Somnath Temple

Besides the Somnath Temple, you can visit the Somnath beach, Bhalka Tirth where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body, the Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet, the Surya Mandir (Sun Temple), and the ancient Gita Mandir. The Somnath Museum, showcasing the temple’s rich history, is also worth a visit.

As per Hindu mythology, the moon god Chandra married 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati but favored only Rohini. Enraged, Daksha cursed Chandra to lose his brightness. Chandra then prayed to Lord Shiva at Prabhas, where he was blessed and regained his lost luminance. In gratitude, Chandra built a golden temple for Shiva, known as the Somnath Temple.

Yes, there are several rules that visitors are expected to follow. Cell phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the temple premises. Visitors must dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Consumption of alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the temple vicinity.

Somnath Temple witnesses a multitude of festivals throughout the year. Some of the most significant festivals include Maha Shivratri, celebrated with great enthusiasm, and Shravan month celebrations when the temple sees thousands of pilgrims. Other festivals include Kartik Purnima, Somnath Sthapana Divas, and Golokdham Utsav.

The architecture of Somnath Temple is a splendid example of the Chalukya style. The temple’s design represents an exquisite blend of intricate carvings and grandeur. It stands on the Arabian Sea shore with a lofty central shikhar (spire), flanked by smaller towers. It’s made of soft limestone, which allows for highly detailed sculptures and decorations. The temple also features a large sabha mandap (assembly hall), and its axis runs from east to west, with the main entrance facing east.

The Somnath Temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Aarti timings are at 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon, and 7:00 PM. During these times, the temple remains closed for about an hour. The timings are subject to change on special occasions and during festivals.