Photo: B. SurajPatro1997 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What are the darshan timings of Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Somnath Jyotirlinga in Somnath is open for darshan 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Aarti is performed at 7:00 AM · 12:00 PM · 7:00 PM. The temple is located at prabhas Patan, on the sea shore — about 7 km from Veraval railway station.
Timings can change on festivals, eclipses and special occasions. Please confirm with the temple before you travel.
What is Somnath Jyotirlinga known for?
Somnath stands directly on the shore of the Arabian Sea at Prabhas Patan, and is traditionally counted first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The present temple, built in the Chalukya style in golden-toned stone, was completed in 1951. From its seaward side a pillar, the Baan Stambh, marks that there is no land in a straight line between this shore and Antarctica.
Why is Somnath Jyotirlinga significant?
The Shiva Purana tells that Soma, the Moon, was relieved of a curse here through his worship of Shiva — which is where the name, lord of Soma, comes from. The temple's history is one of repeated destruction and rebuilding across many centuries, and its reconstruction after 1947 was undertaken as an act of national restoration. Prabhas is also associated with the last days of Krishna, and Bhalka Tirth nearby marks the place tradition gives for his departure.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Abhishek, bel patra and flowers are offered. The three daily aartis — morning, midday and evening — are the principal observances, and a sound and light presentation is held on the seafront in the evening.
Mahashivratri and Kartik Purnima are the great festivals, and the month of Shravan is the main season of worship.
How do you reach Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Somnath is about 7 kilometres from Veraval railway station, which has direct trains from Ahmedabad and other cities; Somnath has its own small station too. The nearest airports are Diu, about 90 kilometres, and Rajkot, about 200.
Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside the temple. The Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth are close by, and Dwarka is about 230 kilometres up the coast.