Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites or Tirtha Kshetras in India. It is also the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, this temple is situated right on the shoreline of the Arabian Sea. It is believed that a visit to this temple cleanses your karma and grants liberation. So, if you are planning a spiritual pilgrimage to get the blessings of Lord Somnath, from timings to how to reach, here is a complete Somnath temple guide for you.
About Somnath Temple
The magnificent Somnath temple stands at the confluence of the three holy rivers: Hiran, Saraswati, and Kapila, also known as the Triveni Sangam. It was built in the intricate Solanki (Maru-Gurjara) architecture featuring mesmerizing sea views, carved pillars, and a towering shikhara.
Its fascinating history speaks about how it was plundered and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The current temple structure stands as the symbol of India’s unbroken cultural identity. This temple is said to be the first Jyotirlinga, as Lord Shiva manifested here as the cosmic pillar of light to save Lord Chandra (moon) from a curse.
Somnath Temple Timings
The temple is open every day of the week and operates on a structured schedule for ritual aartis, darshan, and its famous evening show.
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
General Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
You can book VIP Darshan Tickets from the official Temple Trust website to skip queues. This ticket might cost you approximately INR 500 per person.
Somnath Temple Aarti Timings
| Aarti | Timings |
| Pratah Aarti or Mangala Aarti (Morning) | 7:00 AM |
| Madhyanah Aarti or Rajbhog Aarti (Afternoon) | 12:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti (Evening) | 7:00 PM |
Somnath Temple Light And Sound Show
If you visit the beautiful Somnath Temple, make sure you do not miss out on its dramatic Light and Sound Show. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the sand-colored temple structure, this open-air show uses high-tech laser graphics, ambient sound effects, and 3D projection mapping to explain to you the history of the first Jyotirlinga in an unforgettable way.
This powerful narration covers the temple’s origin, destruction by foreign invaders, and its resurrection after India’s Independence. This show takes place every day after the Sandhya Aarti. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the tickets can be purchased right at the venue.
Show Timings: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (they may not operate the show during monsoons)
Also Read: Trimbakeshwar Temple Guide: Timings, Puja Booking & How to Reach
How To Reach Somnath Temple
By Air
- The nearest airport to Somnath Temple is the Diu Airport (DIU). It is located just 80 km away from the temple (approximately a 2-hour drive).
- You can hire a direct taxi or also catch a local bus to reach the temple.
- The other alternative airport with better and broader connectivity is the Rajkot International Airport. It is located 200 km away from the temple.
- You can hire a private cab or take a local bus to reach the temple.
By Train
- The nearest railway station to Somnath Temple is Somnath Station (SMNH). It is located just 1.5 km away from the temple premises.
- You can reach the temple in 10 to 15 minutes by local taxi or auto rickshaw.
- While Somnath station is the nearest, Veraval Railway Station (VRL) is a major regional hub. It is generally preferred because of its higher connectivity.
- It is located just 5 km away from the temple premises.
- You can opt for local transport options to reach the temple from the railway station.
By Road
- There are various state transport buses or private buses that take you straight to Somnath. This is perfect for people coming from Gujarat itself.
- People travelling from other states can check for buses to Veraval, Diu or Somnath and then take a local auto or bus to reach the temple.
- You can also travel by your private vehicle via NH 51.
Online Room Booking
Wondering where to stay? Well, the Somnath Temple Trust has already taken care of that aspect for the convenience and comfort of the pilgrims. They run various affordable guest houses and dormitories for pilgrims and devotees.
The trust operates 200-plus rooms across properties like Sagar Darshan Guest House, Lilavati Athithi Bhavan (Guest House) and Maheshwari Athithi Bhavan (Guest House). You can easily book any of these rooms on the official website of the Somnath Temple Trust.
Sagar Darshan Guest House
Facilities: Auditorium, Conference Hall, Banquet Hall, Free Wi-Fi, Reception Hall, Premier Hall and Restaurant.
- 4 Bed Suite Room: INR 6,000
- Suite: INR 5,500
- Super Deluxe: INR 4,500
- Premier Room: INR 4,400
Lilavati Athithi Bhavan (Guest House)
Facilities: Restaurant and Free Wi-Fi
- 2 Bed AC: INR 1,200
- 2 Bed Non-AC: INR 1,000
- 4 Bed AC: INR 2,500
Maheshwari Athithi Bhavan (Guest House
Facilities: Restaurant and Free Wi-Fi
- 2 Bed AC: INR 1,200
- 2 Bed Non-AC: INR 1,000
- Suite: INR 2,000
Also Read: Must-Visit Shiva Temples In Maharashtra!
Online Prasad Booking
You can sit back at home and order prasad straight from the Somnath Temple. Yes, the temple trust has a section on its website for online prasad booking. The online prasad booking section on the Somnath Temple Trust website offers many options of prasad to choose from:
- Dhwaja
- Special Pitamber
- Pitamber
- Saree
- Edible Prasad
- Kurta
- Koti
- Silver Coin
You have to just add your desired prasad to the cart, proceed to payment, and your prasad will be shipped to you.
Online Pooja Booking
You can visit the Somnath Temple Trust website and easily book your puja vidhi for your next visit in advance. Some of the pooja vidhis are:
- Special Mahapoojan
- Rudrabhisheka
- Gangajal Abhishek
- Mahamrityunjay Jaap
- Panchopchar Puja
- 108 Hanuman Chalisa
- Sunderkand Path
- Homatmak Atirudra
- Homatmak Maharudra
- Homatmak Laghurudra
- Silk Dhvajarohan
- Avartan and many more
You can easily visit the site, select your desired puja, and book your slot by making a payment. Make sure you download the receipt of the payment.
Online Donations
Apart from puja booking, prasad booking, and online room booking, the website also helps you make online donations. You can donate as per your choice and wish for these:
- Gaushala (Cow Shed)
- Bhojanalay
- Tree Plantation
- Room Donation
- Shri Ram Mandir Development Donation
- General Donation
- Development & Maintenance of Temple and Pilgrim Amenities
You can easily visit the Temple Trust website, select your donation, and pay the desired amount for the same.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Somnath Temple is during winter, basically from October to March. This is because the climate becomes pleasant and cool. It is the undisputed peak season for Somnath darshan.
As the climate is cool and pleasant, it helps to stand comfortably in long queues. You can also enjoy the famous Light and Sound show here, which is discontinued during the monsoon season.
This period is also the time when Mahashivratri and Karthik Purnima are celebrated. Both these festivals have great reverence and are celebrated with a lot of zest and enthusiasm in the temple.
Also Read: Mahashivratri 2026: Temples to Visit In Bengaluru For Lord Shiva Blessings
Places To Visit Near Somnath Temple
After witnessing a magical and spiritual experience at the Somnath Temple, you can try to visit the nearby spots and temples like:
Triveni Sangam Ghat
It is the holy confluence of the Kapila, Hirand, and Saraswati rivers before they meet the Arabian Sea. It is famous for prayer rituals and for the bathing ritual to cleanse sins.
Bhalka Tirth
This is one of the most revered sites in Gujarat and is located just 4 km away from the temple. This place marks the exact spot where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow, and he departed from the mortal world. There is a stone structure that depicts this entire story here.
Dehotsarg Tirth
This spot is located just 1.5 km away from the Somnath temple. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna left for his final journey.
Prabhas Patan Museum
The Prabhas Patan Museum is located just 500 meters away from the temple. The place displays ancient inscriptions, stone carvings, and the remnants of the destroyed temples.
Also Read: Mahashivratri 2026: Temples to Visit In Maharashtra For Lord Shiva Blessings
Tips For Visiting Somnath Temple
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, or any kind of electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the temple complex. So it is better to either leave them in your vehicle or take them back to your hotel room.
- Dress modestly and respect the rules of the temple.
- If you are willing to stay at the guest houses by the temple trust, make sure that you book them well in advance. This is because they get booked out easily.
- The temple has an open stone and marble courtyard, which gets heated up in the afternoon. It is better to visit the temple early in the morning or in the evening.
- The security checks at the Somnath Temple are heavy. Make sure you cooperate with the security personnels
- Do not try swimming at the Somnath Beach as the water currents are quite strong.
Summing Up
We have listed all the relevant and important information, from timings to tips for your next Somnath Temple visit. Make sure you save this article and also share it with your friends and family for a smooth trip to the Somnath Temple.
