Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple Gujarat - Timings, How to reach and More
- Temple Name: Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
- Location: Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat
- Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: 7 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM
- Special Attraction: Evening Light and Sound Show
Somnath Temple is the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India.
India has 12 Jyotirlingas, and the Somnath Temple is considered the first. I had the opportunity to visit it recently. In this blog I shared about this temple with my tour experiences to help you in your tour planning.
Somnath Temple is located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, right next to the Arabian Sea. You don’t just visit the temple. You hear the sea behind it. The waves are constant. That setting changes the entire experience.
Historically, the present structure was rebuilt in 1951 after independence, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. But the temple’s story goes much further back. References to Somnath appear in ancient texts. It is believed that an earlier structure existed before the 9th century CE. According to the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana, the temple was originally built by Chandra Dev, the Moon God, who worshipped Lord Shiva here to free himself from a curse. That is how the name came about. Som means Moon. Nath means Lord. Simple, but meaningful.
Now let’s talk about architecture. The temple is built in the Chalukya style, also called the Kailash Mahameru Prasad style. It uses sandstone and stands tall with a shikhara rising about 155 feet. The carvings are detailed but not overwhelming. They reflect traditional western Indian temple design. What stood out to me was the openness of the complex. Clean pathways. A large courtyard. No clutter.
There is also the Baan Stambh inside the complex. It marks the direction toward the South Pole, stating that there is no landmass between Somnath and Antarctica in a straight line. Whether you see it as symbolism or geography, it adds another layer to the place.
Somnath Temple Darshan Timings & Aarti Schedule
When I reached the temple in evening time, I found the darshan timings to be very convenient for visitors. The temple opens early in the morning and stays open until late evening.
- Somnath darshan timing is 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Somnath temple aarti timings are
- Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM
- Midday Aarti: 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
Light and Sound Show
- Show Timing: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Famous Festivals and Events at Somnath Temple
Life in Somnath changes during festival time. The temple area becomes more lively, and you can feel the energy of devotion everywhere. Devotees from different parts of India visit Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Along with religious rituals, some cultural events and fairs also take place around the temple town.
If you are planning a visit, these are some of the important festivals and events you may experience in Somnath.
1. Maha Shivratri at Somnath Temple
Maha Shivratri is the most important festival celebrated here. On this night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple sees a huge number of devotees. Many people travel long distances just to attend the special prayers at Somnath.
The temple remains active throughout the night. You will see special pujas, devotional songs, and long queues of pilgrims waiting for darshan of the Jyotirlinga. The spiritual atmosphere during this festival is something many visitors remember for a long time.
Travel Tip: Somnath gets very crowded during Maha Shivratri, so it is better to book your hotel a few days in advance.
2. Somnath Cultural Festival
Around the time of Maha Shivratri, cultural programs are sometimes organized near the temple area. These events showcase the traditions of Gujarat through music and dance performances.
Local artists perform folk dances and classical music on open stages. Tourists and pilgrims often gather in the evening to watch these performances and enjoy the festive mood of the town.
Travel Tip: The dates for these programs may change every year, so it is good to check updates from the temple authorities before planning your visit.
3. Kartik Purnima Fair
Kartik Purnima is another special occasion in Somnath. During this time, a fair is organized near the temple that usually lasts a few days.
Small shops, food stalls, and local vendors set up around the temple area. In the evening, the surroundings look beautiful with lights and festive activity. Devotees also visit the temple to perform special prayers on this full moon day.
The mix of temple rituals, sea breeze, and fair atmosphere makes this time quite enjoyable for visitors.
Travel Tip: Roads near the temple may become busy during the fair, so plan your travel time accordingly.
4. Monthly Shivratri and Other Rituals
Apart from big festivals, the temple also observes Masik Shivratri every month according to the Hindu calendar. On these days, special prayers and devotional activities take place inside the temple.
The crowd is usually smaller compared to major festivals, so visitors often find it easier to have peaceful darshan.
Travel Tip: If you prefer a quieter visit, monthly Shivratri can be a good time to come.
5. Other Hindu Festivals Celebrated at Somnath
Some other Hindu festivals are also observed at the temple, such as Ram Navami, Holika Dahan, and Ganga Dussehra. These celebrations are usually simple but meaningful.
During these occasions, small rituals and community gatherings take place around the temple area. Visitors get a glimpse of the local traditions and religious life of the people living in Somnath.
| Festival / Event | When It Happens | Why It Is Special |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivratri | February – March | Biggest festival dedicated to Lord Shiva with night-long prayers |
| Somnath Cultural Festival | Around Maha Shivratri | Music, dance, and cultural performances |
| Kartik Purnima Fair | November – December | Colorful fair with local stalls and temple celebrations |
| Masik Shivratri | Every month | Monthly prayers and special rituals |
| Ram Navami & Other Festivals | Different dates | Traditional celebrations and community gatherings |
Somnath Temple Prasad
Inside the Somnath temple pandit ji give me bibhuti but major prasad have to be bought from a temple store so I bought Somnath temple special Mohanthal and for it I paid 100 rs. You can buy also below prasad items
- Magas Laddoo Prasad
- Chikki Prasad
How to visit Somnath temple?
You can reach Somnath jyotirlinga temple easily by bus , train or own vehicle so let’s discuss it.
By Train
From Somnath temple nearest railway station is Veraval and Veraval railway station is well connected from all major cities of Gujarat like Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad , Surat and also good connectivity from other indian cities like Mumbai , Jabalpur etc. from here you will easily get direct train for it.
By Bus
Somnath Bus bus stand is well connected from all major cities of Gujarat and you can get direct bus for it from GSRTC. You can also book your ticket for Veraval if you do not get a direct bus for Somnath.
If you're visiting with family, and especially with elderly members, try to book a train to Veraval and take a cab from there. It’s less tiring and very manageable.
Looking for Hotels Near Somnath Temple?
If you are planning a visit to Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, choosing a good hotel nearby can make your trip more comfortable. I have listed some of the best hotels near the temple with location details, pricing idea, and my recommendations.
See Best Hotels in Somnath →My Tour Experience at Somnath Temple
My tour experience at Somnath temple is one of the most peaceful and spiritual journeys I’ve had so far its full feel my long time desire to visit Somnath and take the darshan of bhole nath. The moment I entered the temple premises, I was amazed by the temple’s architecture and how beautifully it stands facing the Arabian Sea , and temple architecture is built in Chalukya style. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside, but honestly, you won’t miss them and the experience stays with your heart. After completing my temple visit I visited Somanth beach there I spent quality time with my family.
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