The Somnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is one of the most famous temples in Hinduism. The temple is located along the western coastline of Gujarat and is a magnificent place to visit and see. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries but still attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. To make your first visit to Somnath Temple as spiritually fulfilling as possible, it is important that you familiarise yourself with timings and tips prior to making your pilgrimage to Somnath Temple.
The Somnath Temple’s coastal location on the Arabian Sea provides additional appeal. The crashing waves of the sea and the ringing of temple bells produce an atmosphere that is both peaceful and strong. However, like any major pilgrimage site, Somnath requires some planning to navigate crowds and make the most of the visit.
<h2>Darshan Timings</h2>
The Somnath Temple has an early opening and a set daily schedule. The temple opens at 6 am for Mangla Aarti. This is an excellent time to visit because there will be fewer people at the temple. From that point, the morning darshan continues until 9:30 am. There are breaks in the morning darshan while the priests conduct various rituals.
The Somnath Temple is closed for an afternoon break between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. There is also a special evening aarti that takes place at the temple at 7:00 pm. The temple looks stunningly beautiful when illuminated during this evening aarti. The final darshan opportunity is at 9:30 PM before the temple closes for the night.
Timings can vary slightly during festivals and special occasions, so checking ahead is advisable. Mondays (Shivratri) and the Shravan month see significantly larger crowds.
<h2>Best Time to Visit</h2>
For a peaceful darshan experience, arriving early morning around 6:00-7:00 AM is ideal. The crowds are thinner, the weather is pleasant, and the spiritual atmosphere feels more intimate. Alternatively, late evening after 8:00 PM also tends to be quieter.
Avoid weekends and public holidays if possible, as the temple gets extremely crowded. The period between October and March offers the best weather for visiting Gujarat’s coast.
<h2>Dress Code and Entry Rules</h2>
As with all Hindu temples, modest clothing is expected when visiting Somnath Temple. There is a prohibition on shorts, sleeveless tops, or clothing that would be considered revealing. All temple visitors must also remove their shoes before entering the temple area. There are designated cloakrooms for the storage of shoes and personal belongings.
Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the main temple sanctum, though photography is allowed in the outer complex areas. Security checks at entry points are thorough, so carrying minimal belongings speeds up the process.
<h2>Where to Stay</h2>
Somnath town offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets. The Somnath Trust operates guesthouses near the temple with basic, clean rooms at reasonable rates. These fill up quickly during peak season and festivals, so advance booking is essential.
For more comfortable options, several <a href=”https://www.goindigo.in/hotels/hotels-in-somnath”><strong><u><b>hotels in Somnath</b></u></strong></a> are located within walking distance of the temple. Proximity to the temple allows for multiple darshans and makes attending both the early morning and late evening aartis easier. Beachfront properties with wonderful sea views allow for a pleasant setting to relax after your visit to the temple.
<h2>Wrapping Up</h2>
A visit to the Somnath Temple is not only about seeing the magnificent example of architecture but also about experiencing what it is like to be part of a living faith. Being a temple that has existed through so many periods of destruction and rebuilding, it is a symbol of faith and determination.
