If you’re planning to visit Somnath Temple, the first thing you should figure out is the timing. Sounds basic, but a lot of people get this part wrong—they either arrive when the temple is closed for a short break, or they miss the aarti they actually wanted to attend.
And once that happens, the whole experience feels a bit rushed.
So instead of overcomplicating things, here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you plan your visit better.
Quick Overview
- Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
- Known for: First Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
- Entry: Open for everyone
- Time needed: Roughly 2 to 3 hours
- Best time to visit: Between October and March
Somnath Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule
| Activity | Time |
| Temple opens | 6:00 AM |
| Morning aarti | 7:00 AM |
| Midday aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Evening aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Temple closes | Around 10:00 PM (sometimes 9 PM) |
| Light & Sound show | 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Timings usually stay the same, but during festivals like Maha Shivratri, things can shift a little. Nothing drastic, but enough to mess up your plan if you’re cutting it too close.
What it’s actually like visiting Somnath
It’s not one of those places where everything feels crowded and chaotic the moment you enter.
In fact, depending on the time you go, it can feel surprisingly calm.
Early morning is quiet. Not completely empty, but manageable. You don’t feel rushed, and darshan happens at a decent pace.
Evenings are different. More people, more movement—but also more energy. When the aarti starts, the whole place changes. Even if you’re not particularly religious, you’ll notice the shift.
Also, the sea is right there. You don’t always see it from inside, but you can hear it. That adds something to the whole experience.
Which aarti should you aim for?
If you can attend just one, the evening aarti at 7:00 PM is the safest pick.
Not because it’s “better” in a technical sense, but because most people end up enjoying that timing more. The lighting, the crowd, the overall feel—it just comes together well.
That said, if you don’t like crowds, go in the morning. The 7:00 AM aarti is quieter and easier to attend without much waiting.
Light and Sound Show – should you stay for it?
If you’re already there in the evening, you might as well.
It starts at 8:00 PM and runs for about an hour. It talks about the temple’s past—how many times it was destroyed and rebuilt.
It’s not something you have to watch, but it does give context. After watching it, you don’t just see the temple as a structure anymore.
Important things you should know before entering
| Category | Details |
| Dress code | Wear something decent and covered |
| Phones | Not allowed inside |
| Cameras | Also not allowed |
| Lockers | Available outside |
| Footwear | Leave it before entering |
| Security | Basic checking at the gate |
One small tip—carry less. The more stuff you have, the slower the entry process becomes.
Best time to visit (realistically speaking)
October to March is the easiest time to visit. Weather is manageable, and you don’t feel drained walking around.
Summers can get uncomfortable, especially in the afternoon.
If you’re going during peak season or weekends, just expect a crowd. There’s no real way around that.
How much time should you actually keep?
People either rush it or overestimate it.
- Darshan alone: about 45 minutes to an hour
- If you include aarti: add another hour
- Staying for the show: add one more
So overall, around 2–3 hours is enough without feeling rushed.
Getting there without confusion
Diu is the nearest airport, a little over an hour away by road.
If you’re coming by train, Veraval is the closest station. From there, it’s a short ride—autos and taxis are easy to find.
Road travel is straightforward too. Buses and taxis connect it to major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
Nearby places (if you have extra time)
There are a few spots close to the temple that people usually visit:
- Bhalka Tirth
- Triveni Sangam
- Gita Mandir
- Somnath Beach
You don’t need a separate day for these. They can be covered without much planning.
A few things people usually overlook
- Reaching exactly at aarti time doesn’t always work—go a bit early
- Don’t assume you’ll be allowed to carry your phone (you won’t)
- Weekends can get crowded faster than expected
- If you’re with family, decide a meeting point outside in advance
Final note
Somnath isn’t complicated to visit. Most of the stress people face is because of poor timing or lack of basic info.
If you keep things simple and don’t rush it, the visit turns out just fine. Maybe even better than expected.
FAQs About Somnath Temple Timings & Visit
The temple usually opens at 6:00 AM and remains open until around 10:00 PM. On some days, it may close slightly earlier, around 9:00 PM.
There are three main aartis held daily—morning aarti at 7:00 AM, midday (Rajbhog) aarti at 12:00 PM, and evening aarti at 7:00 PM.
No, there is no entry fee for darshan at Somnath Temple. It is open to all visitors.
No, mobile phones are not allowed inside the main temple premises. You’ll need to deposit them in lockers available near the entrance.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is more comfortable. Early morning and evening are the most preferred times of the day.
A normal visit, including darshan, usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to attend an aarti or the light and sound show, you may need a bit more time.
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing outfits.
The “Jay Somnath” Light and Sound Show is held daily from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Veraval Railway Station is the closest, located about 5 km from the temple.
Yes, you can visit nearby places like Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Sangam, Gita Mandir, and Somnath Beach.
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