Somanath Mandir is an ancient temple Situated in Gujarat, India. It is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The Somanath temple has great religious importance and attracts devotees from all over the country.
Somnath Mandir – First Jyotirling
Somanath has a rich history and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries. It stands as a symbol of strength and faith, drawing visitors with its superb architecture and spiritual aura.
Click here to location of Somnath Mandir
Address : Somnath, Prabhas Patan Dist. Gir Somnath
Somnath Mandir Darshan Timing :
- Darshan Timing is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Aarti Timings : Morning = 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM.
- Light And Sound Show Timing = 8:00 PM To 9:00 PM.
- (Except in the Monsoon / Rainy Season).
Somnath Mandir Live Darshan
Somnath Mandir History
The roots of the Somnath Temple can be traced back to old times, with mentions in various religious texts and epics. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being, chose this divine location to manifest his presence as a Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve radiant lingams symbolizing his infinite power. It is believed that the first temple at this site was built by the Moon God, Chandra, as a tribute to Lord Shiva.
Over the centuries, the Somnath Temple has experienced a tumultuous history, marked by several invasions and destruction. The first recorded instance of the temple being desecrated was during the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni, a Turkish invader, in 1026 CE. Mahmud, known for his plundering raids, targeted the temple due to its immense wealth and religious importance. Despite the devastation caused, the faith of devotees remained unshaken.
Guest House Facility
Pilgrims can avail of the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. Trust maintains a VIP Guest House, Eighteen other guest houses, and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses is more than Two hundred.
Sagar Darshan Atithi Gruh
(Nr. Somnath Temple, Sea View Atithigruh)
Phone No: 02876-233533 Care Taker: +91-94093 09656
Lilavati Atithi Gruh
Phone No: 02876-233033 Care Taker: +91-94093 09655
Maheshwari Ssamaj Atithi Gruh
Phone No: 02876-233130 Care Taker: +91-94093 09652
How to Reach Somnath Temple
Somnath, Gujarat, can be easily reached through various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach Somnath:
By Air: The nearest airport to Somnath is Diu Airport, located approximately 85 km away. Regular flights connect Diu Airport with major cities in India, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Somnath.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Somnath is Veraval Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and other parts of India. Regular trains run from cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai, and Delhi to Veraval. Once you reach Veraval, Somnath is just a short distance away. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the railway station to reach the temple.
By Road: Somnath is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by buses, private cars, or taxis. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates regular bus services from major cities in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara, to Somnath. You can also hire a private car or taxi and drive to Somnath from nearby cities. The roads are well-maintained, delivering a smooth journey.
From Ahmedabad: Somnath is about 400 kilometers from Ahmedabad. You can take the NH47 route and drive via Rajkot to reach Somnath. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
From Rajkot: Rajkot is approximately 190 km from Somnath. You can take the NH8D route and drive via Jetpur to reach Somnath. The journey takes around 3-4 hours.
From Dwarka: Dwarka is another major pilgrimage destination in Gujarat, and it is located about 230 km from Somnath. You can take the NH51 route and drive via Porbandar to reach Somnath. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
Local Transportation: Once you reach Somnath, the temple is easily accessible within the town. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available for local transportation. You can also choose to explore the town on foot as the temple is located in the heart of Somnath
Nearby Places To Somanath Temple :
The Somnath Temple is not only a spiritual haven but also offers a myriad of nearby attractions for travelers to explore. Here are some notable places of interest in the area:
- Bhalka Tirtha: Located a short distance from the temple, Bhalka Tirtha is the site where Lord Krishna is believed to have left his mortal body. The place holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Krishna and offers a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection.
- Triveni Sangam: Situated at the confluence of three holy rivers – the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, Triveni Sangam is considered a sacred bathing spot. Devotees often visit this site to perform religious rituals and seek blessings.
- Junagadh: Located around 60 Km from Somnath, Junagadh is a historical city that boasts numerous architectural wonders, such as the Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Girnar Jain Temples. Exploring Junagadh offers a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and cultural heritage.
- Gir National Park: For wildlife lovers, a visit to the Gir National Park is highly recommended. It is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion and offers an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
About Somnath Trust :
The Somnath Trust is a governing body responsible for the management and administration of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, India.
- The Somnath Trust oversees the day-to-day operations of the temple, ensuring its smooth functioning and maintenance.
- It plays a crucial role in organizing various religious ceremonies, festivals, and events held at the temple throughout the year.
- The trust is dedicated to preserving the cultural and religious heritage associated with the Somnath Temple.
- It works towards providing amenities and facilities for the convenience of devotees, including accommodation, food, and sanitation.
- The Somnath Trust promotes the values of inclusivity and welcomes devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of their caste, creed, or nationality.
- It undertakes restoration and renovation projects to preserve the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the temple.
- The trust actively engages in philanthropic activities, extending support to educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and social welfare programs in the surrounding communities.
- It ensures the efficient utilization of donations and funds received for the temple’s development and welfare activities.
- The Somnath Trust emphasizes transparency and accountability in its operations, maintaining proper financial records and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
- It strives to uphold the sacredness and sanctity of the Somnath Temple, aiming to create a spiritually enriching experience for devotees and visitors alike.
Somanath Mandir HD Photo’s
Trip For Somnath Temple
Planning a trip to Somnath can be a spiritually enriching experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a trip to Somnath:
Day 1: Arrival in Somnath
- Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Visit the Somnath Temple in the evening for an auspicious darshan (viewing) of the Jyotirlinga.
- Take part in the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the temple and soak in the divine atmosphere.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and retire for the night.
Day 2: Exploring Somnath
- Start your day early with a visit to the Somnath Temple for the morning aarti and a peaceful meditation session.
- After breakfast, explore the temple complex and admire the magnificent architecture and sculptures.
- Visit the nearby Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers, and take a dip or perform religious rituals.
- Explore the Bhalka Tirtha, the place where Lord Krishna is said to have left his mortal body.
- Enjoy a stroll along Somnath Beach and witness the breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea.
- In the evening, you can attend the Sound and Light Show at the Somnath Temple, which narrates the rich history and legends associated with the temple.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner and rest for the night.
Day 3: Day Trip to Gir National Park
- Embark on a day trip to Gir National Park, which is about 50 Km from Somnath.
- Explore the national park, home to the majestic Asiatic lions, and embark on a thrilling safari to spot wildlife.
- Enjoy the serene ambiance of the park, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna.
- After the safari, return to Somnath and relax.
- In the evening, you can explore the local markets and indulge in shopping for handicrafts, traditional textiles, and souvenirs.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant and retire for the night.
Note: This itinerary is a general advice, and you can customize it according to your preferences and the duration of your trip. It is advisable to check the temple timings and any specific events or festivals taking place during your visit.
People Also Asks :
What is the timing of Darshan at Somnath?
Darshan Timing is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Aarti Timings : Morning = 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM. Light And Sound Show Timing = 8:00 PM To 9:00 PM.
How can I go to Somnath Temple by train?
Veraval, 7Kms from Somnath is the nearest railway station. The station is connected by a daily train to Ahmedabad
How to go to Dwarka to Somnath Temple ?
The cheapest way to reach from Dwarka to Somnath is bus to Porbandar, then bus to Somnath and takes 8h 35m.
You can find more places to visit in Gujarat here.. https://www.yourvacationtrip.com/category/best-places-to-visit-in-india/place-to-visit-in-gujarat/
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