Gujarat, a land of rich heritage and temples and a picturesque coast is the place that houses one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India the Somnath Temple. Somnath Temple Visit at Somnath is a spiritual trip as well as a cultural tour that attracts religious believers and tourists nationally and internationally. Having a long history, its grand architecture and looking at the Arabian Sea, the Somnath Temple Visit is, certainly, among the best activities to have in Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is situated in Prabhas Patan, in or near Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat on the western coast of India. It is located on the Arabian Sea coastline which offers an amazing view of the coastline particularly at sunrise and sunset. The temple is well connected to the major cities such as Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Junagadh and thus it is an easy place to visit by pilgrims as well as tourists.
The Visit of a Somnath Temple in Somnath is an inspiring event which is full of devotions, architecture and picturesque scenery. The temple is a first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, and is therefore very sacred, and is devoted to the lord Shiva. Visitors experience:
Spiritual Feelings: Rituals and aarti of the temple and recitations fill the air with a blissful and divine aura of the temple
Architectural Wonder: The temple has been designed in the traditional Chalukya style featuring well sculpted pillars, walls and spires.
Seaside View: The temple is situated on the Arabian Sea, where one is able to enjoy a tranquil holiday and capture the best photo.
Museum and Light and Sound Show: Visitors can visit the museum and have the evening light and sound show which tells the history and importance of the temple.
Such combination of spiritual and cultural experience renders the Somnath Temple Visit being in the memory of all visitors.
The Somnath Temple is also open during the day and is being visited by the devotees and the tourists. Typical timings are:
Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon & Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The morning aarti is especially significant, which provides both the visitors with an opportunity to engage into the devotional practices and enjoy the rising sun of the Arabian Sea. The evening visits are ideal in order to see the temple lit up in the night sky.
Visit to Somnath Temple is complimentary to every devotee so that they all can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere. Nonetheless, there can also be nominal fees to some attractions in the temple complex, e.g., the light and sound show or museum entry like Light and Sound Show, Museum Entry, Guided Tours.These services also add value to the experience of the visitor by giving a historical background of the temple and the detailed information of the temple and some legends.
During a usual visit to a Somnath Temple in Somnath, a visitor can spend about 2-3 hours in the temple, and visiting it, they will find time to:
Participate in aarti
Explore the temple complex
Stroll along the coastal boardwalk.
Excursion to the museum and light and sound show.
Tourists usually stay on longer to visit other cultural and spiritual places in the surrounding such as Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, and Gir National Park, and it becomes a one-day cultural and spiritual tour.
This is a Somnath Temple Visit, where the key destination is the temple, but one can also have the following activities:
Photography: Take the architecture and beautiful views of the sea in the temple.
Cultural Exploration: Get to know the temple legends, history of reconstruction and temple rituals.
Shopping: Purchase local souvenirs and handicraft at the local markets.
Reflection/Meditation: Take a peaceful stroll through the Arabian Sea to take in the spiritual ambiance.
Close Sightseeing Visits: Add Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam to see the whole picture in terms of spirituality.
The Somnath Temple Visit in Somnath is an interesting, educative and relaxing experience due to these activities.
Simple and deferential clothes are encouraged.
There may be a limitation of photography within some sanctum areas.
Adhere to the regulations of the temple and in prayer halls, keep silence.
Before entering the sanctum, one has to take off the footwear.
Take part in rituals without interfering with worshippers.
These tips can guarantee an enjoyable visit, free of any problems.
The Visit to the Somnath Temple is a move to the spiritual and cultural center of India. The visit is interesting to devotees and the tourists can see the centuries-old rituals, spectacular architecture, and calm sea. Not only is it a spiritual pilgrimage but it is also an educational and scenic tour, and it is one of the top activities to do in Gujarat. The Somnath Temple Visit is an inspiring and interesting journey that the history enthusiast, culture seeker or pilgrim will remember.
