Somnath is not only the holiest shiva temple in India but is an architectural marvel. Built using fine carvings, finely detailed engravings and beautiful designs complete with images, paintings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses, this temple is more than a spiritual place. It is a complete experience for the mind, body and soul. Located right next to the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea and just next to the Somnath beach, this temple is filled with awe-inspiring experiences that will rejuvenate you from within. The entire temple complex is dotted with various interesting sights and vistas. For example, the evening sound and light show depicting the entire story about Somnath Mahadev Mandir is excellently shown and a must-visit for people with kids!

No matter how fascinating this place may seem, there are several things about the temple that remain interesting even till this day. Here are some other interesting facts about Somnath that you may or may not have known:

The Legend Of Floating Shivling

The original Shivling is believed to have been floating above the current spot where it sits. According to legends the philosopher’s stone or Syamantak Manik which is closely associated with Lord Krishna and is said to be hiding within the hollowness of the shivling. This magical stone is believed to have powers like producing gold, alchemy and radioactive capacity that has the ability to create a magnetic field which enabled the Shivling to float above the ground. The temple is worth visiting especially because of this fact.

Mention In Ancient Texts

The temple is so grand and ancient that you can find its mention in various holy Hindu texts like Skand Puran, Rig Veda, Shreemad Bhagavad Gita and Shiv Puran. This goes on to show that this site of Lord shiva worship has always attracted pilgrims and devotees from all over the world. This also proves that the actual construction of the temple remains unknown.

Was Always An Ancient Pilgrimage Site

The temple site of Somnath has always been an important place of shiva worship not just because of the temple but also because it is placed on a very holy spot. The temple is constructed near the confluence point of 3 holy rivers of Kapila, Hiran and the mythical river of Saraswati. This confluence is named as the Triveni Sangam which should not be confused with the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad. This Sangam is also said to be the place where lord soma or the moon god is said to have taken a bath and regained his lost Lustre making it all the more auspicious and holy.

The First Temple Was Constructed By The Moon God

Legend has it that the very first temple structure of Somnath was constructed by the moon god or Lord Som himself. He is also said to have constructed the temple with gold, while the sun god had contributed silver and Lord Krishna had provided sandalwood for construction purposes. All these contributions together creates a wonderful rhythm of spirituality, oneness and piousness.

No Straight Line Between The Temple And Antarctica

This is probably one of the most baffling facts of Somnath that cannot be ignored and in fact deserves some much-needed attention. The Baan Stambh or the arrow pillar near the temple and on the Somnath seashore stands tall on the Indian landmass. This pillar is in complete straight line from here to the Antarctica continent. There is no other piece of land or even an island in between them. It is appalling to know that this proves about the level of science and research that was done by the scholars of that era.

Temple Name Changes Every Time With The World Reconstructs

According to our reliable ancient books and historical accounts recorded in the holy text of Skand Puran, the name of Somnath Temple will change every time the world is re constructed. It is said that when lord brahma reconstructs the world after the destruction of the world we are currently in, Somnath’s temple’s name will change to Pran Nath Temple.

The Temple Has Suffered Numerous Destructions

Situated in Prabhas Patan of the Saurashtra region in Gujarat, the current temple occupies a prime location that has attracted numerous traders and rulers from all over the world. Due to this, the temple was the first thing that they saw and destroyed it any time a new ruler would invade and loot. Somnath has suffered destruction over 15 times and each time by a different ruler including Mahmud of Ghazni, Muzaffar Shah, Khilji’s Army and Aurangzeb among a plethora of others. However, each time it was reconstructed keeping the spirit of religion and spirituality alive.

Unique Temple Structure

The temple is primarily made of a main building along with another precinct. This means that there are several other small temples within the large temple complex or under the dome structure, much like an igloo. There are several different regions and parts to the temple that are very unique in their own way and will make for a great day out with the family full of spirituality and fun.

It Had Million Dollar Worth Of Wealth

During the peak of Somnath mandir’s popularity, it had several million worth of gold, jewels and other precious treasure. Sadly, these were looted by the robbers and rulers who would rob the place and leave the temple with nothing.

Proclamation Of The Gates By The British

When the British troops were ordered to come back from Afghanistan, they were instructed to bring back the sandalwood Somnath gate that was taken away by Mahmud of Ghazni. On their way back, as a sign of triumph, they carried back the gates to Gujarat, however, this gate was a fake one and was in fact made out of deodar and not sandalwood. The fake gate is now stored in the basement storage of Agra fort where you can go and check it out.

These were the 10 popular and not so popular interesting facts about the holy Somnath Mahadev Mandir. There are several other things that continue to baffle historians, archeologists and devotees alike.

Somnath is a popular spiritual heritage destination not just in Gujarat, but in India. Famous for the legendary and grand temple of Somnath, and spread out over a massive area, the temple receives thousands of devotees everyday throughout the year. The grandiose of the temple as a holy pious destination spreads across the globe.

What makes visiting Somnath even more memorable is the shopping spree you can indulge in. no travel is complete without buying souvenirs and presents for yourself and your loved ones back home. Wondering where you can buy the best stuff symbolizing Somnath? Check out these places and shop till you drop!

Street Market of Somnath Beach

Somnath beach is situated just next to the temple of Somnath where people go after a fun-filled day at the temple to relax for a while before heading back. Somnath beach gives you the opportunity to not just sit back, relax, and spend some time in peace but it is also a paradise for anyone who loves to shop, no matter the place. If it is traditional, religious, and devotional shopping items you are looking for, then you can take a walk in this street market. The markets are bustling with color, vibrancy, and life where you can find the right thing that signifies Somnath at its best!

What to Buy: Toys, Seashells, Traditional Clothes, Accessories, Bangles, Handmade Artefacts

Prabhas Patan Shopping Centre

Don’t wish to go for street market shopping? You can also have a gala time shopping at one of the most incredible shopping centres in Somnath. Considered to be one of the most amazing shopping centres in Gujarat, this shopping centre is a one-stop shop for all your needs ranging from clothing, foods, electronics to home decor, utensils, shoes and so much more. The highlight of this shopping center are the street food collection, apparel shops, and devotional items. It is a great way to spend time with your family and loved ones since you will find everything here for everyone.

What to Buy: Clothes, Taxi Services, Eating Items, Clothes of All Types, Electronic Items.

Monika Shopping Centre

While traveling in Somnath remember that it is not one of the most high-end, exotic locations in Gujarat. Rather, it is a wholesome, traditional, and vibrant shopping place for everyone. Monika shopping center is a mediocre, small and a traditional little shop that sells a variety of quirky items. Considered to be one of the basic shops you can buy a plethora of eatables here. From delicious seafood eatables to delicious packaged edibles and other sea-related quirky gifts. Remember that the prices of every item here is fixed so always buy it at that rate and support small business owners.

What to Buy: A variety of edible items

Sabri Store And Bakery Shop

If sweets and baked goods are your weakness then this shop in Somnath is a must-visit. Give your sweet tooth cravings a rest by visiting this shop and Gorgeing in delicious, local, and wholesome sweet treats. Situated in Prabhas Patan this bakery shop is located in the main bazaar area and it is hard not to get a hold of it. It has every type, flavor, and quantity of pastries, cakes, cookies, and a range of different local sweet delicacies. It also offers the convenient option of delivering sweet goods to your hotel or any accommodation in or around Somnath.

What to Buy: Cake, Biscuits, Cookies, Biscuit.

Gurukrupa Silk

Did you really visit Somnath or Gujarat if you didn’t go shopping at Gurukrupa Silk? The Gujarati culture is defined by its colorful clothing which has made it world-famous. Be it chaniya choli or any other traditional clothing that defines the heritage and culture of Gujarat, you will find it readily in this place. This amazing store is stocked with the latest traditional silk clothes and items which not only you will enjoy but will also make for the perfect gift for your family and loved ones back home. If it is a sari or some traditional clothing you wish to shop for then this silk store in Prabhas Patan is a must.

What to Buy: Traditional Silk Sarees

New Choice Fashion

Done with your traditional clothes shopping? Looking for newer, more fashionable options? The new choice fashion centre is exactly the place for you to be! This fashion store sells the latest, trending and brand-new clothing apparels. Although this store is newly opened, it has grabbed the attention of a lot of people, especially the younger generation. If you are traveling with young people then you can even shop till you drop here. If you want to take something back home for people of the said age group, then this place will not fail you.

What to Buy: Trendy clothes for all ages

Shopping is also one of the most important activities for travelers to indulge in, for a wholesome and a fun-filled holiday experience.

It goes without saying that Somnath is one of the holiest and pious land in India. Located in the westernmost end of India, the history of Somnath goes back to not just decades but ages ago. Built during the Sat Yug or the time when the gods and goddess used to walk the earth, this temple has gathered the attention of Shiva Bhakts and devotees from all around the world. The spiritual significance of this place goes beyond words and years.

Travelling to this holy shrine requires you to take some time out and plan the trip to Somnath accordingly and with utmost care. All the travel tips and frequently asked questions are made with the intention of making your holiday to this ultimate iconic and legendary work of art easier and more relaxed.

Travel During Winter

Starting off the list with one of the most important information of all that can either make or break your holiday plans. Checking the weather and climatic conditions before going anywhere is a smart move and can save you a lot of unnecessary hassle and unexpected situations. The Winter months of September to March are the perfect months to go out exploring Somnath. The weather will be chill and the temperature pleasant that will enable you to go out and check out other sightseeing options other than Somnath as well.

Sightseeing Places Around Somnath

Somnath Mahadev Temple, being the holy shiva jyotirlinga invites devotees and pilgrims from across the globe. Being so popular, it is clear that the places around this iconic temple complex will have numerous other attractions as well. Some other places to visit and explore around Somnath is Bhalka Tirth, Somnath Beach, Panch Pandav Gufa, Triveni Sangam Temple, and Laxminarayan Temple. One day will not be enough to visit this place and even check out the nearby places mentioned above.

Accommodation in Somnath

As mentioned, several times earlier, Somnath is visited by travelers, pilgrims, and explorers from across the globe. Not just that, Somnath also attracts spiritual seekers and peace lovers as well. Another reason for a large influx of tourists is that Gujarat has several tourist attractions that range from the white salt desert to national parks and temples as well. You can choose any type of hotel or accommodation depending on your location, budget, and the number of people you are travelling with. It is guaranteed that you will find everything ranging from a cheap hotel or a lodge to a lavish luxury resort.

How To Spend A Day In Somnath?

Somnath mandir opens up at 7:30 am in the morning and shuts down at 9:30 in the evening. You should definitely plan a visit during the aarti time which can be either early in the morning or at 5 in the evening. You can also stay longer to attend the one-hour long sound and light show that narrates the entire history of the temple in a detailed and extremely colorful manner. After spending a day at the temple where you will need around 30 minutes to explore everything and offer your darshan to the lord.

Later on you can go to the holy Triveni Sangam for a holy dip. After that, the Bhalka Teerth Temple should be on the list. Finally, you can end the day on a relaxed and positive note by watching the sun go down the horizon at Somnath beach.

Must Have Experience In Somnath

There are many experiences one can have at this wonderful holy spiritual town. When at the temple make sure to check out the sound and light show. It would be an experience of a lifetime. You should also check out the local food joints and relax at Somnath beach. A visit to Panch Pandav Gufa will also be a great refreshing experience. It would offer an incredible view of the Somnath city below. It is also one of the most underrated experiences that you can have with your family.

The Most Convenient Way Of Getting To Somnath

If travelling by flight, Diu airport is the nearest, which is located around 63 kms away. There are regular taxi services plying from the airport to the temple. There are commuter buses as well as luxury buses available at cheap rates to cover the distance. The tickets are fairly priced and the buses are easily available connecting the two places with ease.

Eat Out Without A Tension

Eating and food is one thing you should not be worried about when in Somnath, Gujarat. There are several restaurants and dhabas available that make quality and fresh vegetarian food. You should definitely try out the local Gujarati delicacies and cuisines. Be sure not to sit back and relax at one of the many local tea stalls.

Safety Tips

Gujarat is one of the safest states in India to travel alone or with family and friends. The people are helpful and will provide help anytime you need it. Taxi-cab services like ola and uber are also available in almost any part of Gujarat. You can depend on google maps for directions and also remember that the crime rate in Ahmedabad or Gujarat as a whole is not high.

What To Wear

The time of the year is not important in deciding what to wear during your holiday in Gujarat. The weather remains pleasant and cool throughout the year. Remember to wear cotton clothes for extra breathability and always wear good quality sneakers for a more comfort filled travel. This is also important to keep in mind because you will mostly be walking around and you can cover more places this way.

Extra Travel Tips

While planning on hiring a guide for yourself then make sure to check out their government licensing. This is important to weed out the scam guides with the real one and checking their government licensing is the only way to do it. Also, remember to carry an extra phone with a SIM card that you can get there so that you are always connected and in touch with your family and loved ones.

Somnath Mahadev is a spiritual epicenter of religion and spirituality. It is a place where pilgrims and devotees have been making their way over the years as a part of their pilgrimage. The temple draws huge attention from devotees since it is dedicated to lord shiva and is built on the spot where the first jyotirlinga had appeared on its own. The temple is famous for a variety of reasons, one of them being that it is an architectural masterpiece.

Located on the banks of the crashing waves of the Grand Arabian sea, the temple is a fascinating holy shrine whose history dates back to ages ago. To get the best experience it is important to know the right time to go. Planning beforehand will allow you to have a holiday filled with memorable moments.

Here is the complete info on the weather conditions and the best time to visit Somnath:

Best Time to Visit

Somnath is situated in the westernmost part of India. The weather here remains predominantly warm and cool. It never gets freezing cold. It is best to avoid travel plans to Somnath during the scorching summer months of April to August. The best time to visit Somnath has to be during the autumn-winter months that last from September to march. The weather remains cool, not too hot in the afternoon that makes you travel to a number of different tourist sightseeing places. It Would be fun to travel with the family during this time of the year.

Prot Tip: Plan a trip to the Rann Utsav during the full moon time. You will see the white salt desert gimmer like diamonds in the moonlit night.

Now let’s take a look at the general weather conditions of Somnath to give more insight into the climate conditions:

Somnath In Summer

The months of April to June mark the months of summer in Somnath. This is also the time when a lot of people plan a summer vacation. Going to Somnath in summer will meet you with a huge throng of travelers, devotees, and pilgrims from all over the globe. It is not an ideal time to visit Somnath because the weather will seem like too much. However, if you still want to visit it then be well prepared beforehand and keep yourself hydrated throughout. If you wish to relax after a tiring day then this would also be the perfect time to spend a fun evening at Kankaria Lake. The temperature stays between 24 to 42-degree Celsius so be mentally prepared.

Somnath In Winter

September to March marks the winter months in Somnath. This is also one of the best times of the year to go out exploring in places other than Somnath. With the temperature ranging between 10 to 24-degree Celsius these months are the best time to visit Somnath as well. Apart from the spiritual aspect, you can also get the right dose of adventure by going on nature hikes and treks to the nearby trails and mountain destinations. This is also one of the peak times for visitors to flock to Somnath. These are also the months when most festivals also take place. February is the time when Somnath Mahadev Mandir sparkles up to life during the Maha Shivratri celebrations which is also another one of the major attractions of this spiritual holiday to Somnath.

Somnath In Monsoon

July and August are the 2 monsoon months in Somnath. This region defines the monsoon season at its best because of the torrential heavy rains. Just like the extreme summer, monsoon is equally extreme. During these months Somnath receives heavy rainfall throughout making it extremely difficult to go out, explore and check out the beautiful Somnath Mandir. In Fact, the entire Indian landmass gets engulfed in monsoon rains but monsoon in Somnath is a whole different story in a matter of viciousness. The entire region also remains doused in lots of humidity making traveling extremely uncomfortable. On bad monsoon days, these vicious rainfall winds can even turn into destructive cyclones. This is not the right time to visit Somnath with your family and loved ones if you are looking for a tension-free memorable experience.

Travel Tips for Safe Travels in Somnath

If travelling during the summer months then make sure to wear comfortable clothing made preferably out of cotton material. Also, remember to wear good sneakers as you will be walking around a lot in Somnath. Also keep a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a cap for extra protection against the strong and blazing sun.

Make your booking beforehand in order to avoid any delay or inconvenience. Somnath is one of the most popular pilgrimages and spiritual holiday destinations. During the peak tourism months, the bookings are all sold out so you need to complete your bookings way beforehand if you want to have a hassle-free holiday.

Know the opening and closing time of Somnath Temple for a more enriching experience. The temple opens at 6 am and shuts down at 9:30 pm. The sound and light show is a must-have experience that takes place in the evening and it also tells you about the amazing and very enigmatic history of Somnath.

Do not miss out on visiting some nearby sightseeing tourist places like Triveni Sangam, Gita Mandir, Gir National Park, and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. To relax you can head on to the nearby Somnath Beach to freshen up.

Somnath mandir is every devout Hindu’s dream destination. Gracing majestically the banks of Arabian Sea, Somnath Mahadev temple is an architectural marvel. People from all over the world make time to pay a visit to this temple that has been through a very rough and turbulent past. The temple is dedicated to lord shiva and was made by the moon god or Somnath, after whom the temple is named. It is believed that the temple is built on the very first of the 12 jyotirlingas found across India.

The temple is host to numerous festivals, fairs, gatherings and spiritual events throughout the year. If you are planning a visit to Gujarat or just looking for places to visit in Gujarat, then Somnath Mahadev should be on your travel list.

Wondering how to get to Somnath? Here is a complete guide from railway, roadway and flight.

By Road

Road trips are the best way to travel. If you have a private vehicle and wish to have a unique and memorable holiday? Then pack up and head on to Gujarat. The temple of Somnath is connected through a network of roadways. If road travel is your plan, then you can even choose to travel by buses or shared transportation that connect various big and small towns. If you are travelling from outside Gujarat, you will easily be able to reach Somnath Mahadev Temple just by following google maps.

If you are planning to travel by bus then that won’t be an issue either. In fact, it would prove to be more pocket friendly than renting a taxi minus the comfort. Somnath is connected to various bus services from all the nearby towns like Ahmedabad, Rajkot or Porbandar. There are Ac, non-AC and luxury buses available from anywhere in Gujarat and Diu to Somnath. The roads are all well-made and in good condition.

By Train

Travelling anywhere in India by train is a very cheap bargain. India has one of the longest and complicated train networks in the world. The tickets are cheap although it does take time but if you are travelling on a budget and time is not a constraint then train journeys is a great mode to opt for. Gujarat, being one of the most developed states in India, is connected to almost all the major and minor cities, towns and states all around. You can easily find trains to Gujarat from Delhi, Punjab or Uttar Pradesh. The railway stations of Surat, Vadodara, Veraval, Porbandar and Vadodara are some of the busiest railway stations of Gujarat.

Veraval Railway station is the nearest station to Somnath. This station is also very well connected to places like Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Loathed at a distance of just 5 kms from Somnath this station also caters to daily trains going to and fro various major and minor cities of India.

By Flight

If budget is not a problem for you, air travel can be your best friend. If you have limited time for holiday in Gujarat and if you are travelling with family, then going there by flight is the most convenient way of getting there. Being a huge state with top-notch facilities, Gujarat has a number of flights connecting various parts of India and some parts of the world as well. Somnath doesn’t have an airport itself. But is well connected to multiple big and small cities with the help of aerodromes at Diu, the union territory of Daman and Diu. however, there is just 1 flight operated by Air India Regional. As mentioned earlier Somnath is connected via multiple big and small airports. Porbandar airport is 120 kms away while the Rajkot civil airport is 160 kms away. You can get a cab or a taxi service from any of these airports leading up to Somnath.

Travel Tips for Somnath

• There are several places in Gujarat that have to be visited on foot and with minimal shade. If you are planning on going to some historic site then be sure to pack the right shoes, carry good sunscreen and wear a cap for extra protection from the sun.
• Make sure you travel during the autumn-winter months of September to March, rather than the scorching hot summer months of April to July.
• The temple darshan of Somnath starts from 6 am in the morning and after a very eventful day of light and sound show and aartis it shuts down its doors for visitors at 9:30 pm.
• When travelling to Somnath, be sure to reserve a whole day to check out the entire temple complex properly.
• Just one day will not be enough for you to explore Somnath and all its nearby places. Be sure you have at least 2 days to visit the temple.
• Make sure that you are carrying a portable charger with extra batteries and always wear comfortable and respectable clothing.
• Since Somnath is a holy temple and that too a highly revered one be sure to follow all the rules and regulations that are set in place for the pilgrims, devotees and visitors.
• There are several hotels and accommodation options available in and around the holy town of Somnath so make sure to complete your bookings beforehand.

Somnath is the 1st shiva jyotirlinga out of 12 that is spread all across the Indian subcontinent. Located in Gujarat this temple is a true testament to the sheer hard work and persistent ambition to honor Indian culture. Having been through an extremely tumultuous past with several loots and plunders, today Somnath stands tall by the crashing waves of the Arabian Sea, as one of the most exquisite and pious places of Shiva worship.

The Mythology of Somnath Temple

The light and sound show that is featured during the nighttime tells the spiritual and mythological background of this majestic pilgrimage place. The term som translates into the moon, meaning the temple is dedicated to the moon lord. The moon lord himself had prayed to lord shiva at the very place where the temple stands now. The story starts off with the moon being married to 27 of Raja Daksha’s daughters. Instead of giving his time equally to all his wives, he devoted most of his time to just one wife – Rohini. This made the father, Daksh, very angry. He cursed the moon that it would lose all its glowing lustre and would fade away. Sadly, the moon started fading away.

A worried moon made its way to this spot in Somnath along with Rohini and started praying to lord shiva. Happy with his dedication and devotion the Lord freed him from the curse. The moon then took a dip in the holy Saraswati River which revived his faded glow and lustre. The first temple structure was built by the moon god himself who had dedicated it to lord shiva.

History of Somnath Temple

There is no exact date for the construction of the very first structure of Somnath temple. The earliest history of this 1st Shiva Jyotirlinga dates back to 649 CE during the reign of the Yadava kings i.e. the Vallabh is. This was destroyed by the Arab governor of Sindh during his invasions in Rajasthan and Gujarat. He broke the jyotirlinga and took away 20 million dinars. Another plundering took place in 1299 by Alauddin Khilji’s army led by Ulugh Khan. The temple was again built in 1308 before getting destroyed once again during the late 14th century. In 1665 Mughal emperor Aurangzeb demolished the temple and passed the law that if Hindus tried to erect it again, it should be demolished completely. During 1950-51 the temple was rebuilt (current structure) due to the efforts made by Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi.

What to Expect?

The temple is covered all over with fresh, bright flowers among other gold and silver ornaments. This gives a very traditional, spiritual, and holy vibe to the whole complex. This is also done keeping in mind the legend related to the temple. Som or the moon god built the temple using gold, later on, Ravan built it by silver and Lord Krishna built the temple by wood. Every feature symbolizes some aspect of our rich cultural heritage. Going there in the evening time will make you see one of the most pretty and positivity evoking evening aarti. Also, deeply peaceful prayers keep on happening throughout the day. You can see some pictures of lord Somnath inside the temple adorning the walls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somnath Temple

Q1.When Is the Best Time to Visit Somnath?

Ans. The climate in Somnath remains fairly moderate throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 28 to 34-degree Celsius during the summer months. Winter months are very pleasant with the temperature ranging from 20 to 28-degree Celsius. The months of October to February are the best times to visit Somnath temple and enjoy it with your family and loved ones.

Q2.How to Reach Somnath?

Ans. If you are traveling from somewhere faraway then the nearest airport to the temple is called Keshod which is around 55 kms away from the main temple. There are buses and taxi services available to cover the distance. The nearest train station is located around 7 kms away from the temple. It is well connected to several cities big and small like Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, etc. The best way would be to travel by road in a private car. The roads are well made and well connected as well.

Q3.What Is the Temple Location?

Ans. Somnath temple is the landmark of Gujarat and can be easily reached no matter where you are traveling from. It is just 7 kms from Veraval and 79 kms from Junagadh. The best way to travel would be to travel in a private car rather than any other local transportation modes especially if you are traveling with your family.

Q4.What Is the Temple Darshan Timing?

Ans. The temple timings are – 6 am to 9:30 pm. Aarti timings are: 7 am, 12 noon, and 7 pm. The Light and sound show is scheduled to take place for an hour from 8 pm to 9 pm every day. Avoid going there on a rainy day or during the monsoon season because the show doesn’t take place then.

Q5.Is There an Online Darshan Option Available for Somnath Temple?

Ans. Yes, there is an online darshan option available on the official website of Somnath. To get the darshan you will have to register and pay some amount to get the darshan.

Q6.Is Photography Prohibited?

Ans. Yes. being an extremely spiritual place of worship, in order to preserve the sanctity of the place photography is strictly prohibited. You can purchase some pictures or memories and souvenirs from the gift shop in the temple complex.

Q7.What Are Some Places I Can Visit Around Somnath?

Ans. Being the land of god, Gujarat is steeped and dotted all over with numerous places of tourist interest. Here are some places you can visit in a 20 km radius of the temple complex. These include Ahilyabai Temple, Bhalka Tirtha, Triveni Sangam, Golokdham Tirth, and Shashibhushan Temple.

Q8.What Are Some Major Festivals, Fairs, or Functions That Take Place in Somnath?

Ans. Somnath lights up during the time of any festival. But it’s a sight to behold especially during the time of Mahashivratri, Shravan Month, Kartik Purnima Fair, Golokdham Festival, and Somnath Sthapana Divas.

Interesting Facts About Somnath Mandir:

• Gujarat is known as the kingdom of Lord Krishna. It was in Somnath Mahadeva Mandir that the lord had ended his Lila and departed for his heavenly abode. This fact along with a host of other legends and myths makes this majestic temple hundred times more pious.
• The Current Somnath temple was built over a duration of 5 years from 1947 to 1951. After its completion, it was inaugurated by the then president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• A famous special stone that is associated with Lord Krishna, called Syamantaka Mani, or the philosopher’s stone has been kept in the hollowness of the Shivling. The stone is known for producing gold and due to its alchemic and radioactive properties remains floating just slightly above the water and seems to hover in the air.
• Apart from the obvious religious and spiritual values associated with the temple, it has also found its mention in some of the holiest Hindu books and texts like Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Skanda Purana, and Rigveda.
• Did you know that the temple is located in such a unique spot that there is no landmass present in a straight line from the temple seashore to Antarctica? Call it a mere coincidence or the expert calculations of our bygone scholars and intellectuals.
• If the ancient holy book of Skand Puran is to be believed, then Somnath Temple gets reconstructed every time a new world is to be constructed. Lord Brahma makes it his responsibility to create a new world after ending the one we are currently living in and the new Somnath that will get built will have the name of Pran Nath Temple.
• It is also one of those rare temples in India where you can see the 3 holy Trinity or Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh together sculpted on the walls together.