Shree Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India and is believed to be the first among the 12 jyotirlinga temples of Shiva Temples. This Aadi Jyotirling temple proudly stands at the shoreline of the Arabian Ocean on the western corner of Gujarat State. This sacred pilgrimage holds immense historical significance, as its origins can be traced back to ancient texts like Skandpuran, Shreemad Bhagavat, and Shivpuran. The Rig-Veda hymn below acknowledges Bhagvan Someshwar, along with the great pilgrimage sites such as Gangaji, Yamunaji, and the Eastward Saraswati. This showcases the profound antiquity of this Tirthdham.
Puranas say that the Moon God was relieved from the curse imposed by his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati, through the blessings of Sri Somnath. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva himself said, “I am omnipresent, yet I manifest in 12 divine forms and sacred places known as the Jyotirlingas.” Somnath represents one of these distinguished twelve Shiva Jyotirlingas.
The shore temple is believed to have been built in 4 phases: in gold by Sri Soma, in silver by Ravi, in wood by Sri Krishna and in stone by King Bhimadeva. It withstood six repeated desecrations by the Muslim invaders. The very existence of this temple is a symbol of the rebuilding spirit and cultural unity of our society.
The existing seventh temple was built in the Kailas Mahameru Prasad style. Indian iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pioneered the existing temple. The temple consists of Garbhgruh, Sabha mandap and Nrityamandap with a 155 feet tall Shikhar. The Kalash atop the Shikhar weighs 10 tons and the Dhwajdand is 27 feet high and 1 foot in circumference.
The Abadhit Samudra Marg, Tirth Stambh (arrow) indicates the clear sea route to the South Pole.
The nearest land to the South Pole is approximately 9936 km. far. It is a wonderful indicator of the ancient Indian wisdom of geography and the strategic location of Jyotirling. The renovated Maharani Ahalyabai Temple is adjacent to the main temple complex.
Sree Somnath Temple Timings:
Darshan Timing: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Aarti Timings: 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM.
Light And Sound Show Timing: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Except in the Monsoon / Rainy Season).
Sri Somnath Temple History:
Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with the release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favored Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost the power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of the Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.
The research based on ancient Indian classical texts shows that the first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of the brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.
The Moon God is said to have been relieved from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati by the blessings of Bhagvan Somnath. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am always present everywhere but especially in 12 forms and places as the Jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. This is the first among the twelve holy Shiva Jyotirlingas.
The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslim invaders during the eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13, 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night from 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of the grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean.
Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker in 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagavan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.
Shree Somnath Temple Dress Code:
Mini Skirts and Disrespectful Dresses are not allowed and you are advised to avoid them. Traditional dress and any decent outfit will be allowed.
Shree Somnath Temple Festivals:
Shravan Month
Shivratri
Golokdham Utsav
Kartik Purnima Fair (5 Days).
Somnath Sthapana Divas
Pujas Performed in Shri Somnath Temple:
1) Homatmak Atirudra, Yearly Once
Prior notice 31 Days in advance
2) Homatmak Maharudra, Yearly Once
Prior notice 20 Days in advance
3) Homatmak Lagurudra, Yearly Once
Prior notice 10 Days in advance
4) Savalaksha Samput Mahamrutunjay Jaap, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
5) Savalaksha Mahamrutunjay Jaap, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
6) Silk Dhvajarohan, Yearly Once
Prior notice 0 Days in advance
7) Maharudra (Path), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
8) Dashan home, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
9) Kalsarpa yog Nivaran Vidhi, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
10) Shivpuran Path, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
11) Laghurudra, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
12) Mahadugdh Abhishek, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
13) Mahapooja, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
14) Rajopachar Pooja, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
15) Markandey Pooja (Birthday Pooja), Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
16) Deepmala, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
17) Rajbhog Thal, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
18) Santan Gopal Mantra Pooja, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
19) Bilva Pooja (101), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
20) Samput Chandipath, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
21) Sam. Mahamrityunjay Jap(1000), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
22) Shodshopachar Pooja, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
23) Mahamrityunjay Jap (1000), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
24) Gangajal Abhishek, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
25) Rudrabhishek, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
26) Navgraha Jap (1000), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
27) Brahmin Bhojan, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
28) Panchopchar Pooja, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
29) Aavartan, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
30) Sam. Mahamrityunjay Jap (500), Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
31) Mahamrityunjay Jap (500), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
32) Bilva Pooja (1008), Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
33) Swarna Kalash (Small), Yearly Once
Prior notice 1 Day in advance
34) Swarna Kalash (Medium), Yearly Once
Prior notice 1 Day in advance
34) Sundar Kand Path, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
35) Hanuman Chalisa 108, Yearly Once, Yearly 5 Times
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
36) Shiv Parivar Pujan/pooja, Yearly Once
Prior notice 3 Days in advance
Click here for Online Donation and Online Pooja Booking
Shree Somnath Temple Nearest Places:
Shri Veneshwar Mahadev Temple
Shree Shashi bhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganapatiji
Triveni Sangam Snanghat
Shree Parshuram Temple
Note: Mobile, Camera & Electronics equipment are not allowed inside temple premises.
How to Reach Sri Somanatha Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is Keshod Airport is 63.9 km, Diu Airport is 79.9 km and Porbandar Airport is 151 km.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Veraval, which is just 6 km from Somnath Temple. You can also catch a train from Ahmedabad to Veraval Junction.
By Road:
Ahmedabad is approximately 415 km from Somnath Temple and is easily accessible by road.
Route 1: Ahmedabad – Surendranagar – Rajkot – Somnath Temple Route
Route 2: Ahmedabad – Rajkot – Junagadh – Somnath Temple
Somanatha Temple Address:
Somnath Mandir Road,
Veraval,
Gujarat – 362268.
Contact Details:
Pooja Vidhi Counter: 94282 14823
Temple Officer: 94262 87659
Assistant Temple Officer: 94282 14915
Lilavati Guest House: 2876-233033
Maheshwari Guest House: 2876-233130
Sagar Darshan Guest House: 2876-233533
Dormitory – Non A/c: 2876-233433
Dormitory – A/c: 6357571008
Please Contact the Central Booking office For General Enquiry on Guest House Room Booking: 2876-231212, 94282 14914, Between 8:00 AM To 9:00 PM
Other Jyotirlinga Temples are:
1) Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh
2) Omkareshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh
3) Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand
4) Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra
5) Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh
6) Trimbakeshwar (or) Tryambakeshwar Shiva Temple in Maharashtra
7) Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu
8) Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra
9) Vaidyanath Temple in Jharkhand
10) Nageshwar Temple (or) Aundha Nagnath Temple in Gujarat
11) Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swami Temple in Andhra Pradesh
