Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is the one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat. If you’re planning a visit, this guide details Somnath Temple timings for darshan, pooja, aarti, and sevas for a divine experience.
Somnath Temple Darshan Timings:
- Regular Days:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Festival Days (Maha Shivaratri, Kartika Purnima, Shravan Maas):
- Extended hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Darshan is free for everyone. VIP Darshan charges ₹500) to reduce wait time. During Maha Shivaratri (February-March), arrive by 5:00 AM to avoid 2-3 hour queues. No advance darshan booking available.
Pooja Timings:
- Homatmak Lagurudra: 7:00 AM (health and wealth ritual).
- Sahasranama Rudrabhishekam: 8:00 AM (1000-name chant).
- Jal Abhishekam: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (water offering).
- Mahamrityunjay Jaap: 9:00 AM (longevity ritual).
- Shringar Darshan: 6:00 PM (eity adorned with jewels).
Special poojas like Homatmak Atirudra (₹10,000, grand yajna) shine during Shravan Maas (July-August). Book via temple office (+91-2876-231212).
Aarti Timings
- Mangala Aarti: 7:00 AM.
- Bhog Aarti: 12:00 PM.
- Shayan Aarti: 7:00 PM.
The Shayan Aarti at 7:00 PM, is a highlight, arrive by 6:45 PM. The Jay Somnath Light and Sound Show (8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ₹30, except monsoons) narrates the temple’s history.
Seva Timings and Offerings:
- Bilva Pooja: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (₹300, bilva leaf offering, 2 people).
- Rudrabhishekam: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM (₹1000, sacred bath).
- Dhwaja Arohan: 6:30 AM (₹1500, flag hoisting).
- Maha Pooja: 10:00 AM (₹5100, grand ritual, 5 people).
Annadanam serves 10,000+ during Somnath Mahadev Fair (November).
How to Reach Somnath Temple:
- By Road: 7 km from Veraval.
- By Train: Veraval Station (6 km).
- By Air: Diu Airport (81 km).
Travel Tips:
- Dress Code: Traditional attire (men: dhoti/kurta; women: saree/salwar). Men remove shirts for abhishekam.
- Best Time: Oct-Mar (20-25°C). Avoid Jun-Sep (monsoons).
- Note: No photography inside. Use free cloakrooms.