Veneshwar Mahadev

This temple is one of the most ancient structures in Somnath dating right back to the twelfth century. It is located in front of the Somnath-Dharamshala Gate. As the legend goes, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath, the local king of Vaja clan was unwilling to surrender and decided to put up a tough fight. The Muslim Generals hatched a new plan to abduct his daughter, Veni, who used to pay visit to this linga everyday. When they attacked this temple, Veni locked herself in and surrendered in front of Shiva asking for his help. At this, the linga is said to have divided into two and Veni was taken inside. What is visible to the eye, to this day, is an impression of her hair that was left out as well as the mark of the linga splitting open. Veni achieved instant salvation and Mahmud’s plan failed. After this event, this Shiva temple was christened ‘Veneshwar Mahadev’ in fond memory of this miraculous episode. The temple has a very unusual spire.