Somnath Temple: The First Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

The Somnath temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered the first of the twelve jyotirlingas. It is located in Gujarat, India, and holds immense religious and historical significance. The temple is also known as the first of the twelve jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred representations of Lord Shiva. The temple has a rich and complex history and has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. The temple attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually, making it one of India's most popular pilgrimage destinations. While planning to visit the Somnath temples, you must know that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations known for its religious significance, stunning architecture and coastal locations. Here you can visit and experience spiritual enrichment and historical exploration. Thus, to learn more about the temples and their historical significance, go through the details as mentioned and get updated accordingly.

The opening and closing timings for the Somnath Temple

If you plan to visit the Somnath Temple, it is suggested that you see it during opening hours. The Somnath temples are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Aarti ceremonies are held at specific times. The Somnath temples conduct three main aartis daily. Additionally, a light and sound show would help. The temple also has various rituals and pujas throughout the day. To learn more about the following, look at the information as mentioned, and get updated accordingly. 

• Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM.
• Noon Aarti: noon.
• Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM.
• Light and Sound Show: 8:00 PM (except during monsoon).

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

The best time to visit Somnath Temple

It is also recommended that you visit the temples during the best time when visiting the Somnath Temple. The best time to visit the Somnath temple is between November and February. As the weather is cold and pleasant, you can see the temple further and explore nearby places comfortably.

See also: 10 Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh

They must visit the nearby places at Somnath

The Somnath Temple is surrounded by several significant religious and historical sites worth visiting. Somnath offers a blend of spiritual sites and natural beauty. There are many must-visit places, including the Somnath Temple and other nearby areas. To learn more about and explore the following, review the information below and get updated.

• Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a significant pilgrimage site. 
• Prabhas Patan Museum: Discover the artefacts from the 1st century AD and learn about the region's history. 
• Triveni Sangam: Witness the confluence of the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers, as a sacred site.

See also: Top 12 Famous Temples in Karnataka

Nearby Attractions:

• Bhalka Tirthis a pilgrimage centre where Lord Krishna is believed to have been hit by an arrow. The place is in the presence of Lord Krishna, which you can further witness. 

• Somnath Beach: Enjoy the serene atmosphere and views of the Arabian Sea. Witness the golden sands, clear blue water, and a backdrop of the Arabian Sea. 
• Sana Caves: Explore these ancient rock-cut caves, once inhabited by Buddhist monks. They are considered the oldest Buddhist caves in western India and serve as shelters for monks during the monsoon season.
• Gir National Park: A short drive away, this park is home to the Asiatic lion and other wildlife. Gir Forests has a topography comprising successive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys. 
• Chorwad Beachis a quieter beach offering a beautiful sunrise and sunset. The beach offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze while on the beach.
• Suraj Mandir: This temple is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple is a unique architectural marvel. 
• Laxminarayan Temple: This temple is located near the Omnath temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. It is also believed to be an ancient temple, possibly dating back to the time of the original Somnat temple. 
• Gita Mandiris a cave complex believed to have been used by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple's primary deity is Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hinduism.

See also: 10 Most Iconic Temples in Maharashtra

How to reach the Somnath temple

To reach Somnath temple, you can travel by road, train, or air. You can choose your preferred mode of transportation. To begin, gather information about the modes, focus on the information mentioned, and proceed to travel accordingly. 

By train:

• Somnath Railway Station (SMNH): This is the closest railway station to the Somnath temple, just 05 km away.
• Veraval Railway Station: The station is 7 km from Somnath. It is also a convenient option with connections to major cities.
• Major cities connected to Veraval are Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Dwarka, and Junagadh.
• Smnath Express: A popular train connecting Ahmedabad to Somnath through Veraval.

By Road:

• Major cities near Somnath: Junagadh 82 km, Bhavbagar 270 km and Porbandar 120 km.
• Road travel from Delhi: You can reach Somnath by road from Delhi through Rajkot, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat or Nadiad.
• Road travel from other cities: You can also reach Somnath by road from Gurgaon, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
• Bus service: Local bus services and taxis are readily available from the railway station and the airport to the temple.

By Air:

• Diu Air: The nearest airport is about 82 km from Somnath and is well connected to major Indian cities and some international destinations.
• Rajkot Airport and Porbandar Airport: Other options are 200 km and 120 km away.
• From Dui Airport: You can hire a taxi or a bus to Somnath.

Things you must consider when visiting the Somnath Temple

When travelling to Somnath, remember to respect the religious customs and follow the basic rules when entering the temple. It is also wise to check the weather conditions, book accommodations in advance, and follow the safety precautions. The things that you must consider are as mentioned.

• Follow the dress code: Somnath Temple has a dress code you must follow when travelling to Somnath. Men should ideally wear a shirt and trousers, a dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth. And women are advised to wear sarees, half sarees with blouses or churidar with pyjamas and an upper 
• Fotwear: Remove your footwear before entering the temple premises, out of respect for the god. 
• Respect the Local Customs: Adhere to the customs and rituals observed at the temple and participate respectfully. 
• Photography: Be aware of any photography restrictions, especially within the inner sanctum.

See also: 15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Chennai

The Things to Shop for in Somnath

In Somnath, you can shop for various items, including religious artefacts, local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and souvenirs. The markets near the Somnath temple offer a range of goods that you can shop for. You can also find items like silk clothes, bags, and various types of apparel. Additionally, consider exploring the local market for unique items and delicious street food. Look at the details as mentioned and further proceed accordingly. 

• Religious items: Near the Somnath temples, you can buy religious items such as idols, photos of deities, and other devotional items. 
• Handicrafts: Look for local handicrafts, such as embroidered and appliqué wall hangings, quilts, cradle cloths, and items decorated with mirrors, buttons, shells, and sequins. 
• Traditional clothing: Somnath offers a range of conventional Jujarati clothing like ghagra choli, sarees and embroidered footwear. 
• Souvenirs: Explore the market for unique souvenirs, such as brassware, wooden carvings, and other handicrafts that represent the local culture. 
• Food: Do not miss out on the street food, especially near the temple and sample local snacks like dhokla, farsan, and khandvi. 
• Silk and fabric: Gurukrupa silk is a good option for silk clothes and materials. 

The recommended restaurants and dining halls

The best food is found at the best places. When in Somnath, visit the respective restaurant and get the best quality food in different varieties. 

• Madhuram Dining Hall. 
• Jay Somnath Bhojanalaya.
• Babhia Restauren. 
• Lords Inn.
• Prasadam Hotel and Bhabha Hotel.
• Lilavathi Bhojanalaya. 
• Kaka's kitchen.

Therefore, after reviewing the information mentioned above, you must be further updated with the essential details about Somnath temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and a Hindu pilgrimage site. Plan your visit to Somnath accordingly. 

FAQ's

What is the speciality of Somnath?

The Somnath temple's speciality lies in its significance as the first of the twelve jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also a deeply revered pilgrimage site with a rich history and architectural grandeur. 

What is the special feature of the Somnath Temple?

The Somnath temple in Gujarat is renowned as the first of the twelve jyotirlingas, making it a highly revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is known for its architectural beauty, particularly its chalujya style design, and is located at the Triveni Sangam, where three rivers meet.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Somnath Temple?

The Somnath temple celebrates several festivals yearly, with Maha Shivratri, Kartik Purnima, and Navratri among the most prominent. Additionally, the temple observes Shravan Month, Golokdham Utsav, and Somnath Sthapana Divas. 

What is the best food available in Somnath?

Somnath is known for its delicious and diverse vegetarian Gujarati cuisine, which focuses on simple, homely food. Some of the popular dishes include Kathiyawadi thalis, Gujarati snacks like dhokla, Kjajra, fafda, sev, khandvi, and khaman, and sweets like ghevar, malpua, srikhand, and puran poli. Sea is also available, particularly near the coast. 

Do I need to make the registration before visiting the Somnath temple?

No, you typically do not need to make a registration or book a ticket in advance for a regular darshan at the Somnath temple. The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, prior arrangements might be necessary for non-Hindus, those seeking VIP access or those wanting to perform special rituals.