Somnath

Veneshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the center of Somnath opposite the Somnath Trust Dharamshala, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Legend says Princess Veni, a devoted follower of Shiva, merged into the Shivlinga to escape capture by Mahmud Ghazni’s soldiers. The Shivlinga split during the miracle, and even today, visitors can see sword marks and locks of Veni’s hair on it.

This temple is an important stop in many Somnath pilgrimage tours, offering a blend of devotion, history, and local legend.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, located in the heart of Somnath, is inspired by the famous Laxminarayan Temple of Badrinath. Built in stunning South Indian architectural style, the temple features a striking yellow-tiered gopuram that marks the beginning of Somnath’s famous temple trail.

Inside the sanctum, devotees can see the divine idol of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped here as the sacred Shreevigraha of Bhagwan Laxminarayan. This holy site attracts a constant flow of pilgrims seeking blessings and peace.

Situated near the River Hiren, the temple also offers a perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking sunset view, making it a must-visit for both spiritual seekers and travelers exploring Somnath pilgrimage tours.

Surya Mandir, one of the oldest Sun Temples in Gujarat, is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhaya Devi. According to legend, the Pandavas prayed here during their Agyatvas. The current temple structure dates back to the 14th century and also houses idols of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sita, and Parvati.

The temple complex includes the sacred Surya Kund and is located near the Pandava Cave, close to Kamnath Mahadev Mandir. The famous Triveni Sangam is just 100 meters away, making it a popular stop on Somnath temple tours.

Like the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Surya Mandir also faced invasions from Muslim rulers in history. Today, it remains a must-visit site for devotees and travelers exploring Somnath pilgrimage packages.

Bhalka Tirth Temple in Somnath, Gujarat, marks the place where Lord Krishna was struck on the foot by the hunter Jara, leading to his departure from the earth and the end of Dwapar Yuga. The sandstone temple houses a rare semi-reclining idol of Lord Krishna, a Tribhangi idol playing the flute, and a sacred Tulsi tree.

The name “Bhalka” comes from Bhal, meaning arrow. The complex also features an ancient peepal tree and a statue of Jara facing the Lord. This temple is a key stop in many Somnath pilgrimage tours, attracting devotees and travelers exploring Gujarat’s religious heritage.

Parshuram Temple in Somnath, Gujarat, is located on the banks of the holy Triveni River, about 2 km from the Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple on the way to Dehotsarg. This is one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

According to legend, Lord Parshuram performed severe penance here to atone for the sin of killing hundreds as a Kshatriya warrior. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, water bodies, and peaceful landscapes, making it a serene spot for pilgrims.

The sanctum houses a black stone idol of Lord Parshuram holding his axe, flanked by idols of Kama and Kala. The complex also includes shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Parshuram’s mother Mata Renuka.

A visit to Parshuram Temple is often included in Somnath pilgrimage tours, offering devotees a blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.

Established in the year 1951, the Prabhas Patan Museum is known to house more than 3500 objects exhibited in 3 major categories. They include objects of art and archaeology along with a few specimens of natural history. Moreover, this museum is quite popular for stone sculptures as well as inscriptions and it also showcases different artifacts from history like carved stones, which are reminiscent pieces of some earlier temples. Tourists visiting this museum can also see inscriptions, five domes, 12th-century toranas, sacred water of several rivers, huge pillars, and 11th-century statues of Lord Agni, Uma Maheshwara, Lord Vishnu, Parvati, and Natya Bhairava. This museum is also known to have an assortment of seashells and pottery shards, along with inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian languages and coins from different times.

The ideal time to explore Somnath is from September to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it perfect for sightseeing, beach walks, and temple visits. Avoid the peak summer months, as temperatures can get extremely hot, while monsoon season brings heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.