The Eternal Shrine: A Guest’s Guide to Somnath Temple
The majestic Somnath Temple, first of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Somnath Temple, a revered Jyotirlinga, has a legendary past. It was first built by the Moon God (Soma) and rebuilt over centuries from gold, silver, and wood by different rulers before being repeatedly destroyed by invaders, notably Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD. It was finally reconstructed in its current majestic form in 1951 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, symbolizing India’s enduring faith.
For our guests at Homeland Stay, we have curated this ultimate guide to ensure your pilgrimage to this historic site is smooth, spiritual, and memorable.
🕉️ Daily Temple Schedule
- 🌅 Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM
- ☀️ Noon (Rajbhog) Aarti: 12:00 PM
- ✨ Evening (Sandhya) Aarti: 7:00 PM
- 🔊 Light & Sound Show: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Temple Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
🚗 How to Reach from Homeland Stay, Ahmedabad
Distance: ~410 km | Time: 8 to 9 Hours
By Road (Recommended)
Take the NH47 & NH27 route: Ahmedabad → Rajkot → Junagadh → Somnath. The roads are excellent.
Bus: GSRTC Volvo and private sleepers depart daily from Ahmedabad.
By Train
Nearest Station: Somnath (SMNH) is just 1 km from the temple.
Popular Train: The Somnath Express (Overnight) from Ahmedabad Junction.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (DIU), approx. 65 km away.
Alternative: Rajkot Airport (RAJ), approx. 200 km away.
📋 Important Pilgrim FAQs
Click on the questions below for detailed answers.
Where to stay in Somnath?
While Homeland Stay is your luxury base in Ahmedabad, if you plan an overnight trip to Somnath, we recommend the Shree Somnath Trust guest houses like Sagar Darshan (sea-facing) or Lilavati Atithi Bhavan. They are clean, affordable, and located very close to the temple complex.
Tip: Always book in advance via the official somnath.org website.
Which are the 2 Jyotirlingas in Gujarat?
Gujarat is blessed with two of the twelve renowned Jyotirlingas:
- Somnath Temple: The first Jyotirlinga, located near Veraval.
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Located near Dwarka. It is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Somnath, and many pilgrims visit both on the same trip.
Which is the best time/period to visit Somnath?
The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool for darshan and sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, and while the monsoon season offers dramatic sea views, travel plans can sometimes be affected by heavy rain.
Is there much rush for Somnath Temple darshan?
Yes, Somnath is highly revered and generally busy year-round. Expect heavy rushes during weekends, public holidays, major festivals like Maha Shivratri and the holy month of Shravan, as well as during school vacations (Diwali/Summer). For a relatively calmer experience, plan for early morning darshan on weekdays.
Is there a VIP Darshan Ticket?
There is a separate queue often called Sahayog Darshan or Express Darshan for a nominal donation (approx. ₹200-500 depending on season). Senior citizens and differently-abled guests often get priority access via this queue. Inquire at the temple help desk upon arrival.
What are the Pooja Charges?
Prices vary by ritual (rates subject to change by the Trust):
- Rudrabhishek: Starts from approx. ₹150 – ₹250.
- Mahapooja: Approx. ₹2,100.
⚠️ Important: Only book poojas via the official temple website or counters. Do not trust unauthorized agents.
Is there a Dress Code?
Yes. Visitors are requested to wear modest clothing. Short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops are generally not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Returning to Comfort
After your divine journey, return to the luxury and peace of Homeland Stay in Ahmedabad. We look forward to hosting you.
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