About Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple stands on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is honoured as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the shrines where Shiva is believed to have appeared as an endless pillar of light. For centuries pilgrims have come here to pray at the edge of the sea, and the sight of the temple's spire against crashing waves at sunset is one of the most moving experiences in Indian pilgrimage.
According to legend, the Moon God, Soma, was cursed to lose his glow and was freed from the curse after worshipping Shiva here, giving the shrine its name, Somnath, Lord of Soma. Prabhas is also linked with the last days of Lord Krishna, and nearby Bhalka Tirth marks where he is said to have been struck by a hunter's arrow. The temple was attacked and destroyed several times over the centuries, beginning with Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026, and was rebuilt again and again by devotees and kings, becoming a symbol of faith that endures.
The present temple was rebuilt after India's independence, an effort championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the Jyotirlinga was consecrated in 1951. It is built in the Chalukya (Maru-Gurjara) style, with finely carved sandstone walls and a tall shikhara topped by a kalash and flag. On the sea-facing side stands the Baan Stambh, an arrow pillar whose inscription says there is no land in a straight line between this shore and the South Pole.
Somnath Temple timings & aarti
Usually open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Times may vary on festivals; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Madhyahna (Noon) Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Somnath Temple
By air
Diu Airport is about 85 km away; Rajkot Airport is about 200 km away and has more frequent flights.
By train
Veraval Railway Station is about 7 km away; the small Somnath station is closer to the temple.
By road
Well connected by state buses and taxis from Ahmedabad (about 400 km), Rajkot, Junagadh and Dwarka.
Festivals at Somnath Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Kartik Purnima FairOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Entry
- Free entry for all. Mobile phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside the temple; cloakroom facilities are available.
- Deposit your phone and bags at the cloakroom before joining the queue, as they are not allowed inside.
- Stay for the evening sound-and-light show about the temple's history, usually held after the evening aarti.
- Visit the Baan Stambh and the sea-facing promenade at sunset.
- Combine your visit with Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam, both close by.
- Mondays and Shravan month draw large crowds; arrive early in the morning.
Places to visit near Somnath Temple
- Triveni SangamConfluence of the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati rivers, about 1.5 km away
- Bhalka TirthWhere Lord Krishna is said to have been struck by an arrow, about 5 km away
- Gir National Park (Sasan Gir)Home of the Asiatic lion, about 45 km away
- DiuCoastal town with forts and beaches, about 85 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Somnath Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with aartis at about 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM. Timings may vary on festival days.
Is Somnath the first Jyotirlinga?
Yes, Somnath is traditionally listed as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Are mobile phones allowed in Somnath Temple?
No. Mobile phones, cameras and bags must be deposited at the cloakroom before entering.
What is the nearest railway station to Somnath?
Veraval, about 7 km away, is the main railway station. Somnath also has a smaller station near the town.
Is there an entry fee for Somnath Temple?
No, entry and darshan are free for all visitors.
What is the aarti time at Somnath Temple?
Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM; Madhyahna (Noon) Aarti: 12:00 PM; Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Somnath Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered.
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