Updated 3 November 2026
- The first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, on the coast at Prabhas Patan near Veraval
- Reported darshan hours about 6 a.m. to 9:30–10 p.m.; aartis at 7 a.m., 12 noon and 7 p.m.
- Triveni Sangam about 1–2 km away; Bhalka Tirth about 4–5 km
- Roughly 90–95 km from Junagadh, about two hours by road
From the foot of Girnar you can reach one of the great Shiva temples of India in an easy morning drive. Somnath is the natural second day after the climb, or a restful trip before it.
The temple
Somnath is counted as the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, at Prabhas Patan on the Arabian Sea coast near Veraval. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times through history. The present temple was rebuilt in the Chalukya style and inaugurated in 1951 after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ordered its reconstruction following Junagadh’s accession to India.
Timings that matter
- Darshan: reported from about 6 a.m. to between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
- Aarti: three times a day — 7 a.m., 12 noon and 7 p.m.
- Light-and-sound show: an evening show of about an hour, around 8 p.m., with a small ticket.
Timings change on festival days, so check the temple trust’s notice before you leave. Early morning is the quietest.
Nearby places to add
- Triveni Sangam — the confluence of the Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati, a bathing ghat about 1–2 km away.
- Bhalka Tirth — about 4–5 km away, held in tradition as the place where Krishna was struck by a hunter’s arrow.
- Prabhas Patan Museum — carved stone fragments from earlier temples on the site.
- Somnath beach — a short walk from the temple.
A sensible day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early | Leave Bhavnath Taleti around 5:30 a.m. for the two-hour drive. |
| Morning | Temple darshan, then the Triveni Sangam. |
| Midday | Aarti at noon, lunch, Bhalka Tirth. |
| Evening | Evening aarti at 7 p.m. and the light-and-sound show, if you can stay on. |
If you also want Sasan Gir, remember it lies roughly between the two, so a second day makes sense.
Dress and conduct
Dress modestly, remove footwear at the temple, and expect security checks, and ask at the gate about phones and bags. The trust sometimes runs a local sightseeing bus that covers the Triveni Sangam and Bhalka Tirth in two to three hours.
Where to base yourself
Many pilgrims stay at Bhavnath Taleti and make Somnath a day trip. See the rooms at Triloknath Ashram or call +91 96274 27283.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Somnath from Junagadh?
Roughly 90 to 95 km, around two hours by road.
What are the Somnath aarti times?
7 a.m., 12 noon and 7 p.m.
What else can I see in Somnath?
The Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Tirth, the museum, the beach and the evening light-and-sound show.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283