If you want to travel to a place where you can explore and experience all the facets of India, visit Gujarat. Gujarat is a place which is completed with picturesque landscapes, historical sites and long stretches of coastal lines. This is a place for tourists of all kinds of interests. The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmadabad. The beautiful state of Gujarat boasts of a rich historical background. Moreover the people of Gujarat reflect the vibrant culture of the state. They love to wear colorful dresses and the women prefer wearing a lot of ornaments. Most of the people speak in Gujarati. Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi and English are also spoken in Gujarat.
One of the major tourist sites of Gujarat that you should definitely not miss out is the Somnath Temple. This temple will give you a breath taking view. From here you can have a fantastic view of the setting sun into Arabian Sea while its golden rays fall on the pinnacle of the superb temple of Somnath. This beautiful view will surely leave you speechless and most assuredly purify your souls.
The Somenath Temple is located on the west coast of Gujarat facing the Arabian Sea. History has it that the temple has faced almost 17 attacks by Afgan invader Mahmud Gazni in order to rob its enormous wealth. However, it stands tall with its majestic architectural grandeur.
Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Living Symbol of Lord Shiva) spread across the country. Legends have it that Somnath Temple was built of gold by the Moon God (Somraj) himself and was subsequently replaced with a silver structure by Ravana. Another story goes like this that the Lord Chandra (Moon God) was very proud of his beauty. Due to this reason, he was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha, to get smaller. In order to release from this curse, Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva at Prabhas. Lord Shiva became happy with the penance of the Moon and reduced the curse to an extent.
As you visit the Somnath Temple while on your Gujarat Tour, the first thing that will rapture your heart is the grand architecture of the temple. In spite of being destroyed six times and rebuilt each time, it has been taking a better structure in each attempt. The temple faces the east direction. The external view of the temple is much similar to the Rudramala temple at Siddhapur. You will be surprised to know that the dome of the temple is the biggest ever made in this century. And another fascinating thing that you will notice is that though the temple is of Hindu origin, the architecture has Jain influences. The temple was earlier erected out of red sandstone. The seven-storied structure of Somnath Temple is tall to 155 feet. Moreover, the temple is sited in such a manner that no mass of land can be seen from Somnath seashore till Antarctica.
So, irrespective of what religion you belong to or if you are a religious person or not, Somnath Temple is one attraction in you Gujarat Tour that will attract all tourist. The serenity, the tranquility, the grand architecture and the purity in the environment, experience the rejuvenating aura as you enter this magnificent temple in Gujarat. 
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