08-12-2025
The Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat, India. It is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Somnath temple tends to hold immense religious and historical importance, having been rebuilt multiple times after being destroyed by invaders and also holds a place amongst the 10 richest temples in India. The temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus and is the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple is also mainly known for its architectural style, as the current temple is built in the Chalukya style, which is known for its intricate carvings and detailed designs. As the legend says, there is also a mythological significance where, according to the Hindu mythology, the temple was initially built by the Moon God (Soma) and is known as the Lord of the Moon.
While planning to visit the temple, you will witness the serene and picturesque setting with views of the Arabian Sea and a sound and light show that narrates the temple's history. The temple complex also includes other attractions. To learn more about the following ad and other needful details about the Somnath Temple, Gujarat, go through the information below and get updated.
The Timings to visit the Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The visiting time for the Somnath Temple. Gujarat tends to open for darshan and aarti, which is performed three times a day. When you are planning to visit the Somnath temple, you must ensure that you reach the temple during the opening hours. It would be best for you to visit the temple premises during the aarti time to witness the divine experience further. Below are the visiting timings for the Somnath Temple. Therefore, the temple also features an evening light and sound show that you can not miss.
- Temple opening Time: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Darshan hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Light and Sound Show timings: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings:
Mangala Aarti (Morning): 7:00 AM
Rajbhog Aarti (Noon): 12:00 PM
Sandhya Aarti (Evening): 7:00 PM
The Must-Visit Places Within and Around Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath and its surrounding areas offer a mix of religious, historical, and natural attractions. The Somnath Temple itself is the primary feature, but nearby sites are also places that you must visit in Somnath. Thus, to grasp the information about the following, look at the details mentioned below and plan your visit accordingly.
- Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The leading site of Somnath is the Somnath Jyotirlinga, which you must visit. It is the main temple, which is also one of Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Inhale the pure and divine energy and vibe of the place.
- Bhalka Tirth: When in Somnath, visit the Bhalika Tirth, a sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have been struck by an arrow. You can head to the place and get informed about its historical and cultural significance.
- Triveni Sangam: Visit to intensify the confluence of the three rivers, Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, which meet at Triveni Sangam. Here, you can see the beauty and harmony of nature, which is pure.
- Somnath Beach: When heading to the temple, you must also visit Somnath Beach, which is nearby and offers a serene escape with views of the Arabian Sea.
- Surya Mandir: In Somnath, there is also a temple purely dedicated to the Sun God, with intricate carvings. Explore the temple and its beautiful architecture, which will be a pure treat to the eyes.
- Veneshwar Mahadev Temple is a religious site with a serene atmosphere. It is near the Somnath Temple.
- Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Temple: This is another place to add to your itinerary and visit. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near the Somnath temple.
- Kamnath Mahadev Mandir: You can also plan to visit this iconic and vintage temple, which is 200 years old and believed to have healing powers.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple: This temple is famous for its intricate carvings. Visit it and witness its beauty.
The best time to visit the Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The best time to visit the Somnath temple in Gujarat depends on your preference and choice of season. Thus, Somnath has different weather during different periods of the year. You can pick any of your preferred ones from the following. Look at the information as mentioned and get updated accordingly.
Somnath in Winters (November to February):
Somnath experiences cool weather in the winters, with temperatures dropping to 12 to 28 degrees Celsius. As Somnath is thronged with pilgrims, you can plan your visit during these months, as cited.
Somnath in Monsoon (July to September):
During the monsoon months, Somnath tends to receive heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Also, there is a high chance of cyclones during the monsoon season. You must avoid visiting the place during the monsoon.
Somnath in Summers (March to June):
This period is the hottest time of the year in Somnath. You tend to experience high heat and humidity, and the temperature rises from 32 to 42 degrees Celsius.
How to reach Somnath Temple, Gujarat
If you are heading to the Somnath Temple and wondering how to reach the temple in Gujarat. Well, there are different ways to head to the temples. To reach Somnath Temple, you can travel by Air, by train, or by road. The nearest airport is Diu Airport, about 82 km away. Somnath has its railway station, Somnath Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and India. By road, Somnath is accessible from major cities. To know about the routes of the modes, look at the details as mentioned and get further updated with the following.
By Air:
You can also visit the Somnath temple by Air, arriving at the nearest Airport, Diu Airport (DIU), approximately 82 km from Somnath. You can also land at the Rajkot Airport (RAJ), and from the respective airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Somnath.
By Train:
Head to the nearest railway station, Somnath Railway Station (SMNH), which is well-connected to major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Porbandar. Thereafter, you can choose local transportation, such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, or buses, to reach the temple from the station.
By Road:
Somnath is well-connected to other cities in Gujarat via a network of national and state highways. There are different modes of transportation through which you can further head to the Somnath temple by road. You can take the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and private buses that operate to Somnath from major cities. Otherwise, you can also drive further to Somnath from the various cities.
FAQ
1. What is so special about the Somnath Temple?
The Somnath Temple is special because it is considered to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Shiva first appeared as a fiery column of light.
2. How is the weather of Somnath in the peak season?
The weather of Somnath in peak season is pleasantly cool. This means you can easily plan a trip during this season for maximum fun.
3. What is the off-peak time to travel to Somnath Temple, Gujarat?
To avoid the heavy crowd and the long queue, you can also decide to visit the Somnath temple during the off-peak time, which is usually on Weekdays, especially Tuesdays to Thursdays. You might get smoother access that day, and the darshan will be complete in 20 to 30 minutes.
4. What are the prohibited items in the Somnath Temple?
Photographs, mobile phones, cameras, and leather items are prohibited inside the temples. Instead, you can store belongings in the free cloakroom lockers near the main gate.
5. Which major festivals are further celebrated in the Somnath Temple?
The Somnath Temple celebrates several major Hindu festivals, including Maha Shivratri, Lartik Purnima, Navratri and Diwali. The Shravan months and Maha Shivratri see extended darshan hours but heavy footfall.
6. What are the things to purchase from Somnath?
In Somnath, you can also purchase religious souvenirs, local handicrafts, traditional Gujarati textiles, and items like wall hangings, quilts, and marriage costumes. You can also find the seashell items and handicrafts.
7. What is the famous food to eat in Somnath?
In Somnath, popular food items include Gujarati snacks like dhokla, Khakhra, Fafda, and Khandvi and sweets such as Ghevar, Malpua, Shrikhand, and puran poli. Dairy products like Lassi, buttermilk and chaas are also widely enjoyed.
8. How many days are enough to travel to the Somnath temple, Gujarat?
A comfortable trip to Somnath Temple and its surrounding attractions can be done in 3 to 4 days. There, you can explore the temple itself, as well as the nearby sites like Prabhas Patan Museum, Triveni Sangam, and Suraj Mandir, with enough time to appreciate the cultural and historical significance.
9. Is Somnath one of the wealthiest temples in India?
Yes, Somnath Temple is often included in the list of the wealthiest temples in India. The temple possesses a substantial amount of land, estimated at 1700 acres, and receives considerable donations from devotees.
10. What are the dressing rules for visiting the Somnath temple?
When visiting the Somnath Temple, modesty and traditional attire are recommended as a mark of respect. While there is no strict dress code, covering your upper arms and legs is suggested. Avoid wearing short skirts, sleeveless tops or other revealing clothing.