Somnath Mandir

The Somnath Mandir is located along the coastline in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The Somnath mandir, or Deo Patan, is a Hindu Mandir. The Mandir is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

The Mandir was reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by multiple Muslim invaders and rulers, notably starting with an attack by Mahmud Ghazni in the 11th century

History of Somnath Mandir

The Somnath Mandir, in its current form, is a sublime blend of Chalukyan, Solanki, and other architectural styles. The Mandir complex is a visual extravaganza, with intricate carvings, majestic spires, and an imposing entrance that awakes visitors. Somnath Mandir is not just a religious site; it is a cultural and spiritual beacon that has illuminated the lives of countless individuals.

The Mandir hosts various rituals, festivals, and cultural events annually, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The Aarti at Somnath, performed with great devotion, is a mesmerizing spectacle that captures the essence of Hindu spirituality.

The history of the Somnath Mandir is deeply intertwined with India’s cultural and religious fabric, dating back to ancient times. Somnath, located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, revered as sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the original Somnath Mandir was said to have been built by Lord Somnath himself in gold.

Over the centuries, it underwent several constructions and renovations, each marking a different era of its history. Ravana, the antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is believed to have built the Mandir in silver, Krishna in wood, and Bhimdev in stone.

One of the darkest chapters in the Mandir’s history occurred in the early 11th century when Mahmud of Ghazni, the Afghan invader, raided and plundered the Mandir, looting its treasures and causing widespread destruction. This event, however, did not dampen the spirit of the devotees, and the Mandir was rebuilt.

Over the years, Somnath faced numerous invasions and destruction, but it also witnessed multiple reconstructions, symbolizing the resilience and unwavering faith of the people. The Mandir was rebuilt by various rulers, including the Chalukyas, Solankis, and the Yadavas of Devagiri.

In the 20th century, during India’s struggle for independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in the restoration of the Somnath Mandir. After the partition of India in 1947, Patel, along with the support of then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, initiated the reconstruction of the Mandir as a symbol of national unity and pride.

The present-day Somnath Mandir, a mesmerizing architectural marvel, continues to attract millions of devotees and tourists. It stands as a living embodiment of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, narrating a history marked by destruction, reconstruction, and an enduring spirit of devotion.

Somnath Mandir Online Booking

you can easily visit this beautiful holy place, because the Somnath Darshan Pass Booking Online is starting soon in October 2023. But you can directly visit this Mandir for the open Darshan, you can only face the rush during peak season or special days. the interested devotees can also book the VIP Darshan in the Somnath Mandir.

With the help of VIP Darhan, devotees can do the very open and fast Darshan at the Mandir. To book the VIP Darshan in the Mandir, you need to visit the Mandir before the darshan date and book for the VIP Darshan. The VIP Darshan Ticket Counter is available near the Mandir site. The ticket price is INR 500 per head.

Steps for Online Booking

• 1. Go to the official website of the Somnath Mandir i.e. https://somnath.org/
• 2. The homepage of the Mandir’s website will be open before you.
• 3. On the homepage, you will find the “Darshan Pass Booking” option.
• 4. Remember one thing, you can only book the 5 members of the group for the Darshan.
• 5. You need to provide all the mandatory to upload government-issued ID proof of the primary member along with Name, Mobile Number, and Email address. The name, age, and gender of the rest of the members are required to be entered in the boxes given.
• 6. After the successful darshan booking, you must have reached the location within 30 minutes starting from 7.30 AM. The last slot will be at 9.30 PM.
• 7. Online Booking for the Somnath Darshan Pass 2023 is not available right now, you can simply visit the counter for offline booking for the same day near the help desk of the Mandir.
• Soamanth Mandir Timing

All the devotees who planning to visit this beautiful Somnath Mandir can check the Pooja and Aarti Timing from Morning 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM and Aarti timing in morning is 7:00 AM and at 7:00 PM.

Places to Visit in Somnath

Here are some of the top places to visit in Somnath:

Triveni Sangam

The Triveni Sangam is the confluence of three holy rivers – the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati. Pilgrims often dip at this sacred spot, believing it to cleanse them spiritually.

Panch Pandav Gufa

The Panch Pandav Gufa, also known as the Pandava Caves, is believed to be the hiding place of the Pandavas during their period of exile. It’s an ancient site with caves carved out of rock.

Junagarh Gate

The Junagadh Gate is an ancient entrance to the city of Somnath. It is a historical structure that adds to the city’s charm and offers a glimpse into its past.

Lakshminayran Mandir

The Laxminarayan Mandir is another religious site in Somnath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It features intricate carvings and serves as a peaceful place for worship.

Somnath Beach

Somnath Beach offers a serene and picturesque setting along the Arabian Sea. Visitors can relax, take a stroll, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline.

There are many more places you can easily check out on the web.

How To Reach Somnath

By Air:- The nearest airport to Somnath is Diu Airport (DIU), which is approximately 65 kilometers away. Diu Airport is well-connected to major cities in India. From Diu, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Somnath.

By Road:- Somnath is well-connected by road, and you can reach it via buses, taxis, or private vehicles. State-run buses and private buses operate to and from Somnath. Various cities in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Junagadh, have regular bus services to Somnath. National Highway 51 and State Highway 26 are some of the major roads that lead to Somnath.

By Train:- The nearest railway station to Somnath is Veraval Railway Station (VRL), which is well-connected to major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot. From Veraval, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Somnath, which is just a short distance away.

Frequently Asked Question