Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple: The Shrine of Eternal Light

Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple is one of the twelve ancient shrines of Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlingas. It comes near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. As it has been on six destructions by the Muslim conquerors, it is said to be the “shrine of eternal”.

As per Puranas, Somnath Jyotirling Temple existed before the beginning of the Common Era. In order to cure himself Soma the god of the moon, who is being cursed by Daksha for neglecting his other wife and loving only one of his daughters, built the temple in gold and later got relief partly from the curse with the blessing of Lord Shiva. In the later period Ravana was built in silver and Lord Krishna in wood.

Significance of the Somnath Jyotirling Temple:

History According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the first Somnath Temple was built by the Moon God, Lord Soma. This temple suffered and was rebuilt many times in various attacks and natural disasters throughout the centuries.

Cultural Significance: Somnath Temple is of great importance in Indian culture and history. It is one of the oldest and most important places of pilgrimage for a Hindu. The temple is mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures and has been a place of spirituality, devotion, and pilgrimage for centuries.

Architectural Wonder: The modern Somnath temple is an architectural wonder. Its mix of Chalukya, Rajput, and many other styles makes it truly a gem among the Indian temples. The beauty in designing is the temple’s splendid structure, wherein each brick of this church is adorned with intricate carvings, coupled with world-class towers.

The spiritual significance lies in the fact that this temple is dedicated to Lord Somnath, which is an epithet of Lord Shiva-the origin of eternal source to cosmic energy. People go to Somnath Temple seeking blessings, prayer, and rituals to achieve greater development and liberation.

This sacred place of the Somnath temple is located on the western coast of Gujarat, near the Arabian Sea. The sea, here, presents a mystique of serenity and peacefulness for the devotees.

Festivals and Celebrations: Here, different festivals and religious rituals are performed at Somnath Temple. Among them are Maha Shivaratri, Kartik Purnima, and Shravan month- these months are considered auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees gather here on these special occasions to witness the grand functions and seek divine blessings.

Somnath Sound and Light Show: It offers a beautiful show of light and sound within the temple complex, where Somnath was described in light and sound around mythological as well as historical importance. Sound and Light Show is one of the visitor’s attractions in the temple.

Architectural beauties Somnath temple is renowned for its architecture because it is situated at a place where you will not see a single land straight between Somnath seashore to South Pole – Antarctica. There you find the Chalukya style of architecture and reflect sculptures skills. You may think of clicking photographs of rich culture but unfortunately, that’s not allowed there.

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Architectural features of the Somnath Jyotirling Temple:

The original temple which was constructed centuries ago, that is the ancient period during Chalukya dynasty, is believed to have been in Chalukyan Style. This style is considered of carved with numerous minute ornaments, and pillars covered with sculptures and others.

The temple was rebuilt during the medieval times after its destruction by invaders with the patronage of several Rajput dynasties like the Solankis and the Chudasamas. The later structures and additions to the temple show signs of Rajput influence in architecture.

Maru-Gurjara style: The current facade of Somnath Temple looks stamped with the characteristic look of Maru-Gurjara architectural style. This basically describes Rajput and Gujarat style architecture. Stone carvings with minute details, ornate domes, and beautifully chiseled mandapas accompanied by shikharas (spires) are characteristic of this style.

Mandapa and Garbhagriha: The temple complex forms a vast mandapa or pillared hall wherein devotees congregate for worship and prayers. The garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity-Lord Somnath. The garbhagriha has been constructed in such a manner that devotees have a straight sight of the sacred lingam that symbolizes Lord Shiva.

Central Dome and Shikharas: The central dome has intricate work in sculptures at the altar of the temple. Thousands of shikharas or spires above various areas of the building link the temple complex, giving it an appearance similar to a super-large mandapa.

Sculptures and Carvings: The walls, pillars, and ceilings of the Somnath Temple are filled with rich beautiful sculptures and carvings of different deities, mythological scenes, and motifs. These sculptures represent the great artistry of artisans in that period.

Materials Used: The temple is basically made of stone. The stones used are sandstone and limestone. This has given solidity and stability to the structure itself.

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Popular places to visit near Somnath Jyotirling Temple:

Triveni Sangam: It is the meeting point of three sacred rivers, Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati. It is located near the Somnath Temple, periphery of the town. Locals think it to be sacred for ritual baths and even important religious functions.

Bhalka Tirth: It is this place, where the great Lord Krishna shed his human form. It is here that he was mistaken as deer and shot dead through Narad’s mistake in the form of an arrow. Here too stands a Lord Krishna Temple which attracts devotees as well as visitors.

Junagadh: Junagadh is one of the oldest towns and is almost 80 kilometers from Somnath. It has some major attractions like Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, Ashokan Rock Edicts, and Girnar Hill-a major pilgrimage center.

Gir National Park: About 60 km from Somnath lies Gir National Park, believed to be the last home to Asiatic lions. It provides an opportunity to have some wildlife viewing of lions, leopards, deer, and hundreds of bird species.

Veraval: Though a small seashore town, the quaint little place is famous for its fisheries off the coast of Somnath. The beautiful beaches such as Somnath Beach and Veraval Beach are great places to spend your free time and catch a glimpse of the peaceful surroundings.

Sasan Gir: Sasan Gir is about 50 kilometers from Somnath and also encompasses another more popular destination for the wildlife lovers. It houses Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary where Asiatic lions and other flora-fauna of crocodiles, deer, and many other bird species are available to be seen.

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Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple Timing:

Morning Timings:

Darshan: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Aarti: 7:00 AM

Shringar Darshan: 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Abhishek Pooja: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Afternoon Timings:

Darshan: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Evening Timings:

Darshan: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Aarti: 7:00 PM

Shayan Aarti: 9:00 PM

Official Website:

For Online Bookings, Prasad, Donations and other rituals please visit: https://somnath.org

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FAQ:

What is Somnath Jyotirling Temple?

Somnath Jyotirling Temple is a Hindu temple in the name of Lord Shiva. Jyotirlingas are twelve and are considered as the holiest shrines of Shiva. Where is the Somnath Jyotirling Temple? The temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in the Saurashtra area of Gujarat, India. It is located on the Arabian Sea coast .
What is the importance of Somnath Jyotirling Temple?

It is one of the holiest pilgrimages for the people of Hindus. The Jyotirling represents Lord Shiva. It holds deeper historical and religious significance.

How to reach Somnath Jyotirling Temple?

Somnath is very well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Veraval and Diu Airport is its nearest airport. Somnath Temple is accessible from all the major cities of Gujarat.

Design the temple:

The monument is similar to the carvings decorated ancient Hindu temples and has a stunning spire above. History has documented various instances of revised rituals for the Somnath temple because of numerous invasions and natural catastrophes.

Is the Somnath temple associated with specific rituals or festivals?

There are many rituals and ceremonies taking place daily. Among them, Aarti is one of the ceremonies. Temple festival takes place with full devotion on some of the festivals, such as Maha Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima .

Is this temple open to visitors who belong to other faiths besides Hindus?

Yes. This temple is open for the tourists and all faith people. The temple of Somnath Jyotirling welcome visitors with no restriction at all and without any bias towards faith and religion.

Do it has guest houses, hotels, and dharmashalas for pilgrims and tourists?

Somnath has guesthouses, hotels, and dharmashalas to accommodate the pilgrims and tourists.

What else besides Somnath Jyotirling Temple?

Somnath has attractive beaches, and Triveni Sangam, the confluence of rivers Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati with the Arabian Sea, is the other big pilgrimage site. Prabhas Patan Museum has antiquities.

Do pilgrims need a dress code?

Dress code: Casual.
No formal dress code is followed, though most would suggest that you should at least cover your selves modestly and be respectful of the dress code within the temple, which is quite common in the numerous religious sites scattered all over India.

How to reach Somnath Jyotirling Temple:

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Keshod airport

Distance: approx. 60 kilometres.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station

Distance: around 7 km.

By Road:

Temple is well connected with major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Dwarka, and Junagadh.