Temple Profile

Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Som Nath Ji

Location:	Karoli, Dungarpur.	God Worshipped:	Lord Shiv Lingam
District:	Dungarpur	Road Distance from Jaipur:	500 Kms
Built in the year:	11th Century	Nearest Airport:	Dabok, Udaipur (85 Kms)
By		Nearest Rly. Station:	Bhavanath (45 Kms)

Cause of Establishment:
This ancient temple was built in 11th century. It’s widely believed that the priests of the renewed Somnath temple of Gujrat fled Somnath when Mahmood Ghajanavi invaded and came to Dungarpur, then known as vagar. They built this temple here. The stone inscription on the wall of the temple tells in of the renovation time which is from 1483 A.D. to 1498 A.D.

Brief of the Diety:
The Hindus in the Shiva tradition worship Lord Deva Somanath here. The Shiva Lingam is 6" high and is of whitish color and it is said to be natural and self form and not man made.
Religious sect to which the temple belongs:
Sanatan Shiv Asadhna
Architecture of the Temple:
Important Architectural Characteristics:
The Temple has: 1.A three storeyed sabha mandapa ( Portico ) 2.Toran dwar or the main gate (Entrance) 3.Statuettes are beautifully carved on stone pillars. 4.There are 150 pillars in the sabha mandap and 75 pinnacle (Shikhar) 5.The portico and the have gods and goddesses in carved.


Material of Construction:	White marble has been used
Total Construction Time:

Religious aspects of temple:
Hindus at large worship lord Shiva and Shiva Lingam.
Unique features of the temple:
1.Main Gate (Toran Dwar) 2.Three doored portico 3.Very huge and high shikhar (Pinnacle) 4.225 pillars beautifully ornamental.
Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events):
Fairs are held on Shiva Ratri and Vaishakhi Poornima ( Full Moon ).

Timings:
Morning Time:	from 6.00 am	Evening Time:	till 7.00 pm
Custom & Traditions of Temple:
There is traditional observance of Mansha Vrata for fulfillment of wishes. Worship is performed in accordance with the instruction laid down by the scriptures.
Details of Temple:
Sanctrum:	15' 8 x 13' 8(grabh grah)
Sanctorum:	30' x 30'
Rasoi:	Two Rooms ( 12' x 10' )
Others:	Sabha Mandap ( Poatico ) 58' x 67'6.There is spacious chowk around the temple.
Vandana (If any particular) in text:
As prescribed Shiva aarati along with singing of humns in the prayers of Lord Shiva.
Issues requiring global attention for conservation, protection and improvement of the temple:
Central Archeology Deptt has deployed guards that keep a visit at a time. There is one sergeant with four sentinels. This unique heritage is dilapidated and immediate attention is required for its safety. There are four walls around the temple a lightning conductor has been fixed to save the temple from thunderbolts.