Amongst the renowned and spiritually vibrant Shiva temples of the Mehsana district, the Somnath Mahadev Temple in the village of Taleti occupies a position of great eminence. Situated a mere five kilometres from Mehsana city, along the arterial Taleti road, this sacred edifice boasts a heritage spanning over a century and a half. Over the years, the Somnath Mahadev Temple has become an indispensable landmark of this urban expansion, so much so that the surrounding area owes its identity as ‘Somnath Road’ to this very shrine. The local villagers and devotees from the neighbouring regions harbour profound faith in Lord Mahadev. It is a firm conviction among the faithful that a sincere prayer offered to the self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivalinga within these precincts ensures the fulfilment of all cherished desires.
The history of this temple dates back approximately 150 years. According to local lore, the region was once covered in dense foliage where local cowherds would bring their cattle to graze. One day, a cow in the herd began to let down her milk spontaneously at a specific spot. As this extraordinary phenomenon persisted for several consecutive days, locals’ curiosity was piqued. Upon excavating the site, they discovered a self-manifested Shivalinga embedded in the earth. Consequently, the devotees erected a modest shrine on that hallowed ground. As the renown of this spiritually awakened Shivalinga spread, a vast multitude of pilgrims began to frequent the site. In gratitude for fulfilled vows, devotees would often tie ‘Chethara’ (scraps of cloth) at the site, leading to the deity being initially known as ‘Chethariya Mahadev’.
The temple underwent its first significant restoration a century ago, after which it came to be known as the Somnath Mahadev Temple. According to religious and mythological tenets, the name ‘Somnath’ refers to Lord Shiva as the ‘Lord of Soma’ or the Moon God. The Skanda Purana, within its Prabhas Khanda, recounts how the Moon God performed rigorous penance to seek Lord Shiva’s grace to free himself from the curse of King Daksha. Although this temple in Mehsana is not the original site of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Somnath, local tradition dictates that the Somnath manifestation of Shiva is worshipped here with equal devotion. The temple attained its current architectural grandeur following a recent restoration. The entrance to the temple is set within a fortified boundary wall. Above the gateway, 
a central sculpture of Lord Shiva is flanked by the figures of Lord Ganesha on the left and Lord Kartikeya on the right. Passing through this portal, one enters a spacious courtyard. To the right of the courtyard lies a ‘Satsang’ (spiritual assembly) hall, while the primary structure of the Somnath Mahadev Temple stands at the centre. An arched, elephant-back-shaped (Gajaprushthakar) roof extends from the entrance to the main temple. The architecture comprises a sheltered open pavilion (Mandap), followed by the ‘Antarala’ (vestibule) and finally the ‘Garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum). The temple entrance is adorned with a beautiful depiction of the ‘Shiva Parivar’ (Shiva’s family). Within the vestibule, directly facing the sanctum, sits the statue of Nandi, followed by a representation of a tortoise. The niches within the vestibule house the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. 
At the base of the marble doorposts of the sanctum sanctorum, doorkeepers (Dwarpalas) are intricately carved, while a ‘Kirtimukha’ (gargoyle-like mask) graces the threshold below. The ‘Lalatabimba’ (central lintel) features a sculpture of Ganesha, surmounted by an image of Lord Mahadev. Inside the sanctum, the self-manifested Shivalinga of Somnath Mahadev is enshrined within a pedestal (Shalunka) made of five sacred metals (Panchadhatu), sheltered by a hooded serpent canopy. The Shivalinga is encased in ornate silver plating. In a niche on the rear wall of the sanctum, the Mother Goddess Parvati resides. The sanctum is crowned by a soaring spire (Shikhara) in the ‘Urushringa’ style, topped with a two-tiered ‘Amalaka’ and a golden finial (Kalasha). A smaller spire also rests above the assembly hall. The temple’s exterior walls are adorned with niches housing various celestial deities. In the open space behind the main temple, there is a smaller Shivalinga, behind which, on a raised platform, sits a meditative idol of Lord Shiva.
Furthermore, the temple complex houses shrines dedicated to Santoshi Mata, the Serpent Deity (Nagdevta), Baliyadev and Shitala Mata.
Ritual worship and ‘Aarti’ are performed daily with steadfast regularity. The Shivalinga is worshipped in accordance with traditional Vedic rites. Mahashivratri and other significant festivals throughout the year are celebrated with immense fervour. During festive occasions, the Shivalinga is beautifully decorated with elaborate arrangements (Araas). The sanctity of the temple is further heightened during the holy month of Shravan, during which thousands of devotees arrive every Monday for ‘Darshan’. On these days, a special ‘Aarti’ is performed using 151 lamps. A grand fair is organised within the temple precincts on the New Moon day (Amavasya) of the Shravan month. This fair is regarded as one of the most prominent festivals in the Mehsana district. The temple remains open for devotees from 5:00 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
