Trust gives nod for modern facilities near Somnath Temple

Ahmedabad, Jan 31 (PTI) The area around the SomnathTemple would be developed to provide modern facilities forpilgrims and tourists who visit the temple where one of thetwelve Jyotrilings is located.

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

Senior BJP leader L K Advani and Gujarat Chief MinisterNarendra Modi who are among the trustees of the temple werepresent at the meeting.

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

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

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi called fordeveloping ancient caves found in the vicinity as a museum.

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

Padmashri awardee Harsh Neotia was unanimouslyrecommended for the post of Temple trustee that was vacantafter the demise of Dinesh Shah last month.