Somnath Temple Guide, Significance, History & Darshan Timing

On the western edge of the state, the intricately carved, honey-colored Somnath temple is thought to be where the first of India’s twelve holy jyotirlingas appeared. The temples are built where the Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati rivers come together, and the waves of the Arabian Sea touch the shore where they are built. The history of the old shrine starts in 649 BC, but it is thought to be older than that. In 1951, the building was rebuilt into its current shape. On the north side of the temple garden, the hazy glass makes it hard to see the colorful dioramas that tell the story of Shiva. Every night at 7:45 PM, the temple is shown off by a sound-and-light show set to Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone.

About Somnath Temple, Gujarat, India

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is the first of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga temples. It is one of the oldest temples in India and is along the coast in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat. Ancient texts like the Shrimad Bhagavat Gita, Skandpuran, Shivpuran, and Rig-Veda all mention it, which shows how important this shrine is as one of the most famous pilgrimage sites. The Somnath temple is at the ancient Triveni Sangam, where Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers meet.

People call the shrine an eternal shrine because it has stood the test of time. It has survived several attacks and still looks beautiful. People say that emperors like mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb destroyed and looted the temple up to seventeen times.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the one who brought the original Somnath Temple back to life and rebuilt it in 1951. The current Shirin is still a prominent part of the original temple. Throughout the year, millions of people come to worship there.

Legends Surrounding the Somnath Jyotirlinga

The word Soma means Lord of the Moon, and the word Somnath means protector of the Moon God. He is said to have been married to 27 of King Daksha’s daughters, but only one was his favorite. This made the other girls mad, so they told their father about it. Daksha, angry, put a curse on Soma, saying he would lose strength. Soma then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas teerth and asked Lord Shiva for forgiveness and help. Lord Shiva took away the curse, but only partially, which is why the moon keeps getting smaller and smaller. This is how Lord Shiva, who lives in the shrine, got his name on it.

Architectural Features of the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

It was rebuilt in the Chalukya style and showed off the skills of the Sompura Salats, the oldest and best shrine builders. On an arrow pillar, it says that it is at a place that is the first point of land between the North Pole and the South Pole at that longitude. In the corners of a corridor with balconies is a form of Nataraja, or Shiva dancing, that looks like it has been cut up. The symbols of Nandi and Trishul are on the flag that is on top of the temple tower. Even though it is a Brahmanical temple, the carvings and overall design show clear Jain influence.

Significance of Somnath Temple

Hindu mythology says there are 12 Jyotirlingas, and the Somnath Temple is the first. This Linga is called Swayambhu because Shiva showed up as a fiery column of light coming from it. Every year, millions of people from all over the world come to see Somnath temple.

People say that Lord Krishna’s Philosopher’s Stone (Syamantak Mani) is hidden inside the Shiva Linga in the shrine. People think that this magical stone has the power to make gold. It also makes a magnetic field around itself that keeps the Linga from sinking into the ground.

The sanctum’s roof is made of loadstone, and the Linga is made of iron. The person who built the shrine was sure that the loadstone’s magnetic force kept the Linga in the air. People also believe that if you swim in the holy water of the Someshwar Kund, your sins will be washed away.

What are some of the interesting facts about Somnath temple?

• Legends say that the Moon god built a golden temple, and then Ravana built a silver temple. Lord Shri Krishna is said to have built the Somnath temple out of sandalwood, and Bhimdev built it out of stone.
• The current Somnath temple was built on the original coastal site according to traditional plans. It is a creamy colour and has a few nice sculptures.
• Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, is said to have written such a glowing account of the temple that it led Mahmud of Ghazni, a famous thief from Afghanistan, to visit in 1024.
• Legends say that the Moon god built a golden temple, and then Ravana built a silver temple. Lord Shri Krishna is said to have built the Somnath temple out of sandalwood, and Bhimdev built it out of stone.
• The current Somnath temple was built on the original coastal site according to traditional plans. It is a creamy colour and has a few nice sculptures.

Somnath Mandir Darshan Timing

The Shirin is open from 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday to Sunday. During this time, the shirin also does different ceremonies. The devotees can participate in these ceremonies, like the aarti that happens in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

How to Reach Somnath Temple

Somnath is easy to get to from Gujarat’s main cities by rail and road. From Ahmedabad and Dwarka, some buses run all night. Keshod is 55 km away and is the closest airport. The closest train station is in Veraval, which is 7 km away.

By Air

The nearest airport to the Somnath temple is Diu Airport (DIU), about 70–80 km away. This airport is easy to get to from other cities and nearby areas. After you get off the plane, you’ll need to take a taxi or some other transportation to get where you’re going.

By Train

The nearest railway station to this place is in Veraval. This station is part of the Western Railway Zone’s Bhavnagar Railway Division, so it’s easy to get to nearby places. After getting off the train, you’ll have to walk another 5–10 km. You might want to take a taxi or some other transportation to do this.

By Road

You can get here easily by road because highways connect Gir Somnath and the surrounding areas. If you live close by, consider booking one of the interstate or private buses that run often and are easy to find. You could also take a taxi or drive your car, depending on what’s easiest for you.

Best Time to Visit Somnath Temple

The best time to go to Somnath Temple is from October to February when it is cooler. However, the shirin is open all year. Shivratri, which usually happens in February or March, and Kartik Purnima, which is close to Diwali, are two big holidays here.

Distance Between Major Locations (From Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Diu)

• From Dwarka: Shirin is 233.4 km kilometres away
•  From Ahmedabad: Shirin is 411.0 kilometres away
•  From Gir Forest: Shirin is 56.5 kilometres away
•  From Diu: Shirin is 84.0 kilometres away
• From Junagadh: Shirin is 95.0 kilometres away
• From Rajkot: Shirin is 196 kilometres away
• From Delhi: Shirin is 1,312.6 kilometres away

Location Map

Nearest Facilities: Medical Store, ATM, Restaurant, Hotel

Quick FAQ – Somnath Temple