Somnath Temple in Gujarat is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Located at Prabhas Patan in Gir Somnath district, the temple stands beside the Arabian Sea and attracts devotees throughout the year for Somnath Jyotirlinga darshan, aarti, puja and pilgrimage.
For visitors planning Somnath Temple darshan in 2026, the temple remains open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Three main aartis are performed every day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM. Regular darshan is free, and devotees can visit throughout the day without purchasing a general entry ticket.
Early morning is one of the best times for Somnath darshan. Reaching between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM gives visitors enough time to complete security checks, enter before the larger daytime crowd and attend the morning aarti. Evening is another excellent option because visitors can combine the 7:00 PM aarti, illuminated temple and Jay Somnath Sound and Light Show.
Visitors should also know the temple’s security rules before arriving. Mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches and other electronic gadgets are not permitted inside the secure temple area. Cloakroom and footwear-deposit facilities are available, while wheelchairs, golf carts and lift assistance make the temple more convenient for senior citizens and devotees with mobility difficulties.
This complete guide covers Somnath Temple timings today, Sunday timings, aarti schedule, entry fee, dress code, mobile and photography rules, VIP darshan, light show, live darshan, best time to visit, accommodation, nearby places and how to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga.
Somnath Temple 2026: Quick Information
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple | Shree Somnath Temple |
| Location | Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Religious Importance | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas |
| Darshan Timings | 6:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Noon Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| General Entry Fee | Free |
| Mobile Phones | Not permitted inside |
| Cameras | Not permitted inside |
| Cloakroom | Available |
| Footwear Facility | Available |
| Wheelchair Facility | Available |
| Golf Cart | Available for eligible devotees |
| Sound & Light Show | Around 7:45–8:00 PM |
| Live Darshan | Available online |
| Nearest Railway Station | Somnath Railway Station |
| Nearby Major Railhead | Veraval |
| Best Time for Darshan | 6:00 AM–8:00 AM |
| Official Website | https://somnath.org/ |
Somnath Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Somnath Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Devotees can visit throughout the day, making the temple convenient for pilgrims arriving at different times.
| Temple Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | From 6:00 AM |
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Darshan Continues | Throughout the day |
| Noon Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | Available |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | After aarti |
| Temple Closes | 10:00 PM |
Unlike temples that close for a long afternoon interval, Somnath generally follows an extended darshan schedule throughout the day.
Visitors coming specifically for an aarti should reach at least 30 minutes earlier. Depositing phones and footwear, completing security screening and reaching the darshan area can take additional time when the temple is crowded.
Somnath Temple Timings Today
The regular Somnath Temple timings today are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The same broad schedule is followed on normal weekdays and weekends. However, queue arrangements can change during major festivals, Shravan Mondays and exceptionally busy holidays.
Visitors simply looking for peaceful darshan should prefer the early morning rather than reaching during the busiest evening period.
Somnath Temple Timings on Sunday
Somnath Temple is open on Sundays and normally follows its regular 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM schedule.
Sunday generally attracts more families and tourists than an ordinary weekday. If visiting on Sunday, reaching between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM is a better option for easier movement.
The evening period around the 7:00 PM aarti can be considerably busier.
Somnath Temple Closing Time
The normal Somnath Temple closing time is 10:00 PM.
Visitors arriving late in the evening should remember that security and entry may be regulated before final closing. If the intention is to complete darshan comfortably, avoid reaching only a few minutes before 10:00 PM.
Those wanting evening aarti and the light show should ideally reach by 6:00–6:30 PM.
Somnath Temple Aarti Timings 2026
Three principal aartis are performed every day.
| Aarti | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Noon Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
Morning Aarti – 7:00 AM
The 7:00 AM morning aarti at Somnath Temple is ideal for pilgrims who prefer an early start.
Reaching around 6:00 AM allows enough time to enter the temple, complete initial darshan and attend the aarti.
Morning is particularly comfortable from March to June, when temperatures become much warmer later in the day.
Noon Aarti – 12:00 PM
The second daily aarti takes place at 12:00 noon.
Visitors reaching Somnath late in the morning can plan their darshan around this ceremony.
Darshan continues during the afternoon under the regular schedule, although outdoor sightseeing around Prabhas Patan can become uncomfortable during hot weather.
Evening Aarti – 7:00 PM
The 7:00 PM evening aarti is one of the most popular periods to visit Somnath Temple.
The weather is generally more comfortable, the temple is illuminated after sunset, and visitors can remain for the evening sound-and-light programme.
For a complete evening experience, reach around 6:00 PM rather than arriving exactly at 7:00 PM.
Somnath Temple Entry Fee 2026
Regular Somnath Temple darshan is free.
There is no general admission ticket required for devotees entering the temple for ordinary darshan.
Separate charges can apply to optional services such as:
- Specific pujas
- Religious rituals
- Yagna services
- Trust accommodation
- Special religious offerings
General darshan should therefore not be confused with paid puja services.
Somnath Temple VIP Darshan Tickets & Booking 2026
Many devotees search for Somnath Temple VIP Darshan 2026 to find a faster and more convenient way to visit Somnath Jyotirlinga, especially during weekends, Mondays, Shravan and major festivals.
Regular Somnath Temple darshan is free, and devotees can enter through the normal public darshan system during temple opening hours. At present, a separate public VIP Darshan or fast-track darshan ticket is not listed as a regular online booking service.
Visitors looking for VIP, special-entry or priority-darshan facilities should therefore check the current booking options before their travel date, as special arrangements can be introduced during particular festivals or high-crowd periods.
Somnath VIP Darshan Ticket Price 2026
There is currently no fixed public VIP Darshan ticket price listed for regular Somnath Temple darshan.
| Darshan / Service | Current Status |
|---|---|
| General Somnath Darshan | Free |
| VIP / Fast-Track Darshan | No regular public online ticket currently listed |
| Pooja / Seva Booking | Available |
| Special Pooja | Available according to schedule |
| Trust Accommodation | Online booking available |
| Live Darshan | Available online |
Visitors should therefore avoid planning their trip around unconfirmed ₹50, ₹100, ₹200 or ₹250 VIP-ticket prices.
If an official Somnath VIP Darshan ticket or special-entry facility becomes available for a selected date, the applicable price, reporting time and booking conditions should appear with that service.
How to Check Somnath VIP Darshan Booking Online
The easiest way to check whether Somnath VIP Darshan booking or another special darshan facility is available is through the temple’s online services.
Step 1: Visit the Somnath Temple Website
Open:
This is the main portal used for Somnath Temple online services.
Step 2: Check the Available Temple Services
Look through the current options for:
- Darshan or special-entry services
- Pooja Vidhi
- Special Pooja
- Yagna
- Prasad
- Accommodation
- Other pilgrim services
The available options may differ depending on the time of year and upcoming temple celebrations.
Step 3: Look for VIP or Special Darshan
If a VIP Darshan, Special Darshan, Priority Darshan or similar entry facility is available for your visit date, open that service and read the booking conditions carefully.
Check:
- Ticket price
- Available date
- Reporting time
- Number of devotees allowed
- ID requirement
- Entry point
- Booking confirmation requirements
Step 4: Select the Date and Number of Devotees
Choose the required date and enter the number of visitors according to the available booking facility.
Festival dates can have different arrangements from normal days.
Step 5: Enter Devotee Details
Provide the requested information correctly, such as:
- Name
- Mobile number
- Address
- Other details required for the selected service
Step 6: Complete Online Payment
If the selected service is paid, complete the transaction through the payment facility provided on the booking portal.
Step 7: Save the Booking Confirmation
After successful booking, download or save the receipt or confirmation.
Keep it available on the day of the visit along with any identification required by the booking conditions.
What If the VIP Darshan Option Is Not Available?
If no Somnath VIP Darshan booking option appears for the selected date, devotees can use the normal free darshan system.
For a smoother general darshan, one of the best strategies is to reach the temple between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM on an ordinary weekday.
Early arrival is particularly useful for:
- Senior citizens
- Families with children
- Visitors with limited time
- First-time visitors
- Pilgrims travelling onward the same day
Mondays, weekends, Shravan and Maha Shivaratri generally attract much heavier crowds.
Somnath Temple Seva and Pooja Booking Online
Although a regular public VIP ticket is not currently listed, devotees can book several Somnath Temple puja and religious services online.
Depending on the current schedule, services may include special poojas, Pooja Vidhi, Yagna and festival-specific offerings.
How to Book Somnath Pooja Online
- Visit https://somnath.org/
- Open the Online Pooja Vidhi / Donation section.
- Select the required pooja or religious service.
- Choose the available date or option.
- Enter the devotee or Yajman details.
- Complete the applicable payment.
- Save the receipt or confirmation.
During Shravan and other important periods, additional religious services may also be introduced for devotees.
VIP Darshan vs Pooja Booking at Somnath
A Pooja booking should not automatically be treated as a VIP Darshan ticket.
| Facility | Purpose |
|---|---|
| General Darshan | Regular free darshan of Somnath Jyotirlinga |
| VIP/Special Darshan | Faster or special entry only when officially available |
| Pooja Booking | Booking a religious ritual or offering |
| Yagna Booking | Participation in or sponsorship of a specified Yagna |
| Live Darshan | Online viewing of Somnath Temple |
| Accommodation Booking | Reservation in Trust guest houses |
This distinction is important because devotees searching for Somnath VIP Darshan online booking may otherwise mistake a puja payment for a fast-track temple-entry ticket.
Best Alternative When VIP Darshan Is Not Available
For most visitors, careful timing can make regular Somnath darshan comfortable even without a VIP ticket.
Try to reach:
6:00 AM–8:00 AM on a weekday
The temple opens at 6:00 AM, followed by the morning aarti at 7:00 AM. Completing darshan during this period also leaves the rest of the day free for Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, Golokdham and other places near Somnath Temple.
Visitors seeking lower crowds should avoid, where possible:
- Shravan Mondays
- Maha Shivaratri
- Long weekends
- Major public holidays
- Peak evening hours on busy days
This makes the VIP section genuinely useful even when a separate VIP ticket is not available.g to reduce waiting time, arriving at 6:00 AM on an ordinary weekday is more practical than planning the visit around an assumed VIP ticket.
Best Time to Visit Somnath Temple
For most pilgrims, the best time for Somnath darshan is:
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
This period offers several advantages:
- Lower heat
- Comparatively manageable crowd
- Morning aarti at 7:00 AM
- Plenty of time for nearby sightseeing afterward
- Comfortable timing for senior citizens and families
Another excellent period is 6:00 PM onward, particularly for visitors interested in the evening aarti and light show.
| Visitor Goal | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Peaceful Darshan | 6:00 AM–7:00 AM |
| Morning Aarti | Reach before 7:00 AM |
| Senior Citizens | 6:00 AM–8:00 AM |
| Family Visit | Early morning |
| Avoid Heat | Morning or evening |
| Evening Aarti | Reach by 6:30 PM |
| Aarti + Light Show | 6:00 PM onward |
| Lower Crowd | Weekday morning |
When Is Somnath Temple Most Crowded?
Higher crowd levels should be expected during:
- Mondays
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Shravan month
- Shravan Mondays
- Maha Shivaratri
- Kartik Purnima
- Public holidays
- Long weekends
- Major religious festivals
Visitors whose main priority is smooth darshan should choose an ordinary weekday outside major Shiva festivals.
How Long Does Somnath Darshan Take?
There is no fixed waiting time.
On an ordinary weekday morning, the darshan process can be relatively smooth. On weekends and festival days, security lines and darshan queues can take significantly longer.
Keep additional time for:
- Cloakroom deposit
- Footwear deposit
- Security screening
- Darshan queue
- Aarti crowd
Visitors travelling onward by train, bus or flight should avoid planning an extremely tight departure immediately after darshan.
Somnath Temple Dress Code
Somnath Temple does not require every regular visitor to wear a specific traditional outfit, but modest clothing appropriate for a major Hindu shrine is expected.
Suitable Clothing for Men
Men can wear:
- Kurta-pajama
- Dhoti
- Full-length trousers
- Shirt
- Modest T-shirt with full-length trousers
Suitable Clothing for Women
Women can wear:
- Saree
- Salwar-kameez
- Kurta with full-length bottoms
- Long skirt
- Modest full-length dress
Very short, revealing or inappropriate clothing should be avoided.
Comfortable clothing is also useful because visitors may spend time walking, standing in queues and exploring nearby pilgrimage sites.
Somnath Temple Footwear Rules
Footwear must be removed before entering the sacred temple area.
A designated footwear-deposit facility is available near the temple approach.
Simple slippers or easily removable footwear are particularly convenient for pilgrims.
Avoid carrying expensive footwear unnecessarily during a crowded festival visit.
Are Mobile Phones Allowed Inside Somnath Temple?
Mobile phones are not allowed inside Somnath Temple.
Visitors should deposit electronic gadgets before entering the secure temple area.
Items that should not be carried inside include:
- Mobile phones
- Cameras
- Smartwatches
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Other electronic gadgets
This is an important rule for first-time visitors because carrying unnecessary electronics can slow the entry process.
Somnath Temple Locker and Cloakroom Facility
A cloakroom facility is available for devotees to deposit restricted belongings before entering.
Visitors can use the designated facility for phones and other items that cannot be taken into the temple.
For the smoothest entry:
- Carry minimum belongings
- Avoid bringing large luggage to the temple
- Keep valuables to a minimum
- Use only designated temple facilities
Visitors staying close to Somnath may find it easier to leave unnecessary electronics at their accommodation.
Is Photography Allowed Inside Somnath Temple?
Photography is prohibited inside the main Somnath Temple.
Since mobile phones and cameras cannot be carried into the secure temple area, visitors should complete any permitted exterior photography before depositing their devices.
The temple’s Arabian Sea backdrop offers several attractive views from permitted external locations.
Professional photography and drone use should never be attempted without proper authorization.
Somnath Temple Sound and Light Show Timings
The Jay Somnath Sound and Light Show is a popular evening attraction.
The show generally begins around 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM, following the evening aarti.
A practical evening plan is:
| Activity | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Reach Temple | 6:00–6:30 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | After aarti |
| Light & Sound Show | Around 7:45–8:00 PM |
The programme can be affected by rain or unsuitable weather conditions, especially during the monsoon.
Visitors travelling specifically for the show should confirm the day’s schedule after reaching the temple area.
Somnath Temple Live Darshan 2026
Devotees unable to travel to Gujarat can watch Somnath Live Darshan online.
Live darshan is useful during:
- Maha Shivaratri
- Shravan
- Mondays
- Major temple celebrations
- Times when travel is not possible
The official live darshan facility can be accessed through:
This is one of the few places where an external link is genuinely useful because the visitor needs it to perform an action.
Facilities for Senior Citizens
Somnath Temple provides useful facilities for elderly devotees.
Available assistance includes:
- Wheelchairs
- Golf carts
- Lift facility
- Staff assistance at designated points
For senior citizens, the best strategy is still to arrive early.
A 6:00–8:00 AM visit usually means lower heat and avoids part of the heavier daytime crowd.
Families travelling with elderly members should also carry only essential belongings to simplify security screening.
Facilities for Divyang Devotees
Wheelchair and mobility assistance make Somnath comparatively accessible for devotees who find extensive walking difficult.
Visitors needing help should approach the designated staff around the main entrance.
During major festivals, additional crowd-control arrangements may affect the normal movement route, so assistance should be requested before entering a dense queue.
Religious Significance of Somnath Jyotirlinga
Somnath is traditionally revered as the Aadi Jyotirlinga, or first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The name Somnath means “Lord of Soma.”
According to Hindu tradition, Chandra or Soma worshipped Lord Shiva at Prabhas Kshetra after suffering from a curse. Lord Shiva is believed to have blessed Soma at this sacred place.
The story explains the traditional association between the Moon and Somnath Mahadev.
These accounts are part of Hindu religious tradition and mythology and should be understood separately from the documented architectural history of the present temple.
History of Somnath Temple
Somnath has a long and complex history spanning many centuries.
The sacred location at Prabhas Patan is much older than the current temple structure. Different temple structures existed at the site during different historical periods, with episodes of destruction and reconstruction forming part of Somnath’s historical narrative.
The reconstruction of the present temple began after Indian independence and became closely associated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi.
The reconstructed Somnath Temple was consecrated in 1951, with India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, participating in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
The present temple therefore combines an ancient sacred tradition with a modern reconstructed structure.
Somnath Temple Architecture
The modern Somnath Temple stands prominently beside the Arabian Sea and features a tall shikhara that dominates the coastline.
Its stone construction, sculptural details and open coastal setting create a distinctly different experience from Jyotirlinga temples situated within dense urban areas.
The temple is particularly impressive:
- Around sunrise
- During late afternoon
- Around sunset
- After evening illumination
Visitors interested in architecture should allow additional time outside the immediate darshan process to appreciate the exterior from permitted viewing areas.
Somnath Temple During Shravan
Shravan is one of the busiest pilgrimage periods at Somnath Temple.
The month is particularly sacred to Lord Shiva, and Mondays attract very large numbers of devotees.
During Shravan, expect:
- Longer darshan queues
- Larger morning crowds
- Additional security
- Higher accommodation demand
- Special puja arrangements
- Increased road traffic
Visitors planning a Shravan trip should book accommodation in advance and keep their daily itinerary flexible.
Maha Shivaratri at Somnath Temple
Maha Shivaratri is one of the biggest annual celebrations at Somnath Jyotirlinga.
The temple attracts a very large number of Shiva devotees during the festival.
Normal weekday waiting-time estimates should not be used for a Maha Shivaratri visit.
Expect:
- Extended queues
- Special rituals
- Security barricades
- Traffic restrictions
- Higher accommodation demand
- Large crowds throughout the temple area
Visitors interested in the full festival atmosphere should prepare for crowding, while those looking for quiet darshan should choose another time of year.
Kartik Purnima at Somnath
Kartik Purnima is another important pilgrimage period around Somnath and Prabhas Patan.
A multi-day fair and religious activities draw additional visitors to the region.
Travellers visiting during this period should reserve accommodation early.
Somnath Temple Accommodation
Visitors can stay in Trust-operated guest houses and dormitories near the temple.
Common accommodation options include:
- Sagar Darshan Guest House
- Lilavati Atithi Bhavan
- Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan
- AC dormitory accommodation
- Non-AC dormitory accommodation
Different room categories are available for:
- Families
- Couples
- Groups
- Solo pilgrims
- Budget travellers
Staying near the temple is particularly useful for devotees planning the 6:00 AM opening darshan.
How to Book Somnath Trust Accommodation Online
Trust accommodation can be booked online, subject to availability.
Step 1: Visit the Official Somnath Website
Open:
Step 2: Open Accommodation Booking
Choose the guest-house or room-booking facility.
Step 3: Enter Travel Dates
Select:
- Check-in date
- Check-out date
- Number of guests
- Required rooms
Step 4: Check Available Properties
The portal will display available Trust accommodation according to the selected dates.
Step 5: Select a Room
Choose the accommodation based on budget and occupancy.
Step 6: Enter Guest Details
Provide the requested identity and contact details accurately.
Step 7: Complete Payment
Finish the booking through the official payment system and save the confirmation.
During Shravan, Maha Shivaratri and long weekends, rooms can fill well in advance.
Best Area to Stay Near Somnath Temple
For first-time visitors, Prabhas Patan and the immediate Somnath Temple area are the most convenient places to stay.
Advantages include:
- Easier 6:00 AM darshan
- Walking or short-distance access
- Convenient evening aarti
- Easier return after the sound-and-light show
- Quick access to nearby pilgrimage sites
Veraval also has numerous accommodation options and is useful for travellers arriving by train, but it requires additional local travel to the temple.
How to Reach Somnath Temple
Somnath is well connected by road and rail with major destinations in Gujarat.
By Train
Somnath Railway Station is the closest railway station to the temple.
Veraval Railway Station is another major railhead serving visitors to Somnath.
From either station, travellers can use:
- Auto-rickshaw
- Taxi
- Local transport
Travellers arriving at Somnath Railway Station have the advantage of being relatively close to the temple area.
Nearest Airport to Somnath Temple
Diu is one of the commonly used air gateways for Somnath, with onward road travel required to reach Prabhas Patan.
Flight availability can vary, so travellers should compare the practical connections available for their dates before finalizing an air route.
Rajkot can also be used as a larger regional gateway depending on flight availability and onward travel plans.
Somnath Temple by Road
Somnath has road connections with:
- Ahmedabad
- Rajkot
- Junagadh
- Dwarka
- Porbandar
- Diu
- Veraval
Visitors can travel using:
- GSRTC buses
- Private buses
- Taxis
- Private cars
Road travel is especially useful for pilgrims combining Somnath with Dwarka, Porbandar or other Gujarat pilgrimage destinations.
Ahmedabad to Somnath Temple
Ahmedabad and Somnath are separated by roughly 400+ km by road, depending on the chosen route.
Popular options include:
- Direct train
- Overnight bus
- Private vehicle
- Taxi
An overnight train or bus can be useful for pilgrims who want to arrive early enough for morning darshan.
Dwarka to Somnath Temple
Dwarka and Somnath are frequently combined in the same Gujarat pilgrimage.
The road journey takes several hours, so visitors should avoid planning both major temple darshans too tightly on the same day.
A more comfortable itinerary is:
Dwarka → road journey → overnight stay in Somnath → early morning Somnath darshan
This gives enough time to visit nearby Prabhas Patan pilgrimage sites as well.
Places to Visit Near Somnath Temple
Somnath is part of a wider sacred area containing several important pilgrimage sites.
Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam at Prabhas Patan is one of the most important places to visit near Somnath Temple.
Many pilgrims include the Sangam before or after Jyotirlinga darshan.
It can easily be covered as part of a half-day local pilgrimage circuit.
Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is associated in Hindu tradition with the final earthly episode of Lord Krishna.
It is one of the most significant Krishna-related pilgrimage sites around Somnath.
Golokdham Tirth
Golokdham is another important religious site connected with traditions surrounding Lord Krishna.
It is commonly combined with Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam.
Ahilyabai Temple
The Ahilyabai Temple is historically significant because Queen Ahilyabai Holkar established a Shiva shrine at Somnath during the 18th century.
The shrine played an important role in maintaining worship at the sacred site before construction of the modern Somnath Temple.
Vallabhghat
Vallabhghat provides a peaceful coastal setting close to Somnath.
The evening hours around sunset are particularly pleasant.
Somnath Tirth Darshan Bus
Visitors without a private vehicle can use the Tirth Darshan Bus for nearby pilgrimage locations.
The service normally operates from around the Somnath Temple area, with common departure periods in the morning and afternoon.
This is useful for:
- First-time visitors
- Solo pilgrims
- Senior citizens
- Visitors without private transport
- Travellers wanting a simple local pilgrimage circuit
Current departure timings should be confirmed at the temple after arrival.
Suggested One-Day Somnath Itinerary
A well-planned day can cover darshan, nearby pilgrimage sites and the evening programme without excessive rushing.
6:00 AM – Somnath Temple Darshan
Reach close to opening time, deposit phones and footwear and proceed for darshan.
7:00 AM – Morning Aarti
Attend the first principal aarti of the day.
8:30 AM – Nearby Pilgrimage Sites
Visit places such as:
- Triveni Sangam
- Bhalka Tirth
- Golokdham
Afternoon – Lunch and Rest
Take a break during the warmer part of the day.
5:30 PM – Return to Somnath
Explore the permitted coastal and temple surroundings.
7:00 PM – Evening Aarti
Attend evening worship.
Around 7:45–8:00 PM – Sound and Light Show
Complete the pilgrimage day with the Jay Somnath programme when it is operating.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Reach around 6:00 AM for comfortable darshan.
- Keep mobile phones ready for cloakroom deposit.
- Do not carry cameras or unnecessary electronics.
- Use designated footwear facilities.
- Wear modest and comfortable clothing.
- Keep additional time on Mondays and weekends.
- Expect very heavy crowds during Shravan and Maha Shivaratri.
- Senior citizens can request mobility assistance.
- Carry only essential belongings.
- Stay near the temple if planning early-morning darshan.
- Book accommodation in advance during major festivals.
- Keep evening free if you want to attend both aarti and the light show.
- Check weather conditions during monsoon before planning around the sound-and-light programme.
- Use official booking services for Trust accommodation or paid pujas.
Somnath Temple Contact Details
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Administration | Shree Somnath Trust |
| Location | Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath, Gujarat – 362268 |
| General Contact | +91 94282 14914 |
| Pooja Vidhi Counter | +91 94282 14823 |
| Temple Officer | +91 94262 87659 |
| Guest House Enquiry | 02876-231212 |
| Official Website | https://somnath.org/ |
FAQs
What are Somnath Temple timings in 2026?
Somnath Temple is normally open every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What are Somnath Temple timings today?
The regular daily darshan schedule is 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Is Somnath Temple open on Sunday?
Yes. Somnath Temple normally follows the same 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM schedule on Sundays.
What are Somnath Temple aarti timings?
The three main daily aartis take place at 7:00 AM, 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM.
Is Somnath Temple darshan free?
Yes. Regular entry and general darshan are free.
Is VIP darshan available at Somnath Temple?
Regular devotees generally use the normal free darshan system. Any special service available for a particular period should be checked through the temple’s current official services.
What is the best time for Somnath darshan?
An ordinary weekday between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM is one of the best times for comfortable darshan.
Is there a dress code at Somnath Temple?
Visitors should wear modest clothing appropriate for a Hindu temple. A specific dhoti or saree is not compulsory for ordinary darshan.
Are mobile phones allowed inside Somnath Temple?
No. Mobile phones and other electronic gadgets are not permitted inside the secure temple area.
Is a cloakroom available at Somnath Temple?
Yes. A designated cloakroom facility is available for depositing prohibited belongings.
Is photography allowed inside Somnath Temple?
No. Photography is not permitted inside the main temple.
What are Somnath Temple light-show timings?
The Jay Somnath Sound and Light Show normally takes place after the 7:00 PM evening aarti, around 7:45–8:00 PM, subject to operating conditions.
Does Somnath Temple have live darshan?
Yes. Online live darshan is available through the official Somnath digital platform.
Is Somnath Temple suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. Wheelchair, golf-cart and lift facilities make the temple more accessible for elderly and mobility-impaired devotees.
Is Somnath Trust accommodation available?
Yes. The Trust operates guest houses and dormitory accommodation near the temple.
Which railway station is nearest to Somnath Temple?
Somnath Railway Station is the closest railway station. Veraval is another important nearby railhead.
Which airport is nearest to Somnath Temple?
Diu is one of the commonly used nearby air gateways, while other regional airports can also be considered depending on flight availability.
What places can be visited near Somnath Temple?
Popular pilgrimage sites include Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, Golokdham, Ahilyabai Temple and Vallabhghat.
Can Somnath and Dwarka be covered in the same trip?
Yes. Somnath and Dwarka are commonly combined in a Gujarat pilgrimage itinerary, although enough travel time should be allowed between the two destinations.
What is the official Somnath Temple website?
The official website is https://somnath.org/.