Somnath Temple

Lord Somnath (Shiva)

Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat

Folktale & Sacred Story

According to legend, Chandra (the Moon god) married the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha but favored Rohini above the rest, prompting Daksha to curse him to wane and lose his lustre. Chandra came to Prabhas Patan and performed penance to Lord Shiva, who, pleased with his devotion, freed him from the full effect of the curse -- which is why the moon still waxes and wanes in cycles rather than disappearing entirely. In gratitude, Chandra is said to have established a Jyotirlinga at this spot, later known as Somnath ('Lord of the Moon'). Tradition further holds that the shrine was rebuilt in gold by Chandra, in silver by Ravana, in wood by Krishna, and in stone by later kings, reflecting its long, layered history of destruction and reconstruction.

Most Revered Practice

The daily Aarti, performed three times -- morning, noon, and evening -- is the most visibly revered ritual, drawing large crowds of devotees to the sanctum. The temple also observes major festivals such as Shravan month, Mahashivratri, and the Kartik Purnima fair.

Prasadam & Offerings

The Shree Somnath Trust offers an official 'Vastra Prasad' (sacred cloth offering) booking service; a specific, verifiable food prasadam item was not independently confirmed -- confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

Somnath is revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. On its seaward side stands the Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar), inscribed in Sanskrit with a claim that there is no landmass obstructing a straight path south from this point until Antarctica. The present structure, completed in May 1951, was rebuilt in the Maru-Gurjara (Chalukya) style under the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, after the site had been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, most famously following the 1026 CE raid by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Devotees visit Somnath as the foremost of the twelve Jyotirlingas, its story of repeated destruction and resilient reconstruction adding deep symbolic weight to the visit. Its dramatic setting directly on the Arabian Sea coast, combined with the evening Aarti and light-and-sound show, makes it a compelling stop.

History & Legend

First among the twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt through history; the present structure was reconstructed in Chalukya style and inaugurated in 1951 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's initiative.

Divine Significance

Regarded as eternally self-existent (swayambhu), it symbolizes resilience of faith, standing where the Arabian Sea meets the shore with no landmass between it and Antarctica.

Darshan Timings

Per the official Shree Somnath Trust, darshan is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Aarti at 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 PM, and a Light and Sound show from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM except during monsoon (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Diu or Rajkot. Nearest railway station: Veraval, about 5 km away.

Where To Stay

Trust-run guesthouses and numerous hotels in Somnath and Veraval town.

Local Food Nearby

Somnath sits near the Veraval fishing harbor, so the wider area is known for seafood, but around the temple itself pilgrims typically eat at trust-run guest-house canteens and dharamshalas serving Gujarati thalis and other vegetarian fare.

Contact & Official Info

Official site: somnath.org (Shree Somnath Trust)

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (20.888028, 70.401389)