Somnath Jyotirlinga Complete Journey

January 28,2026 | Added by: Astro Editorial Team

Somnath temple’s story is very old and has been being told in different eras of history. As per our ancient Indian History, there is a disputed history of its construction.

Story of Somnath Jyotirlinga(सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग)

It is believed that the temple was built by King Som Dev of Chandrabhaga state(चंद्रभागा राज्य के राजा सोम देव) during the Mahabharata period. In that place King Soma worshiped Shivalinga and was known by the name "Someshwar (सोमेश्वर)".

Somnath Temple is located in Gujarat, India and is a famous temple in Indian history. Its story has international and religious significance. It is one of the major Jyotirlingas of Hindu religion. This is one of the temples worshiped by Lord Shiva. So, let's come to know the details about Somnath Jyotrilingam (सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंगम).

Somnath Temple Reconstructed by Many Times

It was rebuilt by King Bhimdev of Chandrabhaga state (चंद्रभागा राज्य के राजा भीमदेव). Somnath temple has been victim of Mughal attacks many times in history. In the 11th century, it was destroyed by the Afghan commander Imaduddin of Ghazni(गजनी का अफगान कमांडर इमादुद्दीन). In the 12th century, King Bhimdev II of Gujarat rebuilt it further and it was accepted as Somanath Jyotirlinga.

If you see, various styles and arts are combined in the construction of Somnath temple. The craftsmanship of the temple is very beautiful and interesting. This temple is considered an example of the amazingness of ancient Indian architecture. Its domes, grand pillars, and special style embers further enhance the beauty of the temple.

Somnath Temple is a major tourist destination today. Which devotees of Hindu religion and other religious tourists come to see. There are other tourist places of Gujarat near the temple like Somnath Beach, Bhalka Tirth, Junagarh Fort etc. 12 Jyotirlingas in India: View 12 Jyotirling Names, History and Location

Construction Technique of Somnath Temple is unique.

There are many mysteries about the Somnath temple of Gujarat, which make it amazing and mysterious. The construction technique of Somnath temple is unique. This temple has been constructed with such heavy and elaborate stones that it looks amazing and safe. There are also mysterious caves and forests of sandalwood trees inside it.

Temple Built on Nagara Vaastu Shastra (नागर वास्तु शास्त्र)

Nagara Vaastu Shastra is an ancient Vastu Shastra. Somnath temple is built according to ancient Indian Vaastu Shastra. It has the influence of Nagara Architect(नागर वास्तुकार), which makes it even more mysterious. The history of Somnath Temple is rich in different eras of Indian history. It has been built and rebuilt several times, and is surrounded by religious and political debates.

Religious Importance

Somnath temple is one of the major Jyotirlingas of Hindu religion. Therefore, it is a mysterious place from religious and spiritual point of view also. There are also secret caves contained in the Somnath temple, which make it even more mysterious. These secret caves were used by ascetics and ascetics in ancient times.

Attack on Somnath Temple Multiple Times Mughal Emperors

Somnath temple has been attacked many times in history. It has been rebuilt many times and has been a victim of attacks from time to time. Where the first popular attack was that of Mahmud Ghaznavi, which took place in 1024 BC. The Somnath temple was looted and destroyed several times. Alauddin Khilji attacked and looted the Somnath temple in 1296. In 1701, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also tried to attack the Somnath temple, but he did not succeed in destroying it.

Where is Somnath Temple Located

Somnath Temple is located along the beach at Prabhas Patan, Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

It is about 400 kilometers south-west of Ahmedabad, 82 kilometers south of Junagadh, another major archaeological and pilgrimage site in Gujarat.It is about 7 kilometers south-east of Veraval Railway Junction, about 130 kilometers south-east of Porbandar Airport and about 85 kilometers west of Diu Airport.

Somanath Jyotirlinga in Google Map

Frequent Asked Questions(FAQs)

Kedarnath Dham typically opens in late April or May and closes in October or November. Specifically, the temple doors open on Akshaya Tritiya and close on the day following Diwali.

To reach Kedarnath, you must first travel to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. From there, you need to proceed to Sonprayag or Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, a 16-kilometer trek on foot is required to reach Kedarnath.

The best time to visit is from May to June and from September to October. This is because, during these periods, rainfall is not heavy enough to pose a risk of landslides, nor is the weather excessively cold.

For Darshan (viewing) at Kedarnath, the temple remains open from 4:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district of the state of Maharashtra. It is located in a village named Verul, where the temple of Lord Grishneshwar stands.

Aarti is performed three times a day at the Grishneshwar temple: once early in the morning at 4:00 AM though this timing is subject to change, particularly in case of inclement weather, once at 12:00 PM (noon), and finally, the Mangal Aarti is held at 9:30 PM at night.

The best time to visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is during the months of October to March. This period offers pleasant weather neither too hot nor too cold making it the ideal time for sightseeing and exploration.

If you wish to visit of the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, you must first travel to Aurangabad. You can reach Aurangabad by road, air, or train. From Aurangabad, you then need to proceed to Verul village, a journey that typically takes about one hour. The Grishneshwar Temple is situated within Verul village.

Women are prohibited from entering the sanctum sanctorum where the Shivalinga is located during the Bhasma Aarti. They can view the Aarti from the Nandi Hall or from outside, behind a curtain.

The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of the Kshipra River in Ujjain city, Madhya Pradesh, India.

The timing of Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple is from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM in the early morning.

Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga is situated in Sree Sailam of Andhra Pradesh. Where are you coming from India? You came to Hyderabad and from there. You will get everything by train, by air and by road. The nearest railway station is Marakpur Road, around 85KM from Kurnool.

In Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga, there is a wonderful confluence of Shiva and Shakti (Parvati). This is the only place in India where the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna) and the Shaktipeeth of Mother Parvati (Bhramaramba) are present in the same temple complex.

Yes, here Lord Shiva is present in the form of Mallikarjuna and Mother Parvati is present in the form of Bhramaramba. Here Devi Bhramaramba is 18th number of Shakti Peetha.

The darshan of Somnath temple is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The nearest railway station is Somnath Railway Station. Besides this, Veraval junction, Junagadh Junction are also the near to Somnath Temple.

Mobile, cameras, smart watches, electronic gadgets, laptops, leather items like belts, purse, wallets, bags, luggage and foods are not allowed inside the temple.

The Moon or Chandra which is known as “Soma Dev” built and worshiped the original Shiva Lingam in gold to regain its lost luster, which gives the temple its name as Somnath. Somanth Jyotirlingam is called the 1st Jyotirlingam.

It is written in Hindu scriptures that in ancient times, sages and saints believed that the moon god (Som Dev) established a Shivalingam of Lord Shiva here and performed severe penance to free himself from the curse of Daksha Prajapati. Hence, it is known as Somnath.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in Bhorgiri village, Maharashtra, around 110-120 km from Pune city.

The darshan timing of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is the 6th Jyotirlinga. This place is especially known for its religious significance, beautiful architecture, and rich natural diversity. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva killed Bhasmasura here, and during the battle, he sweated profusely. Later, it took the form of a river, which is known today as the Bhima River.

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple doors generally open at 4:30 AM for the Kakada Aarti and close at 9:30 PM. For Abhishek Pujas, you can typically book between 5:30 AM and 12:00 PM, and again in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

There is 5 times Aarti performed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple generally opens in 2:30 AM and closes 11:00PM daily.

The Arti Timing is basically like following:

Day time

Mangla Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM

Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM

Night Time

Saptarishi Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM

Shringar and Bhog Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15PM

Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Mandir opens in very early 2:30 AM, go very early for Mangala Aarti. You will see calm and empty lanes. If you want to entertain lights and music with Aarti, come in the evening aarti called Saptarishi Aarti. You will be experienced a huge crowd.

Carry a printed ticket and an ID. Some entries ask for ID like Aadhar Card, Election I Card, Driving License, Passport. Carry a small water bottle and basic medicines for headache, stomach, loose motion. Keep some changes for autos and small shops. Big notes can be hard to change in lanes.

The Rameshwaram Jyotirlingam was consecrated by Lord Rama to mark the inauguration of the union. He invited Ravana as a priest to consecrate the Shivalingam. That is why this Jyotirlingam is known as Rameshwaram. Most importantly, Rameshwaram is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams and is one of the four Dhams.

Rameswaram is one of the four Dhams and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams. Therefore, people go there to attain salvation, liberation from sins, and to pay homage to their ancestors and perform the immersion of ashes.

October to March are the best months to visit Rameshwaram temple. Because that time is neither very hot nor very cold, and is the best time to travel anywhere in India.

Yes, there is a strict dress code for darshan at Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga. To maintain the sanctity of the temple, all devotees are advised to wear modest and traditional Indian clothing. For men, dhoti and shirt, or kurta-pajama. For women, saree or salwar kameez with dupatta. Avoid jeans, short dresses, t-shirts, shirts, and transparent dresses.

Yes, women are fully permitted entry into the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram! Women can not only visit the temple, but can also bathe in the 22 sacred ponds called “Theerthams” inside the temple before entering the main sanctum sanctorum. But only in sarees, salwar suits, with dupattas. Women in wet and filthy clothes are strictly prohibited.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located on the Saurashtra coast in Gujarat, India. It is situated just 17 km from the city of Dwarka. The exact location is Daarukavanam, Goriyali, Gujarat-361335.

The timings for Darshan at Nageshwar Temple are from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

No cameras, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside Nageshwar Temple. Furthermore, please note that in India, for security reasons, mobile phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets are generally not permitted inside any major temple, Jyotirlinga shrine, or pilgrimage site (Dham).