Trust gives nod for modern facilities near Somnath Temple

The area around the Somnath Temple would be developed to provide modern facilities for pilgrims and tourists who visit the temple where one of the twelve Jyotrilings is located.

The area around the Somnath Temple would be developed to provide modern facilities for pilgrims and tourists who visit the temple where one of the twelve Jyotrilings is located.

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The decision to the effect was taken at the meeting of the trustees of the temple chaired by president Keshubhai Patel, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi who are among the trustees of the temple were present at the meeting.

The trustees have decided to beautify the area near the temple and provide modern facilities for the pilgrims and tourists, Patel said, adding that facilities would include drinking water and comfortable stay near the temple.

"A 85-room guest house is being planned near the Temple which would have all modern facilities. It would provide comfortable stay for the pilgrims and tourists," Patel said, adding that a number of steps have been planned for Gokuldham and Gaushala near the temple as well.

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi called for developing ancient caves found in the vicinity as a museum.

While senior BJP leader L K Advani stressed the need for publicising facilities being created near the Temple which is visited by over 45 lakh pilgrims and tourists every year.

Padmashri awardee Harsh Neotia was unanimously recommended for the post of Temple trustee that was vacant after the demise of Dinesh Shah last month.