Somnath Mandir, Timings, Travel Guide, History, and How to reach

Somnath Mandir, Gujarat – Guide 

Somnath Mandir is located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval port in Saurashtra on the west coast of Gujarat. This temple is considered to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva in India. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist destination of Gujarat.

The present Hindu temple was rebuilt in the Chalukya style of architecture after it was repeatedly destroyed by several Muslim invaders and the Portuguese in ancient times. Somnath means “Lord of Lords,” which is believed to be an aspect of Lord Shiva. The Somnath temple in Gujarat is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated at such a place where there is no land in a straight line between Somnath sea till Antarctica.

History of this Temple

It is believed that the Somnath Mandir was built by Chandradev Somraj himself. It is mentioned in Rigveda. Historians believe that the glory and fame of the Somnath temple located in the Veraval port of Gujarat had spread far and wide. Arab traveler Al Biruni had mentioned this in his travelogue, influenced by which Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked the Somnath temple with his five thousand soldiers in 1024 and looted its property and completely destroyed the temple and took the looted property.

After this, it was rebuilt by King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoj of Malwa. In 1297, when the Delhi Sultanate captured Gujarat, the Somnath temple was demolished for the fifth time. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered in 1702 that if Hindus worshiped again in the Somnath temple, it would be completely demolished. Finally, he again demolished the Somnath temple in 1706.

The Somnath Mandir as it stands at present was built by the Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and was dedicated to the nation by the President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, on 1 December 1995.

Also Read: Akkalkot Swami Samarth Mandir, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

Somnath Mandir Timings

Darshan Timing of Somnath Mandir is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Aarti Timings of Morning is 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon and of evening is 7:00 PM. Light And Sound Show Timing is 8:00 PM To 9:00 PM.

Also Read: Pandharpur Vitthal Mandir Solapur, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

Place to visit near this Temple

Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is the meeting place of three rivers Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati.

Bhalka Tirtha Temple

Bhalka Tirtha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. It is believed that this was the place where the hunter Jara accidentally shot an arrow at the feet of Lord Krishna.

Shree Ram Mandir

This is one of the magnificent temples of Somnath. The temple was constructed by Shree Somnath Trust in 2017.

Prabhas Patan Museum

Prabhas Patan Museum, Gujarat was established in 1951. Around 3500 items are displayed in 3 major categories.

Somnath Beach

Somnath Beach is known for its glistening waves, clear water and long stretches of fine sand.

Panch Pandav Caves

Panch Pandav Caves Also known as Hinglaj Mata Temple, the Panch Pandav Caves in Somnath were discovered in 1949 by late Baba Narayandas.

Geeta Mandir

Geeta Mandir is situated at the exact place where Lord Shri Krishna rested after walking from Bhalka Tirth to Triveni Tirth before traveling to Neej Dham in Dehotsarg.

Also Read: Pandupol Hanuman Ji Mandir, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

How to reach Somnath Mandir

By Air- The nearest airport to Somnath is Diu Airport which is about 63 km from Somnath. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Train- The nearest railway station to Somnath Mandir is Veraval, which is at a distance of 5 km from Somnath. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.

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