Somnath Temple : Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple stands as the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the pristine western coast of Gujarat at Prabhas Patan near Veraval. Perched majestically on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this ancient temple represents one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations, attracting millions of devotees annually who seek divine blessings and spiritual rejuvenation .
The temple’s history spans over several millennia, with mentions in ancient texts like the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, and Mahabharata. According to legend, the original temple was built by the Moon God (Soma) himself in gold, rebuilt by Ravana in silver, then by Krishna in wood, and finally by King Bhimdev in stone. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, symbolizing the eternal resilience of faith and devotion. The present structure, built in the traditional Māru-Gurjara style of architecture, was reconstructed after India’s independence and inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951 .
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An Overview Table Somnath Temple Official Website
The temple features a magnificent 150-foot tall shikhara (tower) and intricate sandstone carvings that showcase the pinnacle of ancient Indian architectural excellence. The main sanctum houses the sacred Jyotirlinga, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Someshwara, the Lord of the Moon. The temple complex also includes the sacred “Banastambha” arrow pillar, which bears an inscription stating that the temple stands at a point where there is no land mass between the shrine and the South Pole .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat, India |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Someshwara) |
| Significance | First of the 12 Jyotirlingas |
| Architecture Style | Māru-Gurjara (Chalukya influence) |
| Temple Height | 150 feet (shikhara) |
| Built By | Shree Somnath Trust (reconstructed 1951) |
| Entry Fee | Free (General Darshan) |
| VIP Darshan | ₹50 – ₹500 (seasonal variation) |
| Official Website | somnath.org |
Somnath Temple Darshan Timings 2026
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM / 10:00 PM | 15-16 hours |
Daily Darshan Schedule:
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Very Low | Most peaceful, ideal for meditation |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Medium | Moderate crowds, good for detailed darshan |
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | High | Peak afternoon rush |
| 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Very High | Evening rush, pre-aarti crowds |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Extremely High | Aarti time, maximum attendance |
Somnath Temple Aarti Schedule 2026
| Aarti Name | Timing | Duration | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti (Morning) | 7:00 AM | 30 minutes | Sunrise prayers, serene atmosphere, fewer crowds |
| Madhyanha Aarti (Midday/Rajbhog) | 12:00 PM | 20 minutes | Midday offering, vibrant ceremony |
| Sandhya Aarti (Evening) | 7:00 PM | 45 minutes | Grand ceremony against illuminated temple backdrop |
| Shayan Aarti (Night) | 8:00 PM | 25 minutes | Night ritual, peaceful closing of daily worship |
Somnath Temple Sevas and Darshans Available
| Service / Offering | Timing | Price (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Temple hours | Free | Open access to all devotees |
| VIP Darshan | Any session | ₹50 – ₹500 | Priority entry, shorter queues, better viewing |
| Aavartan Pooja | Morning/Afternoon | ₹150 / ₹750 (5 times) | Ancient ritual blessings |
| Panchopchar Pooja | Any time | ₹150 / ₹750 (5 times) | Standard offering with duration options |
| Rudrabhishek | Extended | ₹200 / ₹1,000 (5 times) | Sacred Shiva abhishek ritual |
| Maha Mrityunjay Jap | Extended | ₹250 / ₹1,250 (5 times) | Powerful chanting for health and longevity |
| Light & Sound Show | Evening 8:00 PM | ₹30 – ₹50 | Historical audio-visual presentation |
| Photography / Video | Outer areas | ₹50 – ₹100 | Camera pass for designated areas |
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How to Reach Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is well-connected by multiple modes of transport, making it accessible from major cities across India .
| Mode of Transport | Nearest Point | Distance from Temple | Travel Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Train (Somnath Railway Station) | Somnath Station | 2 km | 5 minutes | Auto ₹30-50 |
| By Train (Veraval Junction) | Veraval Junction | 6 km | 15 minutes | Auto ₹50-100, Taxi ₹150-250 |
| By Air (Diu Airport) | Diu | 65 km | 1.5 hours | Taxi ₹1,500-2,500 |
| By Air (Rajkot Airport) | Rajkot | 190 km | 3.5-4 hours | Taxi ₹3,000-5,000 |
| By Road (Ahmedabad) | Ahmedabad | 400 km | 7-8 hours | Bus ₹500-800 |
| By Road (Junagadh) | Junagadh | 80 km | 1.5-2 hours | Bus ₹100-200 |
| By Road (Porbandar) | Porbandar | 120 km | 2.5-3 hours | Bus/Taxi ₹300-600 |
| Local Transport | Temple Gate | Direct | — | Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Cycle rickshaw |
Contact for Booking Support:
- General Manager: +91-2876-232694, sompp@somnath.org
- Pooja Vidhi Counter: +91 94282 14823
- Temple Officer: +91 94262 87659
- IT Support (Online Booking): +91-9428214993, itsuper@somnath.org
- Ahmedabad Office: +91-79-22686335, somnathshahibaug@gmail.com
Somnath Temple Nearby Attractions
While visiting Somnath Temple, pilgrims can explore several historically and spiritually significant locations in the surrounding region .
| Attraction | Distance from Temple | Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triveni Sangam | 2 km | Confluence of three rivers (Hiran, Kapila, Saraswati), sacred bathing spot | Morning |
| Bhalka Tirth | 3 km | Place where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body | Morning |
| Dehotsarg Teerth | 3 km | Sacred spot associated with Lord Krishna’s departure | Morning |
| Suraj Mandir (Sun Temple) | 1 km | Ancient sun temple, architectural significance | Sunrise |
| Prabhas Patan Museum | 0.5 km | Archaeological artifacts, temple history | Daytime |
| Geeta Mandir | 1 km | Modern temple with beautiful architecture | Anytime |
| Lakshminarayan Temple | 2 km | Historic temple complex | Morning/Evening |
| Panch Pandav Gufa | 5 km | Caves associated with Pandavas from Mahabharata | Morning |
| Chorwad Beach | 25 km | Coastal town, scenic beach | Evening |
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Accommodation Options Near Somnath Temple
| Guest House / Hotel | Type | Distance from Temple | Price Range (₹/night) | Contact | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilavati Guest House | Temple Trust | Near temple | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | +91-2876-233033, +91 94282 14914 | Basic amenities, clean rooms |
| Maheshwari Guest House | Temple Trust | Near temple | ₹600 – ₹2,000 | +91-2876-233130, +91 70690 70704 | AC rooms, attached baths |
| Sagar Darshan Guest House | Temple Trust | Sea-facing | ₹800 – ₹2,500 | +91-2876-233533, +91 70690 70705 | Sea view, premium location |
| Dormitory (Non-AC) | Temple Trust | Near temple | ₹200 – ₹400 | +91-2876-233433 | Shared accommodation |
| Dormitory (AC) | Temple Trust | Near temple | ₹400 – ₹800 | +91-6357571008 | Air-conditioned shared rooms |
| Private Hotels | Commercial | Veraval/Somnath | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | Various | Full amenities, multiple options |
| Luxury Resorts | Premium | 5-10 km | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 | Various | Premium facilities, sea views |
Somnath Temple Central Booking Office for Guest Houses:
- Phone: +91-2876-231212, +91-94282 14914
- Email: somgh11@gmail.com
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Advance booking is strongly recommended during festival seasons and weekends. The temple trust guest houses offer the most convenient location and are managed with pilgrim welfare in mind .
Somnath Temple Light and Sound Show
The “Jay Somnath” Light and Sound Show is a spectacular evening presentation that narrates the temple’s fascinating history of destruction and reconstruction, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Timing | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily |
| Duration | 45-60 minutes |
| Ticket Price | ₹30 – ₹50 per person |
| Languages | Hindi and Gujarati (alternating days) |
| Venue | Open-air amphitheater near the temple |
| Closed During | Heavy monsoon rains (July-September) |
The show uses spectacular visual and audio effects to bring alive the temple’s 3,000-year journey through invasions, destructions, and reconstructions. It is particularly popular with families and history enthusiasts. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure good seating positions .
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any entry fee for Somnath Temple?
No, general darshan is completely free for all devotees. However, VIP darshan tickets (₹50-₹500), special poojas, and the Light and Sound Show (₹30-₹50) have nominal charges .
What are the aarti timings at Somnath Temple?
The four daily aartis are: Mangala Aarti at 7:00 AM, Madhyanha Aarti at 12:00 PM, Sandhya Aarti at 7:00 PM, and Shayan Aarti at 8:00 PM. The evening aarti is the most spectacular .
What is the best time to visit Somnath Temple?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather for visiting. Early morning hours (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) provide the most peaceful darshan experience with minimal crowds. Avoid monsoon season (July-September) when heavy rains may disrupt travel plans .
How do I reach Somnath Temple from major cities?
The nearest railway station is Somnath (2 km) and Veraval Junction (6 km). The nearest airport is Diu (65 km). Regular buses and taxis connect Somnath with Ahmedabad (400 km), Junagadh (80 km), and Porbandar (120 km) .
Is there accommodation available near Somnath Temple?
Yes, the Shree Somnath Trust operates multiple guest houses (Lilavati, Maheshwari, Sagar Darshan) with prices ranging from ₹200 to ₹2,500 per night. Private hotels in Veraval and Somnath offer additional options from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 .
Can I carry my mobile phone inside Somnath Temple?
No, all electronic equipment including mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets are strictly prohibited inside the temple. Free cloakroom and locker facilities are available near the main gate for safe storage .
What is the Light and Sound Show at Somnath Temple?
The “Jay Somnath” Light and Sound Show runs daily from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (except during monsoon rains), narrating the temple’s 3,000-year history through spectacular audio-visual effects. Tickets cost ₹30-₹50 per person .
Is Somnath Temple accessible for senior citizens and differently-abled visitors?
Yes, the temple provides wheelchair facilities, golf carts, and lifts for elderly and physically challenged devotees. These services are available free of charge at the main temple gate .
What is the dress code for visiting Somnath Temple?
Modest and traditional attire is recommended. Indian sarees, dhotis, pants, and t-shirts are allowed. Mini skirts and disrespectful clothing are not permitted. Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple vicinity .
Are there any special rituals I can participate in at Somnath Temple?
Yes, there are Rituals are present in this temple Rudrabhishek (₹200-₹1,000), Panchopchar Pooja (₹150-₹750), Maha Mrityunjay Jap (₹250-₹1,250), and other special sevas which are in this temple usually hindus does these sevas.
What is the significance of Somnath Temple?
Somnath is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance. It represents the eternal resilience of Hindu faith, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history. The temple stands as a symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage .
How can I contact Somnath Temple for queries?
You can contact the Shree Somnath Trust through:
- General Manager: +91-2876-232694, sompp@somnath.org
- Pooja Vidhi: +91 94282 14823
- Guest House Booking: +91-2876-231212, somgh11@gmail.com
- Ahmedabad Office: +91-79-22686335