The Somnath temple is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat also known as Prabhas Teertha. On 11 May 1951, Rajendra Prasad performed the installation ceremony of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
Somnath Temple is the place where the first among twelve jyotirlingas shrines of Shiva appeared. Somnath Temple has intricate carvings built in the Chalukya architectural style.
Somnath Temple is established at the confluence of three rivers: Kapila, Hiran, and Sarawati, a mythological river called ‘Triveni Sangam.’
The deity at the Somnath Temple is a large and black Shiva lingam in the main sanctorum. The Somnath Temple was ripped off again in 1297, 1394, and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler.
Somnath Temple Highlights
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Particulars |
Details |
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Name of the temple |
Somnath Temple, Gujarat |
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Deity worshipped |
Lord Shiva |
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The best time to visit |
October-February |
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Official website |
Somnath.org |
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Somnath Temple address |
Somnath Mandir Rd, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268 |
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Entry fees |
No entry fees |
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Duration to visit |
2-3 hours |
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Timings |
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
Timings of Somnath Temple, Gujarat
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Activity |
Time |
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Temple Opens |
6:00 AM |
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Morning Aarti |
7:00 AM |
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Noon Aarti |
12:00 PM |
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Evening Aarti |
7:00 PM |
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Light and Sound Show |
7:45 PM - 8:45 PM |
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Temple Closes |
10:00 PM |
Somnath Light Show
The tickets for the light show can be purchased directly from the temple premise after 6 PM. The show happens for about 45 minutes telling about he history of the temple.
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Particulars |
Details |
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Adults |
INR 30 - 50 |
Points to Remember
- Mobile phones and Electronic items are not allowed inside the temple.
- You can keep them in lockets available outside for free of cost.
- It is usually very hot during the summer season so plan your visit accordingly.
- There are rickshaw facilities available inside the temple premises for those who can't walk.
- There are two shivlings in the temple one is called Old Somnath in the underground and the other is named Ahilashwar Mahadev set up on the top side of the temple.
- You can also enjoy free food from the Bhojanalya near the temple.
Accommodation by the Somnath Temple
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Particulars |
Details |
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Sagar Darshan Guest House |
The starting price is 3000 INR |
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Lilavati Atithi Bhavan |
The starting price is 1300 INR |
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Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan |
The starting price is 1300 INR |
Online Booking Link
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Particulars |
Details |
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Pooja Vidhi |
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Accommodation |
How to reach Somnath Temple
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Particulars |
Details |
Distance to temple |
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By Road |
Well-connected roads to other cities |
approx. 1,396 kilometres from Delhi |
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By Airport |
Diu Airport |
approx. 63 kilometres |
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By Railway |
Veraval Railway station |
approx. 5 kilometres |
Places to visit nearby Somnath Temple
Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is situated near Somnath Temple. It is considered the Pilgrimage site of Gujarat. Bhalka Tirth is the site where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow by a hunter named Jara and this depicts the departure of Lord Krishna from the earthly realm or mortal world. This incident is called Shri Krishna Nijdham Prasthan Leela according to Hindu scriptures. The temple at Bhalka Tirth depicts the life of Lord Krishna on earth with beautiful statues and idols. Bhalka Tirth is heavily busted during festivals like Janmashtami, Shivratri, and Diwali.
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is a popular destination to visit near Somnath Temple. Triveni Sangam is the confluence of three holy rivers, Saraswati, Kapila, and Hiran, which meet in the Arabian Sea. Triveni Sangam is said to be a place where Hindus attain Moksha from the cycle of life and death. Besides these, several gulls are flocked at the steep ghats.
Suraj Mandir
Suraj Mandir or Surya Mandir is dedicated to the Hindu Sun god, and the deities worshipped in the Surya Mandir are Surya Dev and Chhaya Devi. It is located in Prabhas Patan and is an ancient temple situated near the Triveni Ghat, Veraval. The Sun Temple is known for its architecture made in the Maru Gurjara style with intricate carvings and distinct towers. It also has many invaders just like Somnath Temple.
Somnath Beach
Somnath Beach is located near Somnath Temple in Gujarat. It's close to Somnath Temple and Somnath Railway station. Somnath Beach is known for its sparkling waves, scenic views especially during sunrise and sunset, clear water, and long stretches of fine sand.
Panch Pandavapura Gufa
Panch Pandavapura Gufa is a religious site also known as Hinglaj Mata Mandir founded by Baba Narayandas in 1949. According to Hindu mythology, it is stated that the Five Pandavas, sons of Kunti, resided in these caves during their exile. The cave has shrines and idols of Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Sita, Ram, Laxman, Goddess Durga, and Lord Hanuman. The Gufa is small and low attracting domestic and international tourists. It is recommended to go to Panch Pandavapura Gufa during cooler months from October to March.
Restaurants near Somnath Temple
Samrat Restaurant
Samrat Restaurant is the most popular dining restaurant in Somnath. Samrat Restaurant is situated opposite Somnath Temple. Samrat Restaurant has an ample seating area with a good ambiance. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisines in North Indian, South Indian, and Gujrathi popular among pilgrims and tourists. The popular dishes of Samrat Restaurant are Authentic Gujarati food, Aamras Puri, Amras, Tawa Paneer, Dal dhokli, and Farsan.
Kismat Restaurant
Kismat Restaurant is a highly-rated dining restaurant praised for its delicious cuisine. The restaurant is known for serving traditional Indian dishes which include vegetarian, non-vegetarian, lentils, and rice. Some of the popular dishes of Kismat Restaurant are Malai Kufta, Samosa, Firni, Mango Lassi, and Gulab Jamun. This restaurant is praised for using fresh and high-quality ingredients and providing a taste of homemade food. Kismat Restaurant is family-friendly and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Shree Leelawati Dining Hall
Shree Leelawati dining hall is also one of the popular restaurants famous for serving good quality and homemade food at reasonable prices. The ambiance of the dining hall is good and is family-friendly. The restaurant offers Gujrathi and Punjabi cuisines, located outside the Lilavati Guest House complex. The popular dishes at Shree Leelawati Dining Hall are Aloo sabji Puri and Gujarati Thali.
Desi Kitchen Dhaba
Desi Kitchen is a dhaba that offers Traditional Indian Cuisine, particularly Gujarati dishes. It is opposite Somnath Gateway Hotel and behind the Somnath Railway station. Desi Kitchen is considered one of the best dhabas of Somnath. Some of the popular dishes are dal makhani, butter chicken, and Kathiyawadi Thali. The ambiance of Desi Kitchen Dhaba has a good atmosphere and quality food.
Benny's Kerala Restaurant
Benny's Kerala Restaurant, by its name, is known for its Kerala Cuisine and is mostly praised for its fish curry. The atmosphere of Benny's Kerala Restaurant is cool and nice. The popular dishes at Benny's Kerala Restaurant are prawn masala, fish curry, and chicken curry. You can have what you want to eat from veg to non-veg.
Hotels near Somnath Temple, Gujarat
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Hotel Name |
Address |
Average price per night (INR) |
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Lord Inn, Somnath |
Somnath, Somnath By-PassRoad, Prabhash Patan, Veraval, Gujarat 362266 |
2,800 INR |
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The Fern Residency, Somnath |
Veraval Bypass Corner, Railway Station Entrance, Somnath, Gujarat 362268 |
2,023 INR |
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Hotel Dev Inn, Somnath |
GIDC Somnath Patan Road Opp GIDC Veraval, Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268 |
1,730 INR |
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Hotel Shri Radhe |
Near Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat 362268 |
1,568 INR |
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Hotel Shiva Sadan |
Near Somnath Trust Bhojnalay, Near Temple, Somnath, Veraval, Gujarat 362266 |
1,865 INR |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Ques) What is the significance of the Somnath Temple?
Ans) Somnath Temple is the first place where among 12 holy jyotirlingas of Shiva the first jyotirlinga was established in Somnath. It is stated by the legend that the Somnath Temple has a magical stone called Syantaka Mani that could turn anything into gold.
Ques) Where can we take the holy dip before entering Somnath Temple?
Ans) Before entering Somnath Temple, you can take a holy dip at “Triveni Sangam“, a mythological river Sangam of Saraswati, Kapila, and Hiran.
Ques) What are the Somnath Temple timings?
Ans) The Somnath Temple timings are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Ques) What are the Aarti timings of Somnath Temple?
Ans) Three times a day aarti is done at Somnath Temple, at 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon, and 7:00 PM.
Ques) Can we perform pooja at Somnath Temple?
Ans) Yes, you can perform Pooja at Somnath Temple by booking pooja rituals online or with the help of Pujaris.