🛕 Historical Temple 📍 Madhya Pradesh

ℹ️ Needs Verification · Source Available

Dhar Somnath Temple

🕉 Presiding Deity: Shiva 📜 Tradition: Sanatana Dharma

About The Temple

Introduction & Sanctity

Dhar Somnath Temple

Location: Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India
History: The temple was built in the 11th century by the Parmar king Bhoj II.
Architecture: The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Somnath.
Significance: The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
Festivals: The temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the Maha Shivratri festival.

Dhar Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the city of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 11th century by the Parmar king Bhoj II. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.

The temple is a large, rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof. The main entrance is on the east side and is flanked by two towers. The interior of the temple is divided into three parts: the ardha mandapa, the maha mandapa, and the garbhagriha. The ardha mandapa is the antechamber, the maha mandapa is the main hall, and the garbhagriha is the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum houses the lingam of Lord Shiva.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the Maha Shivratri festival. The festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna. On this day, devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. They also bathe in the holy waters of the Kshipra River, which flows near the temple.

Dhar Somnath Temple is a beautiful and sacred temple that is dedicated to one of the most important deities in Hinduism. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Temple Story

📜 Sthala Purana & Sacred Lore

Dhar Somnath Temple

History

The Dhar Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the town of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century by the Parmar king Bhoj II. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.

Legend

According to legend, the Dhar Somnath Temple was built on the site where Lord Shiva appeared to King Bhoj II in a dream. The king was instructed to build a temple at the site, and he did so. The temple is said to be one of the most beautiful temples in India, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world.

Architecture

The Dhar Somnath Temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The temple is made of red sandstone, and it features a five-tiered shikhara (spire). The temple also has a number of sculptures and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Significance

The Dhar Somnath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world. The temple is also a significant cultural and historical site.

In Hinduism Scripture

The Dhar Somnath Temple is mentioned in a number of Hindu scriptures, including the Shiva Purana and the Skanda Purana. The temple is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavad Gita.

The Dhar Somnath Temple is a sacred place for Hindus, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination. The temple is also a significant cultural and historical site.

Architecture

🏗️ Architectural Marvel & Design

Architecture of Dhar Somnath Temple

The Dhar Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva.

The temple was built in the 11th century by the Parmar king Bhoj II. It is a large temple complex, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters. The main temple is a square structure, with a height of about 40 meters. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The exterior of the temple is decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses. The interior of the temple is richly decorated with paintings and carvings.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is also a popular tourist destination.

Key features of the architecture of Dhar Somnath Temple

The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
The main temple is a square structure, with a height of about 40 meters.
The exterior of the temple is decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses.
The interior of the temple is richly decorated with paintings and carvings.

Significance of Dhar Somnath Temple

The Dhar Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is also a popular tourist destination.

References

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DharSomnathTemple" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dhar Somnath Temple

Visiting Guide

🧭 Pilgrim Visiting Guide & Darshan Info

How to Visit Dhar Somnath Temple

Dhar Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India.

How to Reach Dhar Somnath Temple

The nearest airport to Dhar Somnath Temple is Indore Airport, which is located at a distance of 120 km from the temple. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India by air.

The nearest railway station to Dhar Somnath Temple is Dhar Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 2 km from the temple. The station is well-connected to major cities in India by rail.

Dhar Somnath Temple is also well-connected by road to major cities in India. The temple is located on National Highway 52, which connects it to major cities in the country.

Things to See and Do in Dhar Somnath Temple

The main attraction of Dhar Somnath Temple is the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The lingam is made of black stone and is said to be self-manifested.
The temple complex also houses a number of other shrines, including shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati.
There is also a museum in the temple complex that displays a number of artefacts related to the history of the temple.

Best Time to Visit Dhar Somnath Temple

The best time to visit Dhar Somnath Temple is during the summer months (March to June). The weather is warm and sunny during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Tips for Visiting Dhar Somnath Temple

Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking around the temple complex.
Carry a bottle of water as it can get hot during the day.
Respect the religious sentiments of others and dress appropriately when visiting the temple.

Dhar Somnath Temple is a must-visit for all those who are interested in Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is a beautiful example of Hindu architecture and is home to one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Scriptural References

📖 Mention in Sacred Hindu Scriptures

Dhar Somnath Temple

Location: Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India
History: The temple was built in the 11th century by the Chaulukya dynasty. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Architecture: The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It has a square sanctum sanctorum with a shikhara on top. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a mandapa.
Significance: The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the Char Dhams, the four most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

What is mentioned in Hinduism scripture about Dhar Somnath Temple?

The Dhar Somnath Temple is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, one of the most important texts of Hinduism. The Shiva Purana describes the temple as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
The Shiva Purana also describes the legend of the Dhar Somnath Temple. According to the legend, the temple was originally built by King Rishabhadeva, the first Jain tirthankara. The temple was later destroyed by the demon Andhakasura. Lord Shiva then appeared to King Somnath and instructed him to rebuild the temple. King Somnath rebuilt the temple and it has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

The Dhar Somnath Temple is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is also one of the Char Dhams, the four most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

Verification Status: ℹ️ Seed Dataset — Needs Independent Verification · Last Updated: 2026-10-08 · Seed Dataset Source: rishabhmodi03/hindu-temples (GitHub / MIT License)

Darshan timings and ritual schedules are subject to change during special festival days. Devotees are advised to confirm with temple authorities before planning visits.

✓