These three projects will give Somnath a special place in India’s religious and tourism map.
Somnath has always been a centre of faith for devotees. After ad campaigns like “Khushboo Gujarati Ki”, the number of tourists coming to Somnath has been gradually increasing. At the same time, the Somnath Temple Trust, in collaboration with the Central and state governments, is increasing facilities for tourists. As part of this, three development works at a cost of Rs 50 crore will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. According to experts, these three projects will give Somnath a special place in the religious and tourism map.
A 1.5 km long walkway has been constructed near the Somnath temple from Sagar Darshan Guest House in Somnath to the embankment of Triveni Sangam at a cost of Rs 45 crore. Visitors to Somnath are also provided with binoculars so that they can enjoy the view of Somnath Mahadev’s temple on one side and the roaring sea on the other. Pilgrims will be able to enjoy cycling and walking on the walkway. The walkway has a seating facility so that pilgrims can enjoy the privilege of sitting in front of the sea. A food court is planned to be set up in the middle of the walkway, which will soon be a privilege for pilgrims. In addition, on the walkway, the tourist will be able to see pictures related to the culture of India; here in the gallery are placed pictures depicting different occasions of Ramayana. Music and colorful lights at night will enhance the beauty of the walkway.
Three entry gates have been set up on this walkway starting from Friday. The first can be entered from Sagar Darshan, the second from the post office in front of the Hamirji Gohil Memorial and the third from the Prabhaspatnam Police Station on Triveni Road. A fee of Rs 5 has been fixed for admission on the walkway.
The Somnath Exhibition Center (Museum) constructed in the building of the Somnath Tourist Facility Center has a fragmentary relic of the old Somnath temple with a glorious past, stones and a city-style replica of the Somnath temple of the past. Apart from this, literature and photographs depicting the historical events that took place at the Somnath temple in the past have also been put up for display. This museum will acquaint the present and future generations with the glorious past of the first Jyotirlinga Somnath Temple.
The old Somnath temple complex has been developed and a facility has been set up at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore. This temple is also known as Ahilyabai Temple, as it was built by Maharani Ahilyabai of Indore. The entire old temple complex has been completely redeveloped for the protection and enhanced capacity of the pilgrims. The temple has a large open complex and entrances so that pilgrims can easily enter and exit. As many as 16 shops have been set up in the campus itself. As this temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai of Indore, her statue has also been placed.
