The Somnath temple located in Gujarat is one of the main 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India. It is also known as “The Shrine Eternal” because it has been destroyed and plundered 16 times by invaders. It has a history of being rebuilt and was most recently rebuilt in 1947. As the legend goes, Somnath is believed to be built by the Moon God and the word Somnath means Protector of the Moon. It is one of the most magnificent temples in India and rises to a height of about 155 feet. Read this travel guide to the Somnath Temple and start planning a trip filled with history, heritage and spirituality in this pious hub of tourism.

Somnath Temple is located on the Western coast of India, in the state of Gujarat and lies in the temple city of Somnath. It is just 5 kilometers from the splendid Veraval beach and about 79 kilometers from Junagadh. It is constructed in the Chalukya architectural style and there is a stone kalash placed on the head Shikhara which weighs around 10 tonnes. Just outside the temple is a sand beach which adds to the breath-taking seaside ambience.

The Somnath Temple has a beautifully adorned Jyotirlinga, decorated and covered with flowers and composed of gold and silver adornments. According to the legend the Temple was first built by the Moon God, later it was renovated with silver by Ravana, then by wood by lord Krishna, and was finally rebuilt by one of the Pandavas, named Bhima. The temple’s spiritual attraction is enhanced by the evening aarti or prayers which provide an essence of spiritual enlightenment. This is marked by chiming of bells, drum beating and crashing of cymbals marking the echoing of submission and offering to Lord Shiva.

The timings for the viewing at the Somnath Temple are 6.00 am to 9.00 pm. The timings for the aarti are 7.00 am, 12.00 noon and 7.00 pm. The light and sound show at the temple is a splendid experience and should not be missed. A nominal charge is levied for it. The timings for the light show are 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Some photos of Lord Somnath are available at the temple.

A place nearby called the Bhalka Tirth finds its mention in the ancient Hindu epic which says that it is at this place that Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow while sleeping in a deerskin.

Just behind the temple is a beach which has great views and a silent, calm aura. Also, some snack shops and coconut stalls can be found here.

The climate is fairly moderate in Somnath, ranging from 28 to 34 degree Celsius in summer and 20 to 28 degree Celsius in the Winter season. The appropriate time to visit this holy city is from November to March.

By air, the nearest airport to Somnath is Keshod, about 55 kilometers away and has flights from Mumbai. Also there are buses that run between Somnath and Keshod. The nearest train station is Veraval which is 7 kilometers away and is connected to Ahmedabad and other cities too. By road, Somnath is very well connected to many major cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Veraval, Bhavnagar and Porbandar. 

1. Alcoholic drinks are not served or allowed at all in Somnath.

2. Photography is not permitted inside the Somnath Temple so you might have to leave your cameras outside before you enter.

3. The Darshani Deori gates at the Golden Temple, Amritsar are originally gates of the Temple of Somnath which were looted by the Mughal rulers and later bought back by the Sikh King Maharaja Ranjit Singh.