Veraval
Veraval | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Somnath | |
Clockwise from top: Somnath Temple, Triveni Sangam, Indian Rayon factory, Veraval Coastline, Bhalka Tirth Temple | |
Veraval Veraval (Gujarat) Veraval Veraval (India) | |
| Coordinates: 20°54′57.2″N 70°21′46.4″E / 20.915889°N 70.362889°E[1] | |
| Country | India |
| State | Gujarat |
| Region | Saurashtra |
| District | Gir Somnath |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal Council |
| • Body | Somnath Municipal Council |
| • President | Piyush Fofandi (BJP) |
| Area | |
• Total | 39.95 km2 (15.42 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 18.62 m (61.1 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 185,797 |
| • Density | 4,651/km2 (12,050/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Veravali, Sommathians |
| Languages | |
| • Official | |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PINs | 362265–362269 |
| Area code | +912876xxxxxx |
| Vehicle registration | GJ-32 |
| Sex ratio | 965/1000 (♀/♂) |
| Literacy rate | 76.49% |
| Urban planning agency | Somnath Urban Development Authority (SUDA) |
| Website | Somanth Municipal Council |
Veraval, also known as Somnath, is a coastal city and the headquarters of Gir Somnath district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Somnath temple, a place of pilgrimage due to its importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, is located here. Veraval is also associated with the final earthly moments of Lord Krishna, as Bhalka Tirtha, traditionally believed to be the place where Krishna was struck by the arrow of the hunter Jara, is located in the city. It is one of India’s major fishing ports and a prominent centre for seafood processing and export.