One of the most venerated Hindu temples is the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, which is situated in Prabhas Patan (Veraval), Gujarat, India. It is significant because it is the first of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.
Jyotirlingas: These are sacred statues of Lord Shiva, who is believed to have manifested as a flaming column of light.
Rich History: There are conflicting theories on the exact date of the Somnath Temple’s founding, with estimates ranging from the first millennium BCE to the ninth century CE. The temple has been resiliently rebuilt after being repeatedly destroyed by different raiders throughout history, demonstrating the undying devotion of its followers.
Architecture: The current building is designed in the Chalukya style of Hindu temple architecture and has a remarkable 150-foot-tall main spire, or shikhara. The expansive Arabian Sea shoreline and the elaborate carvings on the temple combine to produce an amazing spectacle.
Meaning in Mythology
According to legend, after being freed from a curse, the Moon God, Soma, erected the first Somnath Temple out of gold as an homage to Lord Shiva. The temple was rebuilt in the following centuries using stone, wood, and silver.
Activities and Views
Attend the Aarti: Take part in the breathtaking daily aarti ceremonies, which are a Hindu form of devotion.
Experience the enthralling music and light spectacle that narrates the Somnath Temple’s history.
Explore the other noteworthy sites close to the temple, such as the Somnath Museum, the historic Panch Pandava Gufa cave shrine, and the stunning Triveni Sangam (the meeting point of three sacred rivers).
May 1951 saw the completion of the temple’s reconstruction in the Chaulukya style of Hindu temple building. Vallabhbhai Patel finished the rebuilding.
Timings of Somnath Temple: Every Day Timings of Somnath Mahadev Temple
Darshan Somnath Temple 6:00 AM ā 9:30 PM is the timing.
Arati hours at Somnath Temple are 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
Timings of the Somnath Temple Light and Sound Show
7:45 p.m.: light and sound show
Ticket Prices for the Light and Sound Show at Somnath Temple: Entry Fee: Half-ticket costs INR 15; light and sound show costs INR 25.
Contact Number for Hotels at Somnath Temple
Phone number for Hotel Triveni Darshan Somnath
099139 73337
Phone number for Hotel Sukhnath in Somnath
097140 28601
Number of Hotel Shri Hari Somnath in Contact
078741-55155
Somnath Jyotirlinga Abhishek and Puja Vidhi Price
| Pooja Vidhi | Price |
|---|---|
| Rajopachar Pooja | Rs. 3,100 |
| Bilva Pooja | Rs. 300 |
| Homatmak Laghurudra | Rs. 61,000 |
| Samput Mahamrityunjay Jap 1000 | Rs. 200 |
| Samput Mahamrityunjay Jap 1000 | Rs. 400 |
| Mahamrityunjay Jap 1000 | Rs. 250 |
| Homatmak Maharudra | Rs. 2,51,000 |
| Samput Mahamrityunjay Jap 500 | Rs. 200 |
| Gau-Pujan on Makarsankranti | Rs. 251 |
| Navgraha Jap 1000 | Rs. 250 |
| Rudrabhishek | Rs. 200 |
| Panchopachar Pooja | Rs. 150 |
| Dashans Hom | Rs. 11,000 |
| Mahadugdh Abhishek | Rs. 3,100 |
| Savalax Mahamrityunjay Jap | Rs. 37,500 |
| Homatmak Atirudra | Rs. 27,00,000 |
| Laghurudra | Rs. 5,100 |
| Aavartan | Rs. 150 |
| Markandey (birthday) Pooja | Rs. 1,500 |
| Savalax Samput Mahamrityunjay Jap | Rs. 50,000 |
| Deepmala | Rs. 2,100 |
| Shivpuran Path | Rs. 5,500 |
| Brahmin Bhojan One Person | Rs. 150 |
| Sunderkand Path | Rs. 1,500 |
| Maharudra (Path) | Rs. 15,000 |
| Gangajal Abhishek | Rs. 200 |
| Annakoot Thal | Rs. 51,000 |
| Hanuman Chalisa (108) | Rs. 1,500 |
| Mahamrityunjay Jap 500 | Rs. 150 |
| Bilva pooja 1008 | Rs. 1,500 |
| Rajbhog Thal | Rs. 2,100 |
| Silk Dhvajarohan | Rs. 11,000 |
| Santan Gopal Mantra Japa | Rs. 1,100 |
| Kalsarpa Yog Nivaran Vidhi | Rs. 5,500 |
How To Reach Somnath Temple
This is a summary of the ways to get to Somnath Temple, along with a list of available modes of transportation:
1. Via Air:
Airport closest to Somnath: Diu Airport (DIU), located around 90 kilometers distant. Regular flights are available between Mumbai and Diu.
To go to Somnath from Diu, take a bus or hire a cab. Taxis are more accessible and provide a more comfortable ride.
2. By Train:
Somnath Railway Station: About 7 km distant, Veraval Railway Station is the nearest station to the Somnath Temple. Major Indian cities like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and others are all easily accessible from it.
From the Station: You can easily get cabs and autorickshaws outside the station to go straight to the temple.
3. Via Road:
Good Road Connectivity: Somnath has good road connectivity. It is connected to major cities in Gujarat and beyond by National Highway 8E.
Self-drive: Taking a car to Somnath is a great alternative if you enjoy road excursions. The road is picturesque, particularly in the coastal regions.
Buses: Major Gujarati cities (such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot) and nearby states are served by regular state-run and private buses that travel to Somnath.
Pro Tip: To avoid any potential rush or unavailability, it’s best to reserve your transportation in advance if you intend to drive or use the bus, especially during high season.
FAQāS: Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Overview:
What location is Somnath Temple?
On Saurashtra’s western coast in Gujarat, India, the Somnath Temple is situated at Prabhas Patan (Veraval), close to the city of Junagadh.
What role does the Somnath Temple play?
As the first of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga temples, the Somnath Temple is highly regarded.
When is the ideal time to go to the temple of Somnath?
The best months to go are October through March, when the weather is nice enough for sightseeing and temple rituals.
Time of the Temples and Darshan:
What time does Somnath Temple offer darshan?
The temple often closes late at night and reopen early in the morning. Though they sometimes change, the darshan timings are normally from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. For the most recent timings, see the official website or the local authorities.
Does Somnath Temple entry cost a fee?
No admission money is required to enter the temple.
What time is the Aarti?
There are three aarti performances per day:
* 7:00 AM in the morning; 1:00 PM at noon; and 7:00 PM in the evening
Guidelines and Policies:
Is there an outfit required to enter the Somnath Temple?
Yes, modest clothing is required. Shoulders and legs should be covered by both men and women. Steer clear of skimpy attire.
Are photographs and cell phones permitted inside the temple?
No. It is completely forbidden to bring any electronic devicesāincluding phones, cameras, and smartwatchesāinto the main temple premises. They are safe to keep in the lockers that are accessible in the cloakroom.
Is it OK to smoke and eat non-vegetarian food?
No, it is not permitted to smoke or eat non-vegetarian food within the temple premises.
Infrastructure and Availability:
Exist facilities for the elderly and those with disabilities?
Indeed, anyone in need of help can use the wheelchairs and golf carts available inside the temple complex. Additionally, there are elevators on the temple grounds.
Are there restrooms and cloakrooms available?
Yes, there are free cloakrooms available at the temple for guests to use to store their items, as well as spotless restrooms.
Actions to take:
Does Somnath Temple celebrate any festivals?
Major celebrations are marked with unique pujas and activities, such as Mahashivratri, Kartik Purnima, and monsoon festivals.
Can I participate in the puja and aarti ceremonies?
Yes, by making reservations in advance, guests can watch or even take part in the aarti rituals and other pujas.
Is it possible for me to see Somnath Temple’s light and sound show?
Indeed, one of the best ways to learn about the temple’s history and folklore is to take in the sound and light display.
Extra Details:
Checking the official Somnath Temple website (https://somnath.org/) is advised for the most recent information on puja schedules, special events, and online reservations.
