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Somnath Temple: Complete Guide on History, Timings, Light Show & How to Reach
The Somnath Temple, situated on the western coast of Gujarat, is revered as the first among the twelve holy Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Known as 'The Shrine Eternal', this magnificent temple has risen from the ashes of destruction multiple times, standing today as a grand symbol of India's spiritual resilience, cultural heritage, and architectural brilliance.
📖 Table of Contents
Historical & Mythological Significance
The name Somnath means 'Lord of the Soma (Moon)'. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was originally built in gold by the Moon God (Soma) himself, in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna, and in stone by King Bhimdev. Throughout history, the temple was attacked and plundered by invaders, most notably by Mahmud of Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb. Each time, it was reconstructed by devoted rulers. The modern temple stands in the Chalukya style of architecture, completed in 1951 under the leadership of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and consecrated by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule
The temple is open for pilgrims every day from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Three main Aartis are performed daily: - Pratah Aarti: 7:00 AM - Madhyahn Aarti: 12:00 Noon - Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM Darshan remains closed during the offering of Aarti, but devotees are allowed to sit in the assembly hall and witness it.
VIP Passes & Entry Guidelines
Entry to the Somnath Temple is completely free for all devotees. If you wish to perform special pujas or abhishek, you can book passes at the Somnath Trust counter or online. - General Entry: Free (Queue time: 20-45 minutes on regular days) - VIP Darshan / Fast-track: Special entry arrangements are available for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals at the main entrance. - Abhishek Puja: Tickets range from ₹250 to ₹11,000 depending on the type of ritual.
Dress Code & Prohibited Items
Somnath Temple maintains a strict dress code to respect the sanctity of the shrine. - Allowed: Decent traditional wear (Sarees, Salwar suits for women; Dhoti-Kurta, Kurta-Pyjama, or decent trousers/shirts for men). - Prohibited: Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, crop tops, and low-waist jeans. If visitors are not appropriately dressed, they may be asked to wear a wrap-around sheet (provided by the temple trust near the entrance). - Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, cameras, leather belts, wallets, and bags are not allowed inside. A free, secure locker facility is available near the entrance to store these items safely.
✈️ How to Reach the Temple
By Air
The nearest airport to Somnath is Diu Airport, located approximately 85 km away. Flights from major cities like Mumbai land here. Alternatively, Rajkot Airport (about 200 km) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (about 400 km) connect Somnath to global destinations.
By Rail
Veraval Railway Station is the nearest railhead, located just 7 km from the temple. It is well-connected by direct trains to major cities across Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara) and Mumbai.
By Road
Somnath is well-connected by national highways. It is approximately 400 km from Ahmedabad and 82 km from Junagadh. State transport buses (GSRTC) and private luxury coaches operate regularly from Rajkot, Dwarka, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad.
🌟 Things to Do & Local Sightseeing
- 1
Witness the spectacular 'Jay Somnath' Light & Sound Show held daily at 7:45 PM. The show narrates the glorious history of the temple with a voiceover by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan.
- 2
Visit the Triveni Sangam (Ghat), the holy confluence of three rivers: Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, where they meet the Arabian Sea. Pilgrims take a holy dip here.
- 3
Explore Bhalka Tirth, the sacred spot where Lord Krishna was mistakenly struck by an arrow of a hunter named Jara, marking the end of His earthly journey.
- 4
Walk along the beautifully developed Somnath Beach and Promenade, located right behind the temple, offering breathtaking sunset views over the ocean.
- 5
Visit Geeta Mandir and Lakshminarayan Mandir, located near the Triveni Sangam, known for their beautiful architecture.
🏨 Accommodation & Where to Stay
The Somnath Temple Trust operates several clean and highly affordable guest houses: - Sagar Darshan Guest House: Premium rooms offering sea views. - Lilavati Atithi Bhavan: Budget-friendly rooms located very close to the temple. - Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan: Clean dormitories and double beds. Apart from trust guest houses, several private hotels, budget lodges, and luxury resorts are available within a 3 km radius of the temple.
📋 Essential Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- ✓Keep at least 2 hours to comfortably visit the temple, pass security checks, and submit items in the locker.
- ✓Carry cash for local transport (auto-rickshaws) and shoe stalls.
- ✓Avoid visiting during the afternoon hours in summer as the stone floor gets extremely hot to walk on barefoot.
- ✓Book your accommodation online on the official Somnath Trust website well in advance, especially for Sagar Darshan.
- ✓Wear socks if you find it hard to walk on hot or cold stone floors.