Where Is Somnath Temple? Location, Map and How to Reach in Saurashtra, Gujarat
Somnath Temple is in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, in the Gir Somnath district of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India, standing on the western coast along the Arabian Sea. Its coordinates are 20.888°N, 70.401°E and the postal code is 362268.
So when people ask where the Somnath temple in Saurashtra sits, the short answer is the southern tip of the Kathiawar peninsula, about 7 km from Veraval town. I was born in Dwarka and have guided this coast for over eight years, so below is a clear picture of the location, the map, the distances from major cities and every way to reach it. If you would rather travel with everything arranged, our Somnath Dwarka Tour Package from Experience My India covers the route, the stays and the darshan end to end.
Where is Somnath Temple located?
Somnath Temple stands in the temple town of Prabhas Patan, part of Veraval city, in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. The region is Saurashtra, on the western, sea-facing edge of India. Gir Somnath became a separate district in 2013 and has its headquarters at Somnath itself, so the temple is not tucked away in a remote village; it anchors a well-connected coastal district. To answer the common question directly: Somnath Temple is located in the state of Gujarat.
Somnath Temple address, map and coordinates
The full address is Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gir Somnath, Gujarat 362268. On a map it sits right on the shoreline, with open Arabian Sea to the south and no landmass between the temple and Antarctica, a fact the famous Baan Stambh (arrow pillar) in the complex marks. You can view Somnath Temple on Google Maps to see the exact spot and plan your route.
Detail | Value |
Locality | Prabhas Patan |
City | Veraval |
District | Gir Somnath |
Region / State | Saurashtra, Gujarat |
Coordinates | 20.888°N, 70.401°E |
Postal code | 362268 |
What does the name “Somnath” mean?
The name joins two words: Som, meaning Soma or the Moon god and Nath, meaning lord or protector. So Somnath means “Lord of the Moon” or “protector of the Moon god.” By tradition, the Moon god Soma is said to have built the first shrine here in gratitude to Lord Shiva, which is why the temple carries his name. That legend is a matter of faith rather than settled history, but it is the story behind the word.
How far is Somnath from major cities?
These are approximate road distances, drawn from the Shree Somnath Trust for the Gujarat towns and from route planners for the Statue of Unity. Actual driving distance varies slightly by route.
From | Approx. road distance to Somnath |
Veraval | 7 km |
Sasan Gir (Gir forest) | 65 km |
Diu | 85 km |
Junagadh | 90 km |
Porbandar | 130 km |
Rajkot | 200 km |
Dwarka | 230 km |
Ahmedabad | 390 km |
Statue of Unity (Kevadia) | about 500 km |
Somnath pairs naturally with other Gujarat highlights. Travellers coming from the state capital usually take a guided Somnath tour from Ahmedabad, while popular add-ons include a Somnath tour with the Statue of Unity and a combined Somnath and Gir trip for the lion safari. If you are also visiting Dwarka, the full Dwarka to Somnath route sets out the coastal drive between the two.
How to reach Somnath
By air
The nearest airport is Diu, about 85 km away, with the small Keshod airport around 57 km out and Rajkot airport at roughly 200 km. From any of these you continue to Somnath by road.
By train
Somnath has its own terminus about 0.5 km from the temple and Veraval junction, 7 km away, is the larger railhead with connections across Gujarat and beyond.
By road
Somnath is well linked by road from Rajkot, Junagadh, Ahmedabad and Diu, with regular state buses and taxis. For a fixed-fare, verified-route journey, Experience My India arranges a Somnath car rental with a local driver so you can travel at your own pace.
What to see at Somnath Temple
The main draw is the Jyotirlinga darshan, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The present temple was rebuilt between 1947 and 1951 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's initiative and is built in the ornate Chalukya style of temple architecture. Beyond the darshan, the evening aarti and the Jay Somnath light-and-sound show are the highlights; for exact slots see Somnath temple darshan and aarti timings. The complex also sits close to Bhalka Tirth and Triveni Sangam and you can explore other famous temples of Gujarat on the wider circuit.
Plan your Somnath yatra with Experience My India
Tell us your starting city and dates and we will map the route, timings and stays for you. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 73006 20809 or call +91 73006 20809. For everything else about the town and the temple, read our complete Somnath travel guide.
