Somnath temple priests to get a fashionable makeover with the help of NIFT

The priests in Somnath Temple in Gujarat are set to get a fashionable makeover. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT ) is designing an outfit for the priests of the ancient temple, which is visited by thousand of devotees every month.

According to a Ahmedabad Mirror report, Somnath Temple Trust has approached the premier design institute of the country to design an outfit that maintains the authenticity of the priestly attire and incorporates the aesthetics of the temple that is nearly 1,400 year old.

The fashion institute has made its initial presentation to the trustees of the temple and the final design is likely to be unveiled soon.


The temple wants a flamboyant yet functional dress design keeping in mind the spirit of Shaivite worship and rituals. Currently, the Somnath temple priests wear white kurta with yellow, red and white dhoti, known as Pitambar, Abotiyu.

The Somnath temple, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. It is believed to be one of the most sacred temple among Hindus and is visited by thousands of devotees every month.

However, the temple has a very troubled history. It was looted and destroyed as many as 17 times and was reconstructed every time. The present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style in May 1951 and India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was instrumental in restoring the past glory of the temple. The renovated temple was inaugurated by then president Dr Rajendra Prasad in a very grand ceremony.