In 1451, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud Begda, the Sultan of Gujarat. In 1701, the temple was once again attacked by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He left it half ruined. Later with a joint effort by Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore & Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior the temple was rebuilt in 1783 at a site adjacent to the ruined temple.
During British rule, Prabhas Patan was part of the princely state of Junagarh, who wanted to accede to Pakistan, But India refused to accept his decision. Deputy PM Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel came to Junagadh on November 12, 1947 to direct the merger of the state into India and at the same time ordered the reconstruction of the Somanath temple.
The ruins were pulled down in October 1950 and the mosque present at that site was shifted few miles away. In May 1951, the first President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad performed the installation ceremony for the temple.
Rajendra Prasad said in his address "It is my view that the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple will be complete on that day when not only a magnificent edifice will arise on this foundation, but the mansion of India's prosperity will be really that prosperity of which the ancient temple of Somnath was a symbol."
He said: "The Somnath temple signifies that the power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction"
The present temple, which was built by Sardar Patel and K. M. Munshi, is managed by Shree Somnath Trust.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean. Kartik Purnima Fair which is held in the month of November for four days and Shivratri are the major and most important festivals celebrated in Somnath with grandness and aplomb that attracts crowds in large numbers.
