Located on the western coast of Gujarat at Prabhas Patan near Veraval, the Somnath Temple is revered as the first of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Standing majestically where the Saraswati, Hiranya, and Kapila rivers meet before flowing into the Arabian Sea (Triveni Sangam), the present Chalukya-style temple is a powerful symbol of spiritual resilience, having been rebuilt multiple times after historical destructions.
Somnath Temple
The Eternal Shrine — First Among the Twelve Jyotirlingas, Resurrected from the Sea
A Glimpse into the History of Somnath Temple
Origin & The Moon God Legend
Ancient texts like the Skanda Purana state that the original temple was built by the Moon God (Soma) in gold, by Ravana in silver, by Krishna in wood, and by King Bhimdev in stone. The temple marks the spot where the Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva to break a curse that was making him lose his celestial luster.
Centuries of Destruction & Rebuilding
Historically, Somnath's immense wealth made it a primary target for foreign invasions. Famously looted and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE, it faced repeated attacks over centuries. However, the shrine was persistently resurrected by Hindu kings each time, earning it the celebrated title of "The Shrine Eternal."
Post-Independence Reconstruction
The modern temple (Kailash Mahameru Prasad) was commissioned immediately after India's independence in 1947 by India's first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Constructed by the traditional master stonemasons of Gujarat (Sompura Salats) in the resplendent Chalukya style, it was inaugurated by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951.
Spiritual & Architectural Significance
Somnath is the absolute foremost Jyotirlinga, drawing millions of Hindu pilgrims seeking liberation globally. Architecturally, the temple is an imposing marvel featuring a towering 15-metre heavily carved shikhara (spire) topped by a massive 8.5-ton Kalash. Its exact geographical positioning ensures that there is absolutely no landmass in a straight line separating the temple's shore from Antarctica.
Pilgrimage & Fairs
Maha Shivaratri (February/March)
The most significant and heavily attended annual festival at Somnath, drawing lakhs of devotees who gather for special midnight aartis, continuous Vedic chanting, and grand cultural processions celebrating Lord Shiva's divine marriage.
Kartik Purnima Fair (November)
A major cultural and religious fair held comprehensively during Kartik Purnima, coinciding precisely with the full moon. It features local traditional Saurashtra performances, massive congregational sea dips, and extensive temple illuminations.
The Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar)
Standing prominently on the temple's sea-facing protection wall, this ancient pillar features an arrow cleanly pointing directly south over the ocean. A historic Sanskrit inscription carved upon it states that there is no obstructing landmass physically present in a straight line from this exact point until the South Pole (Antarctica).
Travel Guide to Somnath Temple
How to Reach Prabhas Patan
By Air: Diu Airport (DIU) is ~85 km (~2 hrs) and Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is ~200 km (~4 hrs) away; prepaid government taxis are readily available directly to the temple gates.
By Train: Somnath Railway Station (SMNH) is located merely 1 km from the temple. Alternatively, Veraval Junction (VRL) ~7 km away offers much better long-distance express connectivity across India.
By Road: Easily accessible via the well-maintained NH-51 (Coastal Highway). Regular GSRTC AC buses and private cabs connect frequently from Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Dwarka.
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Mar (Best): Provides pleasantly cool coastal weather (15°C–28°C), making it ideal for standing in temple queues and comfortably exploring the Triveni Sangam steps. Summers (Apr–Jun) are humid and hot, while the monsoon (Jul–Sep) brings heavy crashing sea waves right to the temple wall.
Local Attractions
Triveni Sangam (~2 km): The holy confluence of the Saraswati, Hiranya, and Kapila rivers before meeting the Arabian Sea.
Bhalka Tirth (~5 km): The highly revered site where Lord Krishna is believed to have been mistakenly struck by a hunter's arrow prior to his heavenly departure.
Gir National Park (~45 km): The renowned protected forest acting as the world's last refuge for wildly roaming Asiatic lions.
Diu (~85 km): A nearby island territory offering serene beaches and massive Portuguese colonial fortifications.
Tips for Visitors
Absolutely no electronics (mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches) or leather items (belts, wallets, purses) are allowed inside the main temple premises; highly secure and free cloakrooms are available directly outside.
Visit purposefully during the late evening (around 8:00 PM) to witness the spectacular Sound and Light Show ("Jay Somnath") projected brilliantly onto the temple facade, narrating its resilient history.
A strict traditional dress code is firmly enforced by security—avoid entering with shorts, sleeveless tops, or highly revealing clothing. Men are encouraged to wear dhotis or trousers, and women should wear long dresses or sarees.
Catch the evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) which usually takes place around 7:00 PM. The spiritual resonance combined dynamically with the backdrop of the setting sun over the Arabian Sea is incredibly powerful.
Somnath Temple Location
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