What is the significance of Somnath Temple?

Somnath Temple is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, located at the Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet the Arabian Sea.

What are the darshan timings of Somnath Temple?

The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The daily Sound & Light Show runs from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

How many times was Somnath Temple destroyed and rebuilt?

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The most notable destruction was by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. The present temple was reconstructed after India's independence in 1951 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's initiative.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

The nearest railway station is Somnath Terminus (2.5 km). The nearest airports are Keshod (57 km) and Diu (85 km). Regular buses run from Ahmedabad (400 km) and Junagadh (82 km). Local auto-rickshaws are available.

Is photography allowed inside Somnath Temple?

No, mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. Locker facilities are available near the entrance to store your belongings.

What is the best time to visit Somnath Temple?

October to March is the best time when the weather is pleasant. Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious occasion to visit, with grand celebrations and special pujas.

What is the significance of Somnath Temple?

Somnath Temple is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, located at the Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet the Arabian Sea.

What are the darshan timings of Somnath Temple?

The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The daily Sound & Light Show runs from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

How many times was Somnath Temple destroyed and rebuilt?

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The most notable destruction was by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. The present temple was reconstructed after India's independence in 1951 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's initiative.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

The nearest railway station is Somnath Terminus (2.5 km). The nearest airports are Keshod (57 km) and Diu (85 km). Regular buses run from Ahmedabad (400 km) and Junagadh (82 km). Local auto-rickshaws are available.

Is photography allowed inside Somnath Temple?

No, mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. Locker facilities are available near the entrance to store your belongings.

What is the best time to visit Somnath Temple?

October to March is the best time when the weather is pleasant. Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious occasion to visit, with grand celebrations and special pujas.

Somnath Temple, Gujarat - First Jyotirlinga Guide

Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, located along the coastline of Prabhas Patan in Veraval, Gujarat. It is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva and holds immense religious and historical significance. The temple has been rebuilt several times throughout history after repeated invasions, most notably by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. The present temple was reconstructed in the Maru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture after India's independence, under the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The reconstruction was completed in May 1951. The temple stands at the Triveni Sangam - the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and the legendary Saraswati. According to Hindu scriptures, the Moon God (Soma) bathed in the Saraswati River at this site to regain his lost lustre, giving the temple its name Somnath, meaning Lord of the Moon.

Darshan Guide

Arrive Early

Reach before 6 AM for morning darshan to avoid long queues. The temple opens at 6:00 AM.

Security Check

Pass through security at the main entrance. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside. Use the locker facility.

Join Queue

Follow the designated queue path to the main sanctum. VIP darshan tickets may be available for faster entry.

Jyotirlinga Darshan

Offer prayers at the sacred Jyotirlinga in the main sanctum. The lingam is believed to be self-manifested (swayambhu).

Temple Parikrama

Complete the parikrama (circumambulation) of the temple. Visit the sea-facing Arrow Pillar (Baan Stambh) on the temple premises.

Temple Rules & Guidelines

Visitor Tips

Visit during early morning aarti (6 AM) for the best spiritual experience with fewer crowds
Attend the Sound & Light Show at 8 PM - it narrates the temple's history beautifully
Keep your mobile phone and camera in the lockers before entering; they are not allowed inside
Dress modestly - shoulders and knees should be covered
Carry cash for prasad, puja, and auto-rickshaw as digital payments may not work everywhere
Visit the Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar) which points towards Antarctica with no land in between
Combine your visit with nearby temples: Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, and Panch Pandav Gufa

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not plan a short visit - you need at least 2-3 hours for a proper darshan and temple exploration
Do not visit only during the day - the temple looks magnificent when lit up at night
Do not skip the Sound & Light Show - it is one of the best in India
Do not carry leather items inside the temple premises
Do not visit on major festival days without booking accommodation in advance

Please follow these guidelines to maintain the sanctity of the temple

How to Reach

By Bus

Regular Gujarat State Transport (GSRTC) buses run from Ahmedabad (400 km), Junagadh (82 km), and Rajkot. Private buses also available.

By Air

Keshod Airport (57 km) and Diu Airport (85 km) are the nearest airports. Rajkot Airport (164 km) has better flight connectivity.

By Rail

Veraval Junction Railway Station (7 km) and Somnath Terminus (2.5 km) are the nearest stations with trains from Ahmedabad and other cities.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and taxis available from Veraval Junction to the temple. Local buses also ply the route.

Nearby Attractions

Bhalka Tirth

5 km

The place where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow, marking the beginning of his journey to his heavenly abode.

Panch Pandav Gufa

3 km

Ancient caves believed to be the resting place of the five Pandava brothers during their exile.

Junagadh

82 km

Historic city with Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Girnar hill temples.

Gir National Park

43 km

The only home of the Asiatic Lion. A must-visit wildlife sanctuary.

Dwarkadhish Temple

230 km

One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in Dwarka.

Triveni Sangam

1 km

Sacred confluence of three rivers - Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. A holy bathing ghat.

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Services

Somnath Temple

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About Somnath Temple

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Arrive Early

Security Check

Join Queue

Jyotirlinga Darshan

Temple Parikrama

Temple Rules & Guidelines

Visitor Tips

Mistakes to Avoid

Location & Directions

How to Reach

About the Main God

Lord Shiva

Nearby Attractions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Nearby Heritage Sites

Rani ki Vav (The Queen's Stepwell)

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Dholavira: A Harappan City

Historic City of Ahmadabad