Queen Ahilyabai Holkar commissioned this temple specifically to restore worship after the larger Somnath temple was rendered unusable.
The structure is built on a slightly lower foundation level than the modern Somnath Temple, reflecting its historical placement.
It is distinct from the current main Somnath Temple, which was rebuilt in the Chalukya style in 1951.
The temple contains architectural elements that survived multiple historical invasions and reconstructions of the Prabhas Patan site.
It serves as a primary historical link to the religious restoration efforts undertaken by the Maratha Empire.
The Somnath Mandir by Maharani Ahilyabai, often referred to as the Old Somnath Temple, is a historic structure commissioned in 1783 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Situated immediately adjacent to the modern, grand Somnath Temple, it houses the original Shiva linga salvaged after the main site's destruction. The temple is built in the traditional Nagara architectural style, characterized by its intricately carved stone masonry. It serves as a significant site of worship for devotees who recognize it as the location where the deity was preserved during periods of regional turbulence. The temple remains a functional place of worship and a key site for understanding the layered history of the Somnath complex. Its design reflects the structural techniques common in 18th-century Maratha architecture.
From the exterior courtyard facing the entrance, which allows for a frame that captures the temple's stone facade.
Visit this temple before or after the main Somnath temple to appreciate the historical progression of the site.
Use the dedicated shoe storage counters outside the main temple complex perimeter.
Observe the stone carvings closely to distinguish the 18th-century craftsmanship from the surrounding 20th-century construction.
Do not carry mobile phones or cameras inside the temple sanctum, as they are prohibited by temple security protocols.
Strict dress code requiring modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; footwear must be removed before entering the temple sanctum.
