The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni Sangam (the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati). The present temple is a Maru-Gurjara architecture (also called Chaulukya or Solanki style) temple. It has a "Kailash MahameruPrasad" form, and reflects the skill of the Sompura Salats, one of Gujarat's master masons. India's Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel came to Junagadh on 12 November1947 to direct the stabilization of the state by the Indian Army, at which time he ordered the reconstruction of the Somnath temple.

Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.

Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (moon god) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to twenty-seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favored Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed the Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshiped Bhagavan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagavan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with sandalwood.

The later sources of history account for several desecration by Muslim’s invaders during eleventh to eighteen centuries. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel, who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13, 1947. Then President of India, late Dr. Rajendra Prasad, performed the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11th May 1951.

Project Requirements

‍The purpose is to develop the as built models of the temples, which shall be developed in such a manner that the department can actually access the entire monument virtually.  On the same note, the department intends to use the developed data in the form of rendered visualizations, fly through videos, walkthrough videos, virtual reality immersive experiences and mobile application. The data developed shall also be used to attract more visitors to the temples.

Technology Used

‍3d LIDAR scanning
Arial photogrammetry