Where is Somnath Jyotirlinga?
Somnath Jyotirlinga stands at Prabhas Patan on the Arabian Sea coast, near Veraval in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district. It is listed first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The present temple was rebuilt after Indian independence and inaugurated in 1951.
Somnath Jyotirlinga
- Location
- Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gir Somnath district
Quick facts
- Location
- Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Gujarat
- Position in lists
- First in the Shiva Purana and the Stotram
- Present temple
- Rebuilt 1947–1951
- Nearest railhead
- Veraval
On this page
Tradition
History
Historical sources describe Somnath as one of the most celebrated temples of medieval India, and one of the most often attacked. The raid of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 is the best known of several destructions over the following centuries, each followed by rebuilding.
After independence, reconstruction was championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The new temple, built in the Chalukya (Solanki) style, was inaugurated in 1951 by President Rajendra Prasad. It is managed by the Shree Somnath Trust.
Visiting
Veraval is the nearest large railway station. The temple stands directly above the sea; its evening light-and-sound show and the seafront promenade are popular with visitors.
See all twelve on our 12 Jyotirlingas of India guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Somnath the first Jyotirlinga?
It is listed first in both the Shiva Purana's account and the Dvadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram.
When was the present Somnath temple built?
It was rebuilt after independence and inaugurated in 1951.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Jyotirlinga (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Shree Somnath Trust — official website (opens in a new tab)
Shree Somnath Trust — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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