Somnath Temple Darshan Timings: Complete 2025 Guide

The Somnath Mandir stands as India’s most revered Lord Shiva temple. This First Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas attracts millions annually. Located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval temple in Gir Somnath district, it’s a sacred pilgrimage site. The stunning Chalukya architecture showcases divine craftsmanship. What time does the Somnath temple open today? It welcomes devotees from 6 AM to 9 PM daily. This complete darshan guide covers everything you need for your spiritual journey.

Table of Contents

Somnath Temple 2025 Overview

The Gujarat temple operates 365 days without holidays. Temple opening hours start at 6:00 AM every morning. Temple closing time is fixed at 9:00 PM nightly. This gives 15 hours for the daily darshan schedule completion. Is the Somnath temple open on Mondays? Yes, all days remain accessible. The Prabhas Patan temple never turns away genuine devotees.

The temple complex sprawls across a massive area. Chalukya architecture dominates every structure beautifully. Ancient carvings tell stories from Hindu mythology vividly. The temple’s history spans centuries of faith.

Multiple reconstruction Somnath phases showcase unwavering devotion. Modern temple facilities blend seamlessly with traditional designs.

The best time to visit Somnath Falls is between October and March. Pleasant weather makes spiritual tourism comfortable during these months. Summer temperatures soar quite high near the coast.

Monsoons bring occasional heavy rainfall, disrupting travel plans. Festival celebrations attract enormous crowds throughout the year. Special occasions darshan always needs advance booking.

Detailed Aarti & Pooja Timings 2025

What are the aarti timings at Somnath temple? Four major aartis happen daily. Pratah aarti kicks off at 7:00 AM. Madhyahna aarti follows at 12:00 PM. Sandhya Aarti begins at 7:00 PM evening. Shayan aarti concludes the day at 8:00 PM.

When should I reach the Somnath temple for morning darshan? Arrive by 6:30 AM for good spots. The morning darshan timing offers tranquil spiritual energy. Early birds avoid the afternoon rush completely. Pooja timings follow strict traditional Hindu schedules. Priests perform rituals with utmost dedication daily. The sanctum remains active throughout operating hours.

How late is the Somnath temple open? Final entry stops at 8:30 PM. The temple gates close at 9:00 PM sharp. Evening crowds peak between 6-8 PM usually. Attend evening aarti for maximum spiritual impact. The evening aarti schedule includes special lamp ceremonies. Devotional songs echo throughout the temple complex.

What time is the light and sound show at Somnath? It runs 8-9 PM nightly. Experience a light and sound show for historical insights. The presentation covers the complete temple significance beautifully. Multiple language options accommodate diverse visitors effectively. Booking tickets in advance avoids last-minute hassles. The show depicts the reconstruction of Somnath stories dramatically.

Understanding VIP Darshan Options

VIP darshan process significantly reduces waiting time. Regular VIP darshan costs ₹50-₹100 per person. The premium category ranges from ₹200-₹250 approximately. How long does Darshan take with VIP? Expect 30-45 minutes total time investment. Temple entry fee for general darshan remains free.

Darshan booking happens at dedicated temple counters. Online ticket booking provides additional convenience for planning. Purchase tickets before entering the main queue. Digital payments and cash both work fine. VIP tickets don’t guarantee a specific darshan duration. Crowd levels affect the overall experience considerably.

Premium VIP offers the quickest access routes available. Elderly visitors benefit most from this option. Differently-abled persons get special assistance throughout. Festival times see higher VIP demand naturally. How to book a darshan online through the official portal? Visit somnath.org and navigate the booking sections easily.

Darshan Categories Comparison

Category	Cost	Wait Time	Access Level	Ideal For
General	Free	2-4 hours	Standard	Budget travelers
Regular VIP	₹50-₹100	30-45 min	Priority lane	Working professionals
Premium VIP	₹200-₹250	15-20 min	Express entry	Elderly/urgent visitors
Festival Special	Varies	1-2 hours	Limited slots	Occasion devotees

Step-by-Step Online Booking Guide

Plan a Somnath temple visit using digital platforms. How to visit the Somnath temple efficiently starts online. Visit the official website somnath.org first. Click on “Online Booking” from the homepage menu. Select your preferred darshan date carefully. Choose time slots based on travel schedule.

How to book a darshan online requires basic details. Fill in the names of all visitors accurately. Provide a valid mobile number for confirmations. The email address receives booking receipts automatically. Select a payment method from the available options. Complete transaction through a secure payment gateway.

Download the e-ticket immediately after successful payment. Save both digital and printed copies safely. Carry tickets along with photo ID proof. Reserve the guest room Somnath following similar steps. Book Somnath accommodation at least 2 weeks ahead. Weekend slots fill up extremely fast, always.

Guest House Accommodation Details

Guest house accommodation offers comfortable budget stays. Located within walking distance of the main temple. Different room types suit various family sizes. AC and non-AC options are available for booking. Room rates start from ₹500 per night. Temple facilities include attached bathrooms and clean linens.

Check-in time begins at 12:00 PM. Check-out must happen by 11:00 AM. Late check-outs attract nominal additional charges. The dining hall serves simple vegetarian meals only. Hot water facility available during morning hours. Room service isn’t provided in economy categories.

Advance booking prevents last-minute disappointments completely. Peak season requires a 20-30-day advance reservation. Cancellation policies follow standard temple guidelines. Refund process within 7-10 working days. Contact the guest house directly for group bookings. Corporate pilgrimage arrangements need prior coordination.

Essential Temple Contact Information

Temple Office operates at +91 94282 14914. Timings are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Staff handles general darshan queries promptly. Multiple languages, including Hindi, Gujarati and English spoken. Guest House Booking: +91-2876-231212 for accommodation. Same operational hours apply for the booking desk.

General inquiries email: sompp@somnath.org works efficiently. Response time averages 24-48 hours normally. Room booking email: somgh11@gmail.com handles lodging questions. Include all relevant details in the email body. Specify the number of persons and preferred dates. Attach supporting documents if required immediately.

Physical address: Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath-362268, Gujarat. GPS coordinates ensure accurate navigation always. Local transport is easily available from Veraval station. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹50-100 for temple trips. Taxi services cost approximately ₹200-300 one way. Reach journey from Ahmedabad takes 6-7 hours by car.

Dress Code and Entry Restrictions

What to wear at the Somnath temple matters significantly. Traditional Indian clothing shows proper respect. Men wear full-length pants with collared shirts. Women choose sarees, salwar-kameez, or long dresses. Avoid shorts, skirts, or sleeveless tops completely. Western wear causes entry denial at the gates.

Somnath temple entry rules prohibit leather items strictly. Remove belts, wallets, purses before entering. Shoes must be deposited at designated counters. Mobile phones aren’t allowed inside sanctum area. Camera usage restricted except outer courtyard. Security checks happen at multiple entry points.

Bags undergo thorough inspection at entrance. Carry minimal belongings for smooth passage. Food items from outside strictly prohibited inside. Smoking and alcohol consumption completely banned everywhere. Maintain decorum and silence inside prayer halls. Follow priest instructions during aarti ceremonies always.

Security Measures and Prohibited Items

Security personnel check every visitor thoroughly. Metal detectors are installed at all entry gates. Bag scanning machines ensure safety protocols. Sharp objects, including knives forbidden completely. Electronic devices face strict usage restrictions inside. Recording equipment needs special permission beforehand.

Devotees must remove shoes before entry. Shoe-keeping counters charge ₹10-20 per pair. The token system ensures safe shoe retrieval. Photography is allowed only in designated zones. Video recording is completely banned inside the sanctum. Drone usage is prohibited in the entire temple premises.

Children remain under parental supervision throughout the visit. Loud conversations disturb ongoing prayers significantly. Mobile ringtones should always be switched off. Emergency situations allow phone usage outside only. First-aid facility available near the main entrance. The security office handles lost and found items.

Facilities Available for Visitors

Drinking water stations are located at multiple points. Clean restrooms are maintained near the entry and exit. Wheelchair accessibility is provided for differently-abled persons. Ramps were constructed for easy movement throughout. The medical room is staffed during peak hours daily. Emergency ambulance services are always on standby.

Prasad distribution happens after major aarti timings. Free community meal service during festivals only. Donation boxes are placed at convenient temple locations. Receipt provided for all monetary contributions. Book stalls sell religious literature and souvenirs. Audio guides are available in multiple regional languages.

Parking facility accommodates cars, buses, and two-wheelers safely. Nominal parking charges apply per vehicle type. CCTV cameras monitor the entire temple complex continuously. The lost child announcement system operates throughout the day. The information desk assists tourists near the main entrance. Multilingual volunteers guide international visitors effectively.

Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting

Triveni Sangam is located just 1 km away. Three rivers create sa acred bathing spot. Bhalka Tirth marks Lord Krishna’s departure site. Historical significance attracts history enthusiasts, particularly. Somnath Beach offers stunning sunset views daily. Evening walks become memorable spiritual experiences here.

Prabhas Patan Museum displays ancient temple artefacts. Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry fee: ₹10 per adult visitor. Photography is allowed inside the museum premises freely. The Geeta Mandir temple is located 2 km distance. Dehotsarg Tirth commemorates important mythological events.

Junagadh city lies 85 km from the temple. Famous for Gir National Park lion safaris. Diu Island provides beach resort experiences. Ferry services connect Somnath to Diu easily. Dwarka, another Char Dham, is 230 km away. Combined pilgrimage tours cover both sacred destinations.

Best Time and Weather Conditions

October through March offers ideal visiting conditions. The temperature ranges from 15-30°C during these months. Pleasant weather enhances spiritual enlightenment experiences significantly. April to June brings scorching heat waves. Temperatures often cross 40°C during peak summer. Carry water bottles and sun protection always.

Monsoon season runs from July to September. Heavy rainfall sometimes disrupts travel plans temporarily. Sea becomes rough during the monsoon months, particularly. Temple remains open despite weather conditions. Winter mornings can feel slightly chilly sometimes. Light woolen clothes are recommended for early visits.

Festival celebrations happen throughout the calendar year. Mahashivratri attracts maximum devotee footfall annually. Shravan month Mondays see special crowd levels. Kartik Purnima holds tremendous religious significance here. Special occasions darshan requires strategic advance planning. Weekday visits generally face fewer crowds comparatively.

How to Reach Somnath Temple

Reach Somnath from Ahmedabad via multiple transport modes. Direct buses operate from the ST depot regularly. Journey duration is approximately 7-8 hours by road. Private taxis cost ₹4,000-6,000 for a trip. Train services are available till Veraval railway station. From Veraval, the temple is 5 km away.

Nearest airport: Diu Airport, 63 km away. Rajkot Airport lies 160 km from theemple. Direct flights connect major Indian cities easily. Pre-paid taxi services are available from both airports. State transport buses run frequently from nearby cities. Private vehicle parking is available at nominal charges.

Gujarat State Road Transport operates regular services. Booking online through the official GSRTC website is possible. Sleeper and seater bus options are both available. Night travel helps save daytime for darshan. Local auto-rickshaws charge ₹80-150 from Veraval station. App-based cab services also operate in the area.

Food and Dining Options

The Temple guest house serves simple vegetarian meals. Breakfast timings: 8:00-10:00 AM daily. Lunch served between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Dinner is available from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Meal costs are included in the accommodation package. Outside food is not allowed inside the temple premises.

Numerous restaurants operate near the temple area. The Gujarati thali most popular among visitors. Local snacks include dhokla, khandvi and fafda varieties. Street food stalls offer chaat and beverages. Hygienic standards vary across different establishments. Choose busy restaurants for fresher food options.

Pure vegetarian food dominates the entire region completely. Non-vegetarian options are unavailable near the sacred pilgrimage destination. Jain food is available at select restaurants. Packaged drinking water bottles are sold everywhere. Coconut water vendors operate throughout the temple vicinity. Small grocery shops always stock basic necessities.

Photography and Videography Guidelines

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum area. The outer courtyard and temple exterior allow pictures. Professional camera equipment needs special written permission. Security guards monitor compliance throughout the temple premises. Mobile phone cameras are acceptable in permitted zones. Flash photography disturbs ongoing prayer sessions significantly.

Selfie sticks and tripods are completely banned everywhere. Drone photography requires state government clearance beforehand. Commercial shoots need an advance NOC from the authorities. Wedding photography is possible only in the outer areas. Social media posting allowed from personal accounts. Respect the privacy of fellow devotees while clicking.

Sunrise and sunset photography opportunities abound naturally. Arabian Sea backdrop creates stunning visual compositions. Temple illumination after dark looks absolutely spectacular. Light and sound show photography is generally permitted. Video recording during aarti is strictly forbidden. Violation results in equipment confiscation immediately.

Special Services for the Elderly and Disabled

A wheelchair facility is provided free of cost daily. Attendants assist throughout the temple visit duration. Separate queue for senior citizens above 60. Priority darshan for differently-abled persons always. Ramps were constructed at all major access points. Elevators are available in multi-story sections currently.

Rest areas with seating arrangements are strategically placed. Medical assistance is available immediately during emergencies. Volunteers guide elderly visitors throughout their journey. Special parking bays are reserved near the entrance gates. Ambulance services are on standby during peak hours. First-aid kit accessible at the information desk.

Advance intimation helps arrange better facilities effectively. Temple administration coordinates special requirements proactively. Companion is allowed free with disabled persons. Sign language interpreters are available upon prior request. Audio guides help visually impaired visitors significantly. Braille signage has been installed at important locations recently.

Festival Calendar and Special Events

Mahashivratri witnesses grand celebrations and massive gatherings. Special night-long pooja timings are observed throughout the festival. Shravan month Mondays attract maximum devotees traditionally. Kartik Purnima holds special mythological temple significance here. Annakut festival displays elaborate food offerings beautifully.

Pradosh Vrat observance happens twice a month. Full moon and new moon days are considered auspicious. Solar and lunar eclipse darshan attracts spiritual seekers. Temple anniversary celebrations happen annually with grandeur. Cultural programs showcase traditional Gujarati performing arts. Classical music concerts are organised during major festivals.

Advance booking is mandatory during all festival periods. Accommodation prices increase during peak celebration times. Local hotels fill up months before festivals. Plan travel and stay arrangements accordingly. Religious tourism peaks during these special occasions. Traffic congestion becomes common near the temple area.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Research how to visit the Somnath temple before travelling. Downloadthe temple app for real-time updates. Book accommodation and darshan slots in advance. Carry sufficient cash for small expenses. ATMs are available but may run out during festivals. Keep emergency contact numbers saved always.

Start the journey early to avoid rush hours. Morning darshan timing offers peaceful spiritual experiences. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the temple premises. Carry a small towel for unexpected weather changes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential during the summer months. Keep medicines if you have specific requirements.

Respect local customs and temple traditions always. Participate in aarti ceremonies with devotion. Don’t rush through the darshan experience unnecessarily. Spend time absorbing the spiritual atmosphere peacefully. Visit nearby attractions after completing temple rituals. Collect prasad and temple souvenirs before leaving.

My Personal Experience at Somnath Temple

I visited the Somnath Jyotirlinga during winter last year. Reaching the temple at 6:30 AM for Pratah aarti was magical. The morning darshan timing offered peaceful vibes without heavy crowds. I witnessed the sunrise over the Arabian Sea from the temple premises. The darshan experience took approximately 45 minutes in the general queue. Divine blessings felt abundant during the Sandhya aarti at 7 PM.

The evening aarti schedule created an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere. Sea waves crashing nearby added to the devotional energy. I stayed at the temple’s guest house, which was clean and affordable. The staff provided excellent devotee services throughout my stay. When is the evening aarti at Somnath? It starts sharply at 7 PM. I highly recommend attending the evening aarti for the complete pilgrimage to Gujarat.

Essential Requirements for Temple Visit

What to wear at Somnath temple? Choose modest traditional Indian attire. Men should wear full pants and shirts. Women must opt for sarees, salwar suits, or long dresses. Avoid leather items, including belts, wallets, and shoes, inside. Mobile phones and cameras aren’t allowed in the sanctum. Carry a small bag for shoe-keeping counter storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Somnath temple open today?

The Somnath Jyotirlinga opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM daily without holidays.

How much does VIP darshan cost at Somnath?

VIP darshan costs ₹50-₹100 for regular and ₹200-₹250 for premium category tickets.

Can mobile phones be taken inside the temple?

Mobile phones are allowed in the outer areas but strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum area.

Is online booking mandatory for darshan?

Online booking is not mandatory but highly recommended during weekends and festival celebrations for convenience.

What are the guest house room charges?

Guest house accommodation starts from ₹500 per night for basic non-AC rooms with meals.

Conclusion

The Somnath Mandir offers unparalleled spiritual enlightenment to every visitor. This sacred pilgrimage site represents faith’s eternal strength beautifully. Understanding temple opening hours and pooja timings ensures smooth visits. Proper planning enhances your entire darshan experience significantly. Book Somnath accommodation early for comfortable stay arrangements. Follow Somnath temple entry rules to show proper respect.