The intersection of religious sanctity and urban development presents a unique challenge in the context of heritage temple towns in India. This research article examines the spatial morphology, socio-economic dynamics, and conservation challenges of the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath attracts millions of pilgrims annually, catalysing significant urban growth in its periphery. However, this growth often occurs in an unplanned manner, leading to conflicts between heritage conservation, commercial expansion, and the phenomenological experience of the pilgrim. Utilizing a mixed-method approach comprising spatial analysis, literature synthesis, and socio-economic assessment, this study delineates the zoning patterns of the Somnath precinct. The findings reveal a tripartite urban structure consisting of the Core Sacred Zone, the Pilgrimage Service Buffer, and the Peripheral Residential Zone. The study identifies critical issues regarding traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the commodification of religious space. The research contributes to the broader discourse on religious tourism management by offering a case-specific model for balancing spiritual integrity with modern urban necessities.
Publication Date: 2026-01-31