is later provided to devotees as ‘Somganga’ prasad.

The temple’s Light and Sound Show has also emerged as a popular attraction. Over the past three years, more than 10 lakh visitors have witnessed the show narrating the glorious history of Somnath.

Improved Connectivity Boosts Tourism

To make travel easier for pilgrims, the Jetpur-Somnath four-lane highway was developed at a cost of Rs. 828 crore. The introduction of the Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express has significantly reduced travel time between Ahmedabad and Somnath.

Further strengthening connectivity, the operationalisation of Keshod Airport and Rajkot International Airport has improved access for domestic as well as international tourists visiting Somnath.

Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Initiatives

Recognised as a ‘Clean Iconic Place’ in 2018, Somnath has emerged as a model for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Temple flowers are processed into vermicompost at waste segregation centres and are used for cultivating around 1,700 bilva trees. Under the Mission LiFE initiative, paver blocks are also manufactured from plastic waste, with nearly 4,700 plastic-fly ash blocks produced every month.

Towards Becoming a Net-Zero Temple

Several initiatives have been undertaken to make Somnath an environmentally sustainable and net-zero temple complex. Rainwater harvesting systems, reservoirs, and sewage treatment plants have been developed to conserve and recycle water.

Around 30 lakh litres of sewage water are purified every month and reused for afforestation activities. Eight sewage treatment plants have collectively treated more than 205 crore litres of water for agricultural and landscape irrigation purposes.

A Miyawaki forest spread across 7.2 lakh square feet, with nearly 7,200 trees, has also been developed to protect the temple area from saline sea winds.

Additionally, the Shri Somnath Trust has established a nine-stage purification plant to purify holy water used for Abhishek rituals. The purified water is distributed among devotees as ‘Somgangajal’ at a nominal price of Rs. 15.

Digital Facilities for Devotees

The Shri Somnath Trust has introduced several digital initiatives to simplify darshan and religious services for devotees across India and abroad.

Pilgrims can now access live darshan online and book pujas, guest house rooms, donations, Someshwar Mahapuja, Dhwaja Puja, Rudrabhishek, and other rituals through digital platforms.

Devotees can also order prasadi items online, including silver coins worshipped at the temple, sarees offered to Goddess Parvati, sacred flags hoisted at the temple, and clothes adorned to Lord Shiva.

Live streaming of daily aarti, temple visuals, heritage walks, and information about nearby tourist attractions have also been made available online.

Today, Somnath has evolved beyond being only a centre of spirituality and heritage, establishing itself as a prominent global religious and tourism destination. DeshGujarat