Somnath temple is a highlight of any trip to Gujarat. Also known as Prabhas Patan, Somnath is one of the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines or the 12 temples enshrining Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam in the country. One of the oldest places of pilgrimage, the temple finds mention in ancient texts and scriptures.
Its glowing description by 11th century Arab traveler Al Biruni prompted an unwelcome visit by Mahmud of Ghazni who ransacked and destroyed the temple in 1025 AD. Razed and rebuilt at least six times since its foundation, the existing temple standing at the shore of the Arabian Sea came into being as a result of the efforts of Sardar Patel, the Iron man of India.