Introduction
Somnath Jyotirlinga, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, is revered as the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Known as “The Shrine Eternal,” Somnath has stood the test of time — rebuilt several times after destruction by invaders, symbolizing the invincible spirit of faith and devotion. The temple, overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, holds immense historical and spiritual importance and is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.
Mythological Significance
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the temple’s origin is tied to Chandra (the Moon God). Cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to lose his brightness, Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here to regain his radiance. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva freed him from the curse and came to be known as Somnath, meaning “The Lord of the Moon.”
It is also believed that Lord Krishna ended his earthly incarnation near Somnath, making the region sacred in Vaishnav and Shaiva traditions alike.
Aarti Timings
Devotees can experience divine peace during the daily aarti performed three times a day:
-
Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM
-
Midday Aarti: 12:00 PM
-
Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
The Light and Sound Show – “Jay Somnath” starts at 8:00 PM, beautifully narrating the temple’s glorious history through visuals and music, with the Arabian Sea as its backdrop.
How to Reach Somnath Jyotirlinga
-
By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport (about 65 km away). Regular flights operate from major cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
-
By Train: Veraval Railway Station (7 km away) is well-connected to cities such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Mumbai.
-
By Road: Somnath is easily accessible by road with frequent buses and taxis from nearby cities including Dwarka (230 km) and Rajkot (200 km).