Ahilyabai Holkar Somnath Temple

Ahilyabai Holkar Somnath Temple, also known as the Old Somnath Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Prabhas Patan, Somnath, in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat. Situated adjacent to the main Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple near the Arabian Sea coast, it was built in 1783 by Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple enshrines a Shiva lingam and is noted for its traditional architecture, underground sanctum and association with the revered Somnath Jyotirlinga pilgrimage.

Visitors can expect a compact, historic temple complex located a short walk from the main Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple. The temple features traditional stone architecture, a small sanctum housing a Shiva lingam, and an underground garbhagriha accessed by steps. The surroundings are relatively quiet compared to the main temple, with paved courtyards, views of the nearby coastline, and a devotional atmosphere for darshan, prayer and sightseeing.

The temple was constructed in 1783 by Ahilyabai Holkar, Queen of the Holkar dynasty of Indore, after the earlier Somnath temples had been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over centuries. It was built adjacent to the main Jyotirlinga site and served as the principal place of worship at Somnath before the present Somnath Temple was reconstructed in 1951. It represents Maratha-era temple patronage and restoration efforts.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas revered in Hinduism. It holds religious importance for devotees visiting Somnath and reflects the continuity of worship at Prabhas Patan. The site is valued for its devotional atmosphere and association with the long-standing Somnath pilgrimage tradition.