Somnath Jyotirlinga

Somnath Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve most sacred shrines to Shiva in Hindu tradition. This guide covers its legend, history and architecture, how to reach it, and what to know before visiting.

The legend

Somnath's foundational legend centres on Chandra, the Moon god. According to the Shiva Purana, Chandra married the 27 daughters of Daksha but openly favoured one, Rohini, over the rest. Daksha cursed him to lose his lustre and waste away. Chandra came to Prabhas Patan and performed severe penance to Shiva, who restored his light - though the curse's cyclical trace remains in the moon's waxing and waning each month. In gratitude, Chandra is said to have built a temple of gold at this spot, giving it the name Somnath, "Lord of the Moon" (Soma is another name for Chandra).

History and architecture

Somnath's history is inseparable from a cycle of destruction and rebuilding that has few parallels among Indian temples. Historical accounts describe the shrine being razed and reconstructed across several centuries; the most famous attack came in 1024 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni raided the temple and carried off much of its wealth. The temple was rebuilt and struck down again more than once in the centuries that followed. The structure standing today was built after Indian independence, with the foundation stone laid in 1950 in a reconstruction project championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; the temple was formally inaugurated in 1951. It follows Chalukya (Solanki)-style architecture, built in cream sandstone directly facing the sea, and a plaque near the shore states there is no land between the temple and Antarctica along that latitude - a detail that has become part of how the site is popularly described. Adjacent to the temple, the Soma Kund tank is where legend says Chandra performed his penance; pilgrims traditionally bathe here before darshan.

How to reach

Veraval, about 6-7 km away, is the nearest railway station, connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Mumbai. The nearest airports are Keshod (~55 km) and Diu (~85 km), with Rajkot (~190 km) and Ahmedabad (~400 km) offering wider connections. Regular buses and taxis run from Veraval, Junagadh and Diu.

Best time to visit and timings

October to March offers the most comfortable weather on this stretch of Gujarat's coast; summers are hot and humid given the proximity to the sea. The temple is open roughly 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, with aarti performed three times daily - around 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM - and a sound-and-light show most evenings between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. Entry is free.

Nearby places and pilgrimage tips

Nearby sites worth combining with a Somnath visit include Bhalka Tirth, believed to be where Krishna was fatally wounded and ended his earthly life, and the Triveni Sangam ghat where three rivers are said to meet the sea. Dwarka, home to two other major Shiva and Krishna pilgrimage sites (including the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga), is a few hours away and often combined into the same trip. Mobile phones, cameras and bags aren't allowed inside Somnath's temple complex and must be left at deposit counters near the entrance - plan for this before joining the queue. Stay on for the evening aarti and the sound-and-light show that follows most evenings.

Nearby places

1. Somnath Beach
2. Bhalka Tirth
3. Triveni Sangam
4. Prabhas Patan
5. Veraval