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Somnath Guide
Our local connection: Sorath Travels is registered in Prabhas Patan, Somnath. Our team lives and works here. The information in this guide comes from direct, ground-level knowledge — not from generic travel websites.
Somnath is one of the most sacred destinations in India — home to the famous Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple, rebuilt multiple times over centuries, stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is a deeply moving pilgrimage experience.
Beyond the main temple, Somnath (also known as Prabhas Patan or Veraval) has several important religious and historical sites that most travelers miss. This guide covers all of them.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Shree Somnath Mahadev Jyotirlinga Mandir |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Somnath / Shomana) |
| Location | Prabhas Patan, Somnath, Saurashtra, Gujarat |
| Entry Fee | Free (Camera charges extra) |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing; remove footwear |
| Mobile phones | Photography allowed in outer area; restricted near sanctum |
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens (Morning) | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Afternoon Darshan | Continuous till 12:00 PM |
| Temple Closure (Afternoon) | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Temple Reopens | 6:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti (Sandhya Aarti) | 7:00 PM (most popular) |
| Sound and Light Show | 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM (₹100/person) |
| Night Aarti (Shayan Aarti) | 9:30 PM |
| Temple Closes | 10:00 PM |
Our recommendation: The Evening Aarti at 7:00 PM followed by the Sound and Light Show is the highlight of any Somnath visit. The show narrates the temple's history of destruction and reconstruction — a powerful experience. Our group tours specifically plan Day 7 around this schedule.
The sacred confluence of three rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati — meeting the Arabian Sea. A sunrise or sunset walk along this ghat is spiritually beautiful. Located 5 minutes from the main temple.
The spot where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by a hunter's arrow and left the earthly world. This is a deeply important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavas. Located 5 km from Somnath temple. The site has a small but beautiful temple and peaceful gardens.
A significant temple built by the Somnath Trust. Features fine stone carvings and is part of the temple complex near the main Somnath temple. Entry is free.
All 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are carved on the walls of this serene temple. An excellent place for quiet contemplation. Adjacent to the Somnath temple complex.
An ancient Shiva temple slightly off the main tourist trail. The name means "destroyer of crowds" — ironically peaceful despite its location close to the Somnath complex.
Located within the Somnath temple complex, the museum displays artifacts recovered from previous temple sites including pillars, sculptures, and inscriptions that document the temple's history.
| Mode | Duration | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| By Train | 6–7 hours (Somnath/Veraval station) | ₹250–₹900 |
| By Bus (GSRTC) | 7–8 hours | ₹300–₹600 |
| By Car / Cab | 6–7 hours via NH 8E | ₹4,000–₹7,000 |
| Via Group Tour (Sorath Travels) | Day 7 of 7N8D tour | Included in package |
1 full day in Somnath is sufficient to cover the main temple, evening aarti, Sound and Light Show, Triveni Ghat, Bhalka Tirth, and Gita Mandir. Our group tours spend 2 nights in Somnath to allow for a relaxed morning aarti and the full evening experience the following day.
Somnath can be visited year-round. However, the best months are October to March when temperatures are comfortable (15–28°C). The temple sees peak crowds during Shivratri (February–March) — book accommodation well in advance if visiting during this period.
Our Gujarat group tours include Somnath as one of the core stops — typically on Days 6–7 of the 7N8D tour. We arrive in the evening to attend the Aarti and Sound & Light Show, and spend the next morning doing local sightseeing before heading to Junagadh. This is the most efficient way to experience Somnath fully without the logistical hassle of independent travel.
Our group tours depart from Ahmedabad and cover Somnath, Dwarka, Diu, Sasan Gir, and Statue of Unity. Evening Aarti included.
Book a Gujarat Tour