Somnath Temple is one of the most famous sacred temples in Gujarat, India which attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. This beautiful temple is located in the historic town of Prabhas Patan near Veraval and is a wonder of ancient Indian architecture along with a major spiritual centre. Known for its deep connection to Indian history and legendary stories, Somnath Temple offers a peaceful and divine experience to every visitor. Whether you’re visiting to seek blessings or to explore this historic site, knowing the right timing of Somnath Temple is important for a smooth and memorable visit.
In today’s blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the Somnath Temple Timings and other details too.
History of Somnath Temple
Somnath temple is one of the twelve famous jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Jyotirlingas. It is known for its resilience because it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. According to legends, the temple was first built by the Moon God, Soma, which is why it’s called ‘Somnath’ meaning ‘Lord of Moon’. It has been a witness to several attacks, but was carefully rebuilt each time. The current structure is built in the beautiful Chalukya style of architecture.
Somnath Temple Timings
To make the most of your visit, knowing the precise temple timings is very helpful. Although you can visit the temple at any time, the Somnath Temple operates in two main sessions everyday, with a break in between for maintenance and rituals.
The Somnath temple opens for visitors in two timings, firstly in morning from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then in the evening between 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Visitors can participate in various rituals, attend the aarti or simply spend time in silent reflection by the sanctum during these opening hours.
Location and Address of Somnath Temple
If you are planning a visit, here are the exact location details:
Address:
Somnath Temple,
Prabhas Patan, Near Veraval,
Gir Somnath District, Gujarat – 362268, India
Location Map For Somnath Temple
Early morning timing and Aarti darshan
As we mentioned above, the temple opens early in the morning at 6:00 PM which provides an opportunity for visitors to witness the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the temple. The early morning ‘Mangala Aarti’ is a special ritual that many pilgrims prefer to attend.
Afternoon Closure
The temple stays closed between 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM for temple maintenance and preparation for the evening rituals.
Evening Aarti and Darshan
Although the temple reopens for devotees from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The ‘Sandhya Aarti’ held during sunset is particularly popular. As the sun dips into the horizon, the temple premises are bathed in golden light, creating a mesmerizing scene that complements the spiritual ambiance.
Best Time to Visit Somnath Temple
- The ideal months are from October to March when the weather remains pleasant and favorable for travel.
- Avoid summers (April to June), as these months get extremely hot, with temperatures often crossing 40°C making sightseeing uncomfortable.
- Visiting the temple during festivals like Maha Shivratri offers a unique experience as the temple is beautifully decorated, and thousands of devotees gather for special prayers and rituals.
Important Festivals at Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is not just a place for daily worship but it is the center of many grand celebrations and festivals. Below are some of the main festivals during which the temple timings might slightly vary and special arrangements are made.
Maha Shivratri
This is one of the biggest festivals celebrated at the temple, as this is one of the jyotirlingas. During this festival, devotees gather in huge numbers and special night long aartis and religious ceremonies are conducted.
Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is another important festival that brings a large number of people to the temple. On this occasion special rituals and cultural events are organised.
Somnath Fair
This fair is held once a year and offers an opportunity to experience local culture, food, and handicrafts alongside the temple visit.
How to reach Somnath Temple?
- By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport, about 80 km away.
- By Train: Veraval Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is about 7 km from the temple.
- By Road: The temple is well-connected by buses and taxis from major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
Somnath Temple Nearby Attractions
While the Somnath Temple is undoubtedly the main highlight, don’t miss exploring the nearby attractions to make your trip more enriching:
- Triveni Sangam: It is a holy place where three rivers meet, perfect for prayers and taking photos.
- Bhalka Tirth: Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was mistakenly shot by an arrow, adding a touch of mythology to your visit.
- Somnath Beach: This place is just a short walk from the temple, the beach is a calm place to relax and watch the sunset.
- Prabhas Patan Museum: For history enthusiasts, this museum showcases archaeological findings from the temple area.
Special Tips for Visitors
To make your visit more enjoyable and hassle-free, below are some practical tips;
- As this is a sacred place, modest attire is recommended. Wear traditional or simple clothes and avoid revealing outfits.
- Before entering the temple premises, remove your shoes. Lockers are available outside to safely keep your belongings.
- While photography is allowed in the outer premises, it is prohibited inside the sanctum.
- Respect the temple guidelines to avoid any inconveniences.
- Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, as they share interesting stories and historical facts that aren’t always available in guide books.
Conclusion
Visiting Somnath Temple is not just about sightseeing. It is an experience that connects ones with faith, architecture and resilience. Knowing the correct timing of Somnath Temple helps you to plan your visit efficiently and make the most of your spiritual journey. Whether you are a pilgrim or traveler, the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful temple and the Arabian Sea waves make your visit unforgettable.
Also read about: Govindaraja Swamy Temple Timings: Complete Darshan & Pooja Schedule