The first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the eternal shrine of Lord Shiva on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, rebuilt seven times after repeated destruction.
📜 History & Origin
The original Somnath was made of gold by the Moon God, silver by Ravana, sandalwood by Krishna, and stone by King Bhimdev. Mahmud of Ghazni looted and destroyed it in 1025 CE and 16 subsequent attacks followed. Each time Hindus rebuilt it. The current temple was rebuilt after Indian independence by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and consecrated in 1951. It was the first act of Hindu civilisational restoration post-independence.
🏛 Architecture & Structure
Chalukya (Solanki) style of architecture in Chandra Kanta stone. The main shikhara is 155 feet tall. The Sabha Mandap, Nrityamandap and Garbhagriha are the three main halls. The temple faces north so the sanctum door opens toward the Uttar Dhruv (North Pole). The Baan Stambha on the seashore is an ancient column indicating the temple alignment.
🆣 Puja & Rituals
Morning Aarti (7:00 AM), Rajbhog Aarti (12:00 PM), Sandhya Aarti (7:00 PM). Abhishek and Rudrabhishek available for booking. Sound and Light Show at 7:45 PM daily narrates the temple history.
🎉 Major Festivals & Occasions
Mahashivratri (Feb/Mar) - major celebration; Kartik Purnima - special puja and sea bathing; Shravan month Mondays; Somnath Mela.
🚌 How to Reach
Air: Diu Airport (63 km) or Rajkot Airport (200 km). Rail: Veraval Railway Station (6 km from temple) - trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot. Road: Ahmedabad to Somnath (400 km via NH-27); Rajkot (200 km). State buses from Rajkot and Junagadh.
🏠 Where to Stay
Somnath Trust Guesthouses (excellent, affordable - book via somnath.org). Hotel Somnath, Hotel Mayuram near temple. Seasonal tent accommodation. Veraval has more hotel options.
🏭 Nearby Temples
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Somnath Temple? +
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM (3 aarti sessions)
How do I reach Somnath Temple? +
Air: Diu Airport (63 km) or Rajkot Airport (200 km). Rail: Veraval Railway Station (6 km from temple) - trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot. Road: Ahmedabad to Somnath (400 km via NH-27); Rajkot (200 km). State buses from Rajkot and Junagadh.
What is the entry fee for Somnath Temple? +
Free (sound and light show Rs. 100)
What is the best time to visit Somnath Temple? +
October to March; Mahashivratri; Kartik Purnima
What is the dress code at Somnath Temple? +
Traditional attire required. No non-Hindus inside the main temple.