Temples in Somnath
Somnath, known in old texts as Prabhas, is one of the holiest places in India for Hindus. Pilgrims come first for Somnath Temple, the first of Shiva's twelve Jyotirlingas, but the town also has a cluster of temples linked to the last days of Krishna, from Bhalka Tirth to the Gita Mandir near the Triveni Sangam.
These are active places of worship, not monuments. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside Somnath Temple, shoes come off at every door and modest clothes are expected. Follow the rules at each gate and give way to people who are praying.
Famous Temples in Somnath
Somnath Temple stands on the shore of the Arabian Sea and is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, including after Mahmud of Ghazni's raid in 1026. The present temple, built in the Chaulukya (Solanki) style by Gujarat's traditional Sompura temple builders, was consecrated on 11 May 1951. On its sea side, the Baan Stambh, or arrow pillar, marks that there is no land in a straight line between this shore and the South Pole.
Ahilyabai Temple, also called Old Somnath, stands next to the main temple. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built it in 1783, when the old temple lay in ruins, so that worship could continue at the site.
Bhalka Tirth, about 4 km away on the road to Veraval, marks the spot where Krishna is said to have been struck by the arrow of Jara, a hunter who mistook his foot for a deer. A peepal tree marks the spot.
Gita Mandir, near the Triveni Sangam about 1.5 km east of Somnath Temple, is a marble temple whose 18 pillars are carved with the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. Tradition holds that Krishna left the world nearby, and the Lakshminarayan Temple and Balram's cave, where his brother Balarama is said to have departed, are a few steps away.
Surya Mandir is an old sun temple just north of the Triveni Ghat, with carvings of elephants and lions and a stepwell in its grounds.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Somnath
- Leave phones, cameras and smartwatches at the cloakroom before entering Somnath Temple, as they are not allowed inside.
- Wear modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Mini skirts and revealing clothes are not allowed at Somnath Temple.
- Remove your shoes before entering and leave them at the shoe stand.
- Expect a security check at the entrance, and carry as little as possible.
- Visit early in the morning or on a weekday for shorter queues, as Mondays and festival days are the busiest.
- Arrive early for the 7 pm aarti if you want a good place.
- Do not smoke anywhere near the temple.
- Non-Hindus are asked to take permission at the temple trust's office before entering Somnath Temple, so ask at the gate.
Questions
Somnath — FAQ
What are the famous temples in Somnath?
The best-known temples are Somnath Temple, the Ahilyabai Temple (Old Somnath), Bhalka Tirth and the Gita Mandir near the Triveni Sangam. They are only a few kilometres apart, so most visitors see all four in a day.
Can non-Hindus visit Somnath Temple?
The temple trust asks non-Hindus to take permission at its office near the entrance before going in. Rules can change, so ask at the gate when you arrive.
What are the aarti timings at Somnath Temple?
Aarti is held three times a day, usually at 7 am, noon and 7 pm. The evening aarti is the most popular, so arrive early if you want a good place.
What is the Ahilyabai Temple in Somnath?
It is a smaller Shiva temple next to the main Somnath Temple, often called Old Somnath. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built it in 1783, when the main temple was in ruins, so that pilgrims could keep worshipping at the site.