Standing where the Arabian Sea meets the land at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, the Somnath Jyotirlinga is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Devotees who recite the traditional Jyotirlinga Stotram begin with Saurashtra’s Somnath, and for many pilgrims — including those of us who serve at Omkareshwar on the Narmada — the first darshan of Somnath feels like the opening verse of a much longer sacred journey. This guide covers darshan timings, the aarti schedule, how to reach Somnath via Veraval, the best time to visit, and practical tips to help you plan a smooth pilgrimage.
Why Somnath Is Revered as the First Jyotirlinga
According to tradition, the Moon God (Soma) lost his brilliance to a curse and regained his lustre only after long penance at Prabhasa, worshipping Lord Shiva at this very shore. In gratitude, the deity here came to be called Somnath — the Lord of the Moon — and the surrounding region is still known as Prabhas Patan. In the most widely recited order of the twelve shrines, Somnath is named first, which is why devotees across India affectionately call it the first Jyotirlinga.
The temple is equally famous for its long history of destruction and rebuilding, which has only deepened the faith of pilgrims who consider the shrine eternal. To see where Somnath stands in the full traditional order, do read our complete list of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and for the story of its raids and reconsecration, our companion piece on Somnath temple history.
Somnath Darshan Timings and Aarti Schedule
The temple generally opens before sunrise and remains open until late evening, with three main aartis through the day. The following schedule is indicative and commonly reported:
| Session | Approximate Time | Notes for Pilgrims |
|---|---|---|
| Morning darshan and first aarti | Around 6:00 AM | Queue is usually shortest in the first hour |
| Midday aarti | Around 12:00 PM | Darshan generally continues through the afternoon |
| Evening aarti | Around 7:00 PM | Darshan usually continues until about 9:00–10:00 PM |
Timings shift with the seasons and expand considerably during Mahashivratri and the month of Shravan, when devotees arrive in the tens of thousands. As with every temple, confirm with temple authorities as schedules change before finalising your travel plans.
How to Reach Somnath: Veraval Rail, Road and Air
Somnath is well connected for a coastal town, and most pilgrims arrive through Veraval or Junagadh.
| Route / Mode | Approximate Distance or Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veraval railway station to Somnath | About 7–8 km (15–20 minutes) | The most convenient rail head; autos and taxis easily available |
| Junagadh to Somnath | About 80–90 km (roughly 2 hours) | Alternate rail head with broader train connections |
| Rajkot airport to Somnath | About 165–185 km (3.5–4 hours) | Among the nearest major airports for long-distance travellers |
| Diu to Somnath | About 85–100 km | A smaller airport with limited services; also a scenic coastal drive |
| Ahmedabad to Somnath | Roughly 400 km (7–9 hours) | Overnight buses and trains via Veraval or Junagadh |
Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses and private coaches connect Somnath with Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Junagadh and Dwarka. If you are continuing your pilgrimage along the coast, the run from Somnath to Dwarka covers approximately 230–240 km and can be planned as a single scenic day-drive or split with a stop at Porbandar.
Best Time to Visit and Where to Stay
The period from October to February is generally considered the best time to visit: days are pleasant, the sea breeze is refreshing, and evening aarti by the shore is memorable. Summers are hot and humid, though the temple itself remains open year-round and early-morning darshan is still comfortable.
The Shree Somnath Trust runs several guesthouses and bhakt niwas complexes within walking distance of the temple, alongside private hotels in Somnath and Veraval. Indicative tariffs range from approximately INR 400 for simple dormitory-style rooms to INR 2,500 or more for family rooms with air-conditioning — confirm exact rates at booking, as they rise sharply during festivals. Staying overnight is worthwhile if only for the evening aarti followed by the Somnath light and sound show, which retells the temple’s remarkable story after dark.
Darshan Tips and Temple Etiquette
- Travel light. Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are typically not permitted inside; use the deposit counters near the entrance.
- Dress modestly. Traditional or conservative clothing is expected at one of India’s most venerated shrines.
- Choose your queue. Free darshan queues move steadily for most of the year; the trust also offers special darshan passes for a nominal fee during peak days — check current arrangements at the trust office.
- Allow two to three hours. Combine the main darshan with a walk to the Triveni Sangam ghat nearby, where, according to tradition, the Hiran and Kapila rivers meet the sea alongside the legendary Saraswati.
- Keep festival dates in mind. Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays are extraordinary but extremely crowded; seniors and families with young children may prefer quieter weekdays.
Summary
Somnath rewards the pilgrim who plans just a little: an early-morning darshan while the sea is calm, an unhurried afternoon at Prabhas Patan, and an evening given to aarti and the story of the shrine retold in light and sound. Reach it conveniently through Veraval, stay in a trust guesthouse or local hotel, and keep buffer time for festivals. Whether Somnath is your first Jyotirlinga or your twelfth, the experience of standing before this eternal shrine by the Arabian Sea stays with devotees for a lifetime — a sentiment we hear again and again from pilgrims at our own seva in Omkareshwar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jyotirlinga is Somnath?
Somnath, at Prabhas Patan in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, is revered as the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It stands directly on the Arabian Sea coast and is regarded by devotees as an eternal shrine of Lord Shiva.
What are the Somnath darshan timings?
Darshan typically runs from approximately 6:00 AM to about 9:00–10:00 PM, with aartis roughly three times a day. Schedules change with seasons and festivals, so confirm with temple authorities before your visit.
How far is Somnath from Veraval railway station?
Veraval railway station is approximately 7–8 km from the Somnath temple, about a 15–20 minute drive. Veraval is the most convenient rail head for pilgrims travelling to Somnath.
What is the best time to visit Somnath?
The cooler months from October to February are generally the most comfortable for darshan and sightseeing. Mahashivratri and the month of Shravan draw huge crowds, so book accommodation early if visiting during festivals.