Somnath, Where the Sea Meets the Divine​

The eternal Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva — destroyed twelve times and rebuilt with unwavering faith.

EXPLORING SOMNATH
  • Temple Status🟢 Open Now
  • Darshan Timings6:00 AM – 09:30 PM
  • Mangala Aarti7:00 AM
  • Sandhya Aarti7:00 PM
  • L&S Show7:45 PM Daily
  • Entry FeeFree

Home -> Somnath Temple

🛕 About Somnath Temple

Somnath is the first and foremost among the twelve Jyotirlingas — the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple stands at the Triveni Sangam on the coast of Saurashtra, where the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati rivers meet the Arabian Sea.

The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt twelve times over centuries — a testament to the unshakeable faith of its devotees. The current magnificent structure was inaugurated in 1951 and built in the Chalukya style of architecture.

Standing at the shore of the Arabian Sea, with no land between Somnath and the South Pole, the temple carries a powerful sense of eternity. The Sandhya Aarti at 7 PM — with the illuminated temple against the Arabian Sea at dusk — is among the most moving religious experiences in India.

📋 Essential Visitor Information

Darshan Timings
Temple opens 6:00 AM and closes 09:30 PM. Three aartis daily — Mangala 7:00 AM, Madhyahna 12:00 PM, Sandhya 7:00 PM.
No Phones or Cameras
Mobile phones, cameras and smartwatches are not permitted inside the temple. Free locker facilities available at the entrance.
Dress Code
Modest clothing required. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing attire. Cover your head with a dupatta or scarf if preferred.
Senior Citizens & Differently-Abled
Wheelchair access, golf carts, and lift facilities are available. Priority darshan for elderly and differently-abled visitors.
Light & Sound Show
Held nightly at ~7:45 PM at the rear of the temple complex, facing the sea. ~45 minutes. Narrates 1000 years of Somnath’s history.
Getting There
Veraval railway station is 7 km from Somnath — connected to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Taxis and autos available from the station.

📍 Sacred Sites Near Somnath

Bhalka Tirth
5 km from Somnath — the sacred spot where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow before his departure from earthly life.
Prabhaspatan
Ruins of the original Somnath temple and the Triveni Sangam — where three rivers meet the Arabian Sea.
Gita Mandir
The complete Bhagavad Gita inscribed on marble pillars — a peaceful place of contemplation near the main temple.
Somnath Museum
Small but informative museum covering the temple’s history, archaeological finds, and the story of its rebuilding.

💡 Visitor Tips

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Best Time to Visit
6–8 AM for peaceful darshan with minimal crowds. October to March for the best weather.
🪔
Don’t Miss Sandhya Aarti
The 7 PM aarti is the highlight. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to secure a good spot inside.
🌊
Somnath Beach
Walk to the beach behind the temple complex — quiet, spiritual, and beautiful in the golden hour.
🚂
Getting There
Veraval railway station is 7 km from Somnath — connected to Ahmedabad and Mumbai by rail.
Come for the 7 PM Sandhya Aarti, then stay for the Light & Sound Show — the Arabian Sea as your backdrop, the illuminated temple before you. If you can only do one thing at Somnath, make it this evening.