Somnath Temple in Gujarat

Complete information on Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

Somnath Temple in Gujarat is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval.  This temple is regarded as one of the most legendary temples of India.

Somnath Temple Gujarat History

According to the legends, it is believed that the temple was built by the Moon God by him. This temple is of Lord Shiva a very ancient temple in Gujarat of India and is a very famous temple in the histories of India as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas considered to be the sacred lingas of Hindu Pilgrimages. Many stories are connected to the temple of Somnath about the origin and its existence. The temple holds many names in spite of Somnath. Some of them are Deo Pattan, Somnath Pattan, and Prabhas Pattan.

The temple was ruled by different conquerors that came to India. Some robbed some of its wealth and some destroyed the parts of the temple. It is believed that the temple is known for its architecture, glory, and fame and is built by the Moon God, Somraj.

Architecture of Somnath Temple

The architecture of the temple is in the beautiful sight facing the Arabian Sea. The present temple is called as the Kailash Mahameru Prasada is of Chalukya Style Architecture the exhibits the inherent Skill of Sompuras.  The temple is the best example of Indian temple architecture from the past and is built by the Somraj, the Moon God with the Gold. Later the reconstruction was done with the Silver by Ravan. Again Lord Krishna built it with wood and in the 10th century, the temple is rebuilt with the stones by Bhimdev Solanki King.  

In 1950, the construction of the temple which you see now is been started and is the 7^th temple built in regard to Lord Somnath who was known as the Bhairaveshwar in Satya Yug, Shringaleshwar in Dwapar Yug and Sharavanikeshwar in Treta Yug.

Mythological Story

As the Soma the Moon disobeyed the words of his father-in-law Daksha, out of anger he cursed Soma “Thou Shalt Wane”. Till then the moon used to shine in full all the night started to shrink. Out of other gods’ requests, Daksha revoked his curse and told Soma to have a dip in the river Saraswati and pray Lord Shiva.

Somnath Mandir is mentioned proudly even in Rig-Veda and is known as the “Protector of the Moon God”. Numbers of devotees come to this place from all parts of the country and even from the world to worship Somnath.

Somnath Temple Gujarat Timings

The temple will be open from morning 5:00 AM to evening 9:00 PM.

Aarti timings are 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

The temple will be open on all days of the week irrespective of the public holidays.

Dress Code to be followed in the Temple

The temple allows only traditional outfit, devotees with improper or disrespectable dress code is not be allowed into the temple premises also.

Entry Fee

Entry is free for all the devotees who come here to have darshan.

Festivals Celebrated

The temple celebrates every festival of Hinduism. Grand mela will be held on Full Moon Day also known as Pournami in Karthika Masam in the months of November/December, Maha Shivaratri in the month of March, Navaratri and Diwali in the months of October/ November, Holi in the months of February/ March.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the place is between the months of September to March. The place experiences super climate this month. One will surely fall in love with the place.

How to Reach Somnath Temple in Gujarat

The nearest airport to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is the Keshod Airport and is 64 KM which take one to travel for 1 Hour.

Somnath Temple from Ahmedabad airport is 432 KM and tourists have to travel for 8 hours to reach the place.

Diu Airport to the temple is 80 KM and one has to travel for 2 hours to reach the place.

The nearest railway station is Veraval to the temple is 6 KM and requires nearly 20 minutes to reach the temple.

Somnath Temple Gujarat Address

Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, Gujarat – 362268, India.