Somnath, on the Gujarat coast at Prabhas Patan, is traditionally counted as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The present temple, rebuilt in the Chalukya style, stands directly facing the Arabian Sea.
The Somnath temple complex has been rebuilt multiple times across history after periods of destruction, and the current structure was reconstructed in the mid-20th century under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. According to Hindu tradition, the temple is closely associated with the moon god Chandra, who is said to have worshipped Shiva here.
Within Shaiva tradition, Somnath holds a special place as the first Jyotirlinga, and pilgrims traditionally believe that darshan here marks an auspicious beginning to a wider Jyotirlinga yatra. The temple's coastal setting, with the sanctum facing an unbroken stretch of ocean, is often described by devotees as adding to its sense of scale and permanence.
Presented as religious and cultural tradition. See our spiritual & astrology disclaimer.
The nearest airport is Diu Airport, with better connectivity through Rajkot Airport; Veraval Railway Station, about 7 km away, is the closest major rail link, and Somnath is well connected by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Diu.
October to March, when the coastal Gujarat climate is at its most comfortable for temple visits and walks along the promenade.
Bharat Yatra Tour & Travels can help plan your journey to Somnath — route planning, transport, accommodation coordination and local travel support, tailored to your dates and group size. A dedicated tour package for this destination has not yet been published; contact us to discuss what's currently possible.
Yes, in most traditional listings Somnath is named as the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Andhra PradeshSrisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh
Set on the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river, Srisailam is one of the few sites where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth are believed to stand together.
Madhya PradeshUjjain, Madhya Pradesh
One of the few Jyotirlingas facing south, famed for its pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti and its place at the heart of Ujjain's pilgrimage circuit.
Madhya PradeshOmkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
An island temple on the Narmada river shaped, according to tradition, like the sacred symbol Om, and often paired with Mahakaleshwar in a single yatra.
