India /Gujarat /Junagadh /Somnath

Somnath temple, dedicated to one of the 12 revered Jyothirlingas, directs all the movements in city. It enlivens the life of the locals and visitors. Somnath, literally means Lord of Moon, derived its name from the famous Somnath temple. This religious destination was earlier known as ‘Prabhas Patan’. This town, unaffected by the modern luxuries and concrete jungles, still holds its historical, mythological and religious appeal to masses of Hindu devotees. Somnath has got its mention in Puranas and Hindu Epics including Mahabharata. This place is considered as a place where Moon (Soma) worshipping the Lord Shiva and hence Shiva is called as Somnath here. Placed at the extreme southwest Arabian Coast in Sourashtra, Somnath town encloses a serene beach, few streets and a bus stand. It is believed that Somnath is located at a place where the holy River Saraswathy flows into the Sea. This sacred temple town vibrant with ‘Shiv Bhajan’ is visited by millions of tourists every year. Several nearby attractions, including Somnath Museum, Somnath Beach, Junagadh Gate, Balukha Teertha, Akhilabai temple and Mai Puri, makes this town as a perfect tourist destination for the pilgrims to India. Wkartik Poornima held on the full moon day in November / December is a major draw of devotees in this temple town.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim, Jyotirlinga

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 380004

STD Code: 79

Info Website: somnath.org

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

The history of Somnath is spellbinding. TSI India provides you with complete information about Somnath in Gujarat. You can also book with us a tour to Somnath Temple, the most famous monument in this holy city, and we will tell you all about the history of the place. The history of Somnath states that Somraj, the Moon God, initially constructed the Somnath Temple. It is believed that he built the temple in gold. Later, Ravana rebuilt the temple in silver. Lord Krishna again reconstructed it with wood and finally Bhimdev used stone to build the famed temple. Somnath is also known by different names – Prabhas Pattan, Deo Pattan or Pattan Somnath, which were endowed to the city during the long and eventful Somnath history. The glory and fame of Somnath are unparalleled. There was a time when the city was the most venerated place of pilgrimage in India, as it had one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. These Jyotirlingas have an important significance for the Hindu community. Somnath rose and fell many times and the incredible play of the iconoclast’s zeal for its vandalism and the spiritual Hindu’s ardent wish for its refurbishment sustained till the 15th century, when the Hindus eventually gave up in complete desolation and constructed a new temple nearby.

Places to VisitAdd

 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest airport to Somnath is Koshed (55 km) and Diu (90 km), but this airport is connected to Mumbai only. Taxi fare from Diu to Somnath is about Rs 2000. International travelers have to get connecting flights from Ahmedabad or Mumbai international airport, which is at a distance of 400 km and 887 km respectively from Somnath. Both Ahmedabad and Mumbai are well linked with all major cities in India and many cities in abroad.

By Train : Veraval in Konkan line is the nearest railhead, which is only just 5 km away and is connect to cities like Mumbai (Vrl Bct Pass Ex), Ahmedabad (Somnath Express) and Vadodra (Mum Rajdhani). Direct trains are not available from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore.

By BUS : State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Somnath to various cities in and around. Luxury buses are available from Diu to Somnath, costing about Rs 300.

By Taxi : Since Somnath is a town of many temples there are many tour operators who offer packaged torus for travel within the city. They are a good option as the tours cover almost all the places of interest. Usually the mode of transportation for these tours is either buses or tempo travelers. Some of the tour operators are Uday Tours and Travels, PhoneNo-91 11 151515, India Cultural Tours, Phone No-91 120 2538222 Some of these tour operators also offer cabs and taxis for hire. They usually are small cars such as an Indica or a Santro. These can be good option as they are cheap and comfortable. They charge around Rs 1000 a day. These cabs may also have waiting charges. Buses may also be available but they are not dependable.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Hotel Shree Hari Somnath ; Veraval – Kodinar by Pass, Nr. Somnath Railway Station, Somnath Bypass Rd, Somnath, GJ 362268 ; Ph – 078 74 155155 ; Facilities – Room Service

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Ambar ; Veraval – Kodinar by PassNr., Somnath Railway Station, Prabhash Patan, Somnath, Gujarat 362268 ; Ph – 092 77 555808 ; Facilities – Room Service

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Sukhsagar ; Somnath Bye Pass Corner, Near Somnath Railway Station, Somnath – Veraval, GJ 362268 ‎ ; Ph – 02876 232 311 ; Facilities – Room Service

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Hotel Paradise ;  Opposite Aradhana talkies, beside musafir khana., NH 8E, Veraval, GJ ; M –  098 98 363084 ; Food Serve :  Indian

• Khusbu Restaurant ;  Label Road, Veraval, GJ 362265; M –  075 67 600000 ; Food Serve :  Indian

Must Eat FoodAdd

Dhokla –  Paradise Restaurant ; Somnath Bypass Rd GJ. ; Ph/M –  02876 232 311 ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – Famous For
Fafda –  Kaka Sandwich ; Near Bharat Petroleum, Street Number 2, Kharakuva, Veraval, GJ 362265 ; Ph/M –  094 28 241718 ; Cost –  N.A ; Famous for – Famous For

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Maha Shivratri ; Venue:  Somnath ; Period :  March. ; Details:  Being a place housing the revered Jyotirlingas of the God of the Gods, Lord Shiva, the town celebrates Maha Shivratri with much show and aplomb. The festivities are attended by the millions of devotees in the month of March.
Kartik Poornima ; Venue:  Somnath ; Period :  November/December ; Details:  Kartik Poornima in the month of November/December is also a major festival celebrated in Somnath.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire:101
• Ambulance :102

ItineraryEdit

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