Hotels near Somnath temple and complete information about the temple are mentioned in this article. Somnath temple proves that the power of reconstruction shall always be greater than the power of destruction—the First Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.

The Somnath Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered Lord Shiva’s most revered residences and devoted to him.

It is considered the first of Shiva’s twelve jyotirlinga shrines, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.

According to local legend, God Moon initially constructed the Somnath Temple in gold, Lankapati Ravana then built it in silver, and finally, Lord Krishna constructed it in wood. Bhimdev constructed the stone structure many years later.

Location: Gir Somnath district, Veeraval, Gujarat, India

Deity: Shiva

Festivals: Maha Shivaratri

The Hindu text “Rig Veda” contains statements about this historic temple. The name Somnath means “the protector of the Moon.”

Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Jyotirlinga. (linga of light). Although the exact date of construction of the original Somnath temple is unknown, estimates range from the first millennium BCE to the ninth century C.E.

The “Prabhasa-Pattana” (Prabhas Patan) is mentioned as a tirtha (pilgrimage site), where this temple is located. Still, the temple is not mentioned in ancient Hindu texts written in Sanskrit as Somnath nomenclature.

This is where Triveni Sangam occurs, the confluence of three holy rivers Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati.

Hotels near Somnath temple

There are several hotels near Somnath Temple in Gujarat, India. Here are some options:

1. The Fern Residency Somnath: This hotel is located just 1.3 km away from the temple and offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
2. Lords Inn Somnath: This hotel is about 2 km from the temple and offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
3. Hotel Sukh Sagar: This hotel is about 1.5 km from the temple and offers basic rooms, a restaurant, and a terrace with views of the temple.
4. The Divine Resort: This hotel is about 2 km from the temple and offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a garden.
5. Hotel Shubh Suvidha: This hotel is about 1.5 km from the temple and offers clean and basic rooms, a restaurant, and a terrace with views of the temple. It is one of the best Hotels near Somnath temple

These are just a few options; many more Hotels near Somnath temple are in the area, depending on your budget and preferences.

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History of Somnath temple 

The Somnath temple has long been revered as one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations. The leading cause of this is that it is situated where the Triveni Sangam—a confluence of the three rivers Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati—comes together. 

The history of the Somnath Temple is long and rich, with many ups and downs over the centuries. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, reflecting the region’s changing political and religious landscape.

Over the centuries, the temple grew in importance and became a major pilgrimage center for Lord Shiva’s devotees.

It was also a symbol of the region’s cultural and religious identity and was often targeted by invading armies to undermine the morale of the local population.

The first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was performed on the auspicious third day of the brighter half of the Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar, according to research based on ancient Indian classical texts.

According to Prabhas Khand of the Skand Puran traditions, Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi, the first temple was allegedly constructed 7,99,25,105 years ago.

Thus, this temple has been a constant source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since the beginning.

The first temple to Lord Shiva in Somnath is said to have been built there, according to J. Gordon Melton’s works.

Additionally, it is thought that the Yadava Kings constructed the second temple on the same site in or around 640 BCE. Al-Junayd, an Arab governor, is believed to have invaded the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in 725 BCE and destroyed this temple.   

One of the most significant attacks on the temple came in 1024 AD when Mahmud of Ghazni, an influential Muslim ruler, raided it. Mahmud and his army looted the temple of its treasures and destroyed many of its structures, including the main shrine.

The temple was rebuilt several times over the centuries but was repeatedly destroyed by invading armies. The most notable of these attacks came in 1296 AD when Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, sacked the temple.

The later historical sources mention several desecrations committed by Muslim invaders between the eleventh and eighteenth centuries A.D. Every time, the people’s spirit of reconstruction was used to rebuild the temple.

When Sardar Patel visited the Somnath temple ruins on November 13, 1947, he was determined to rebuild the modern temple.

On May 11, 1951, the then-President of India, the Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad, performed the Pran-Pratistha at the current temple.

The temple structure was built in 1951 and was designed by the famous Indian architect K. M. Munshi and featured a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.

Today, the Somnath Temple remains an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva, as well as a popular tourist destination.

It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Gujarat, who have preserved and rebuilt the temple throughout the centuries, despite many challenges and setbacks.

The architecture of Somnath temple

The current structure of the Somnath Temple was built in the Chalukya style. The temple is built in stone and surrounded by a high wall with several gates.

The main entrance to the temple is called the Mahadwara, a grand gateway made of marble.

The Somnath Temple has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, and the Navagrahas.

These shrines are also built in the Chalukya style and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple has several parts, each with its unique architecture and design. The main sanctum, or garbhagriha, is located at the temple’s center and surrounded by a large hall or mandapa.

The shrine is constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, characterized by its curvilinear towers and domes. The main shiv linga is made of smooth black stone and is believed to have been installed by Lord Vishnu.

The temple complex covers an area of about 27 acres and is surrounded by walls on three sides, while the Arabian Sea forms the fourth side. The complex has several smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various deities.

 The main temple is built in the Chalukya style of architecture and has a height of about 155 feet. The temple is sandstone with intricate carvings and sculptures on its walls and pillars.

 The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is the innermost chamber of the temple where the main deity is housed.

The temple’s interior is occasionally decorated with precious gems and jewels, most elegantly. However, roving bandits and invaders sometimes attacked the temple to steal all these brilliant treasures.

 The garbhagriha is about 15 feet square and has a height of about 25 feet. The lingam, or the representation of Lord Shiva, is placed in the center of the garbhagriha.

The temple also has a large mandapa (hall) that is supported by a total of 56 pillars. The pillars are made of marble and have intricate carvings on them.

The mandapa is used for various religious ceremonies and can accommodate many devotees.

The temple’s entrance is through a large gateway known as the Mahadwara. The gateway is about 105 feet high and has intricate carvings on it. It is said that the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri inspired the gateway.

Due to the temple’s positioning, no land can be seen from the Somnath seashore until Antarctica.

Legends 

According to Hindu mythology, the temple is where Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light, known as the Jyotirlinga.

It is said that the temple was first built by the moon god, Som, to rid himself of the curse he had received from his father-in-law, Daksha.

The gods advised Som to worship Lord Shiva. He bathes in the river to regain his luster. It makes the moon wax and wane, which gives the appearance that the tides are rising and falling near the sea.

The alternative names Someshvar and Somnath come from the tradition, which gives rise to the name prabhas, which means luster. And he built the Somnath Temple. 

Another mythological story associated with the temple revolves around Lord Krishna, who is said to have made a wooden temple for Lord Shiva at this site. It is believed that Lord Krishna’s wife, Rukmini, worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple before her wedding to Lord Krishna.

The temple’s history is closely linked to ancient India’s political and social events.

Overall, the mythology behind the Somnath Temple reflects the deep spiritual and cultural roots of Hinduism and the historical struggles and triumphs of the Indian people over the centuries.

How to reach Somnath temple gujarat

The Somnath Temple is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the ways to reach Somnath Temple: There are plenty of Hotels near Somnath temple at different prices.

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Somnath is the Diu Airport, which is around 80 kilometers away from the temple. Another airport that can be considered is the Rajkot Airport, about 200 kilometers away.
2. By Train: Veraval Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is around 7 kilometers away from Somnath Temple. It is well connected to major cities in India like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, etc.
3. By Road: Somnath is well-connected by road, with regular buses from major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Dwarka. Private taxis and cars can also be hired to reach the temple.

Once you reach Somnath, the temple is located near the Arabian Sea and is easily accessible by foot, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.

Festivals celebrated

The Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the most revered temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known for celebrating various festivals and events annually, attended by many devotees worldwide. Here are some of the festivals celebrated at Somnath Temple:

1. Mahashivratri: This festival is celebrated in February or March every year and is one of the most important festivals for devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees offer prayers and perform rituals in honor of Lord Shiva.
2. Kartik Purnima: This festival is celebrated in November and marks the end of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees take a holy bath in the nearby sea, offer prayers and perform rituals in the temple.
3. Diwali: This festival of lights is celebrated in October or November every year and is a significant event in the Hindu calendar. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights , and devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and other deities.
4. Janmashtami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm at Somnath Temple. Devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and perform rituals honoring Lord Krishna.

Apart from these major festivals, the temple celebrates various events like Navratri, Holi, and Dussehra. These festivals allow devotees to come together, celebrate their faith, and seek blessings and guidance from the divine.

Live Darshan

click here to watch the live darshan

Temple timings

• Darshan Timings: The temple is open daily for darshan (viewing) from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Aarti Timings: Three aartis (worship rituals) are held at the temple daily. The timing of the aartis is as follows:

1. Mangla Aarti: 5:00 AM
2. Bhog Aarti: 12:00 PM
3. Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM

Note: The aarti timings may be subject to change on special occasions and festivals. It is always advisable to check with the temple authorities before planning your visit.

Nearby attractions

1. Triveni Sangam: It is the confluence of three holy rivers- Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, and is considered a sacred place for Hindus.
2. Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India and is famous for its Asiatic lions.
3. Diu Island is a small island near the Somnath temple known for its beautiful beaches and Portuguese colonial architecture.
4. Bhalka Tirth: It is a sacred place where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow and is located near the Somnath temple.
5. Junagadh is a historical city near Somnath famous for its ancient forts, palaces, and temples.
6. Veraval Beach: It is a beautiful beach near Somnath and a popular tourist spot.

These are just a few of the many attractions in the area. There is a lot to see and explore in and around Somnath, and you can always consult with local travel guides or the tourist information center to plan your visit.

Magnificent temples in Gujarat

Somnath Temple, Somnath

Bhalka Tirth, Somnath

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

Bala Hanuman Mandir, Jamnagar

Sun Temple, Modhera

Shri Shatrunjaya Temples, Palitana

Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad 

Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad

Shamlaji Temple

Ranchhodrai Temple

Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple

Sandipani Temple

Conclusion

The Somnath Temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Shiva temples in India. It is believed that visiting the temple and offering prayers can grant blessings and fulfillment of desires.

In conclusion, the Somnath Temple in Gujarat has a rich mythological history and is considered sacred for Hindus. It has withstood the test of time and has been rebuilt multiple times, showcasing the devotion and resilience of its devotees. Hotels near Somnath temple facilities are also good for devotees coming from different parts of the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions