Old Somnath Temple (Ahilyabai Holkar Temple)

Opposite the New Somnath Temple, is a pink, painted structure that has played witness to the colourful history of this land. In the seventeenth century this temple came under the rule of the Marathas. It is said that Ahilyabai Holkar was deeply moved by the ravaged state of the temple and took on herself the task of reconstructing it. It is also said that the location of the swayambhulinga came in Ahilyabai’s dreams post which she started the construction immediately. Many Hindus believe that this temple contains the original jyotirling which was buried assuming that the original temple would be raided. Unlike the new Somnath Temple, everybody is allowed to enter the garbagriha and perform pooja with the help of the local priest. The aarti offered here is accompanied by multiple musical instruments including damroos and makes for a tantalising experience.