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Aundha Nagnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 23 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: ,

Aundha Nagnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples) in Hingoli, Maharashtra is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Nagnath in this region. The devotees praying to Lord Nagnath believe that the Lord will guide them to the correct path of life, just as he did with demons at Darukavane.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Aundha Nagnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Nagnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Hingoli, Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhishek
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri, Vijayadashami
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
Aundha Nagnath Temple Video

Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

What is the significance of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

It is a popular belief that the Nagesh Linga or the Jyotirlinga is the Adhya or the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. Devotees believe that by praying at this temple, one can protect themselves against all kinds of poisons.

Since this form of Shiva is Nagnath since he has a snake around his neck. This association with snakes has led to a belief that this Linga is very powerful and potent against negating the harmful effects of all poisons. Devotees have often sighted snakes with open hoods guarding the Linga.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the Top 50 Famous Temples of India.

What is the history of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The history of Aundha Nagnath Temple dates back to the period of Pandavas. Yudhistra, the eldest among the Pandavas, first built this majestic temple during his exile. It is also believed that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to raze down the Aundha Nagnath temple. But it is said that a swarm of bees attacked his men and Aurangzeb gave up and left the temple.

However, damages were made, to a certain extent, to this sacred Jyotirlinga. Later, Rani Ahalyabai Holkar, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, repaired and renovated the temple.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple is a pious site for followers of both Hinduism and Sikhism.

Sant Namdev Maharaj was a well-known saint and poet. He is also considered as one of the Gurus in Sikhism and his writings are a part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs.

It is believed that he used to sing praises of Lord Shiva every day at the temple. But the priests objected to this saying that it disturbed their routines. They drove him away. Since he was such a staunch devotee, the Lord turned the temple to face him and the priests were left facing the back of the temple. Thus, the entire temple stands rotated and directions of the Linga and Nandi are different from other temples.

Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga
The Aundha Nagnath Temple is said to be the 8th Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.

What is the legend of the Jyotirlinga?

During their exile, the Pandavas built their hermitage in a forest in this region of Hingoli. The cows from their hermitage drank the water from the nearby river and released milk into the river. Bhima noticed this one day and informed Yudhistra.

The Pandavas felt the presence of a great God residing in the river. Thus, they began to remove the water. Beyond a certain point, the water was boiling hot. Bhima struck the river thrice with his mace. Blood started oozing from the spot and a Linga emerged. Yudhistra then built a temple and instated the Jyotirlinga.

What is the legend of Nageshwar Darukavane?

The Aundha region was lush with thick forests in which serpents lived. It was popular as Darukavane, named after the Asuras – Daruk and Daruka. The demons harassed the hermits living in the area and imprisoned them. This angered the Gods who fought the demons and drove them away.

But Daruka was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was blessed by a boon from Goddess Parvati.

The boon gave them the power to shift the entire forest into an island. And the demons continued to harass the hermits from the island. Among the imprisoned hermits was an ardent devotee Lord Shiva named, Supriya. She invoked the powerful Rudra Mantra along with the priests. Lord Shiva then appeared and destroyed the demons.

Daruka repented for their sins and asked for Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. He requested that he stay in the forest. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati accepted his request and assumed the form of a Jyotirlinga. They stayed in Darukavane as Lord Nageshwar and Nageshwari.

What is the structure of Aundha Nagnath Temple like?

Architecture of Aundha Nagnath Temple
The temple is built using stones from the period of the Pandavas.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple structure is strong as it consists of stones from the Pandava period. Therefore, the temple is nearly 3000 years old.

The Garbhagriha and Linga are in the basement level and devotees have to climb down to worship the main deity. The Linga faces the South and the Gomukha faces the East. The corridors of this temple are huge and are supported by eight pillars in an oval shape. The Garbhagriha consists of the Nagesha Lingamurthi inside.

One of the shrines inside the Aundha Nagnath Temple complex houses the Runomochan Teerth as is also famous as Saas Teerth and Bahu Teerth (Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law). Interestingly, the Saas Teerth has brackish water while the Bahu Teerth has sweet water. Once every 12 years during Kapila Shashti, the water from Kashi Ganga is offered here and the water of the teerth would turn crystal clear.

What are the poojas and rituals of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The poojas that take place at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

PoojaTiming
Rudrabhishek Pooja4:05 AM
Aarti Pooja12:00 PM
Shrisnan Pooja4:00 PM
Shejaarti Pooja11:00 AM
Sayarakchai Pooja8:30 PM

The rituals that take place at Aundha Nagnath are:

Rituals
Rudrabhishek
Dudhabhishek
Rudrabhishek with Bhog
Char Somvar (four Mondays) Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Akhand Jyot
Rudrabhishek for one year every Somvar
Ek Somvar 1008 Bilva Patra Abhishek
Laghurudra by 11 Brahmins
Ek Shravan Maas Jalabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Doodh and Bilva Patra Abhishek
Char Somvar Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek with Doodh
Ek Somvar 1008 Mahamrityunjaya Jaap

What are the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded which is 54 km from Aundha Nagnath.
  • Rail: The nearest stations Parbhani is 50 km from the temple. One can also find connecting trains to the Hingoli junction.
  • Road: There are buses connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.

Where to stay nearby?

There few accommodation options at Aundha Nagnath Temple. Travelers mostly stay at Nanded or Parbhani.

Where to eat nearby?

Restaurant options at Aundha Nagnath Temple are very few. Travelers eat at Dhabbas which one can find on the highway or at the hotels in Nanded and Parbhani.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Aundha Nagnath Temple.

Some of the temples near Aundha Nagnath are:

  • Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple: The Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple is in Shirad Shahapur Village and is for Lord Mallinath. This 300-year-old temple is 15 km from Aundha.
  • Parli Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga Temple: This temple is in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 118 km from the Aundha. Devotees believe that praying at this temple improves health conditions.
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 465 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple.
  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: This Jyotirlinga is in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. The Grishneshwar temple is 227 km from Aundha.
  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 286 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple and the Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aundha Nagnath Temple

Is the Aundha Nagnath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Aundha Nagnath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Aundha Nagnath Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Aundha Nagnath Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the day-time often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

If you have any questions about the Aundha Nagnath Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 19 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Uttar Pradesh Temples Tagged With:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. “Vishwanath” means “King of the World” and hence, the Jyotirlinga here is said to be the King of all Jyotirlingas. It is said that if a person visits all the Jyotirlingas, he is blessed with good health and also attains Moksha.

Planning to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple? Have a look at our Varanasi Tour Package.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Vishwanath (Lord Shiva)
LocationVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursVaranasi Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM – 11:00 AM; 12 PM – 7 PM; 8:30 PM – 9 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Pathatmak Atirudra
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Holi, Pradosham
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan Video

What are the timings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11 PM. However, after 9 PM, pilgrims are allowed to view the Lord from outside the sanctum only. The temple performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan4:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM; 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Mangala Aarti3:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Afternoon Bhog11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Sapta Rishi Aarti7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Shringar Bhog and Aarti9:00 PM
Shayan Aarti10:30 PM

Devotees can receive online darshan and e-pooja by visiting the temple’s official website: shrikashivishwanath.org

What are the poojas performed at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The following poojas are performed between 4 AM to 6 PM at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

  1. Rudrabhishek: This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshiped as Fire or Rudra. The pooja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. The Mondays of the month and the Pradosham days are considered as ideal for performing this pooja.
  2. Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  3. Laghurudrabhishek: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
  4. Shravan Somvar Pooja: The Mondays of the month of Shravan (July – August) are considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva. Devotees observe Somvar Vrat during the Shravan month and perform Poojas in their homes.  The articles used for worship are Bilva leaves, white flowers, water, honey, and milk. The charges for the Seva are Rs. 6251.
  5. Lakh Vilvarchana: This archana is performed by offering one lakh Bilva leaves to the Linga of God.

Poojas and sevas can be booked online on the temple’s official website: shrikashivishwanath.org

The poojas mentioned below are Long Term Schemes and are offered for a period of 20 years:

  • Dainik Pooja and Archana Scheme: This annual scheme has a membership fee of Rs. 11, 000 /-. As per the scheme, the Rudrabhishekam is performed once a year for 20 years in the name of the devotee.
  • Yati Bhiksha: The word “Yati” means “Sadhu” or a Sage. Yati Bhiksha means that offerings like food will be provided to the Sadhus residing in the holy town of Varanasi. The charges for the seva are Rs. 8, 751/-.
  • Sarwa Pooja: All the poojas of the day are performed for one day in the name of the devotee. The charges of the seva are Rs. 13, 751/-.

Yatras at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Apart from the poojas and sevas mentioned above, the devotees can also be a part of yatras. Here are some yatras one can be a part of:

  • Panchatheertha Yatra: The pilgrims should take a bath in the five main Ghats in the sequence of Asi ghat – Dashashwamedha ghat, Aadikeshav ghat, Panchganga ghat, Manikarnika ghat, and then proceed to visit all the shrines of Kashi.
  • Mauni Yatra: This yatra should begin with a bath in the Manikarnika ghat followed by the darshan of the various forms of Shiva and Shakti and end with a bath again at the Manikarnika ghat. The condition of the Yatra is that it should be performed in silence.

What is the significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

The Shrine of Kashi Vishwanath
Lord Vishwanath of Kashi is said to be the King of all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the temple is that the Linga of the presiding deity Lord Vishwanath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are revered in Hindu mythology. The Jyotirlinga means that the Linga is self-manifested and is called Swayambhu. It is believed that a one-time visit to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga equals to the visit of the rest of the eleven Jyotirlingas. Kashi Vishwanath is called the King of Jyotirlingas.

The well of Gyan Vaapi is also known as the well of wisdom. It is believed that before Aurangzeb attacked the city, the Jyotirlinga was hidden inside the well. The well can be seen between the mosque and the temple.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been visited and appreciated by several revered ancient saints like Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Gurunanak.

It is believed that Kashi is the holiest city for Hindus and that anyone who lives here will attain Moksha. It is a belief that anyone who departs from the city of Kashi will attain spiritual enlightenment and salvation. This is the reason that the ashes of departed people are mostly dispersed in the River Ganga at Kashi.

According to the scriptures, the city was built by Lord Shiva on his trident as his residence after his marriage with Goddess Parvati. It is believed that the first rays of the sun fell on the city of Kashi when the world was created. Hence, it is believed that the city is so sacred that even if the end of the world (Pralayam) happens, the city of Kashi will survive.

In the Puranas, the city is also mentioned as Aadyavaishnav Bhoomi and Lord Brahma is supposed to have performed ten Ashwamedha Yagnas at the Dashashwamedha Ghat. It is an important place for devotees of Shakti (Goddess Sati) as the city is also home to a Shakti Peeth.

Lord Shiva is the protector of the city. It is believed that the Navagraha (Nine Planets) does not influence or affect the people living in Kashi as they abide by the rules of Lord Shiva. They cannot even enter the city without Lord Shiva’s permission.

A popular tradition that is followed to date is that the water taken from River Ganga after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is used for abhishekam of the Jyotirlinga of Sri Ramanathaswamy in Rameswaram. The sand from the temple is brought back to Kashi and given as an offering to Lord Vishwanath. Hence, it is believed that the pilgrimage of Kashi and Rameswaram will lead to complete Moksha and enlightenment.

What is the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple History
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is said to have been built in the 11th century.

According to evidence, the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dates back to the 11th century. The Temple was subjected to repeated invasions and destruction. The original structure of the temple was destroyed by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1194 CE but was rebuilt under the reign of Sultan Iltutmish.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple was again attacked under the reign of either Sikander Lodhi or under Husain Sharqi in the 1400s. Raja Man Singh built it but was boycotted as he allowed the Mughals to marry into his family. However, Todar Mal further re-built the Temple with Akbar’s blessings at the original site in 1585.

In 1669, Aurangzeb destroyed the temple again and over the foundations, built the Gyanvapi Mosque. Later, plans were made to demolish the mosque by Maratha ruler Malhar Rao Holkar in 1742 and in 1750 by the Maharaja of Jaipur. However, they were unsuccessful in doing so due to the objections raised by the Nawabs of Lucknow. The remains of the temple can still be seen in the mosque premises.

In 1780, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar constructed the present Kashi Vishwanath Temple near the mosque. In 1828, the widow of Daulat Rao Scindia, Baija Rao built a colonnade with 40 pillars at the Gyan Vyapi premises. The Gyan Vyapi Well boundary, the Ghats, and other small temples were eventually built during the period 1833-1840.

What is the structure of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex is quadrangular in shape with several small temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Dandapani (Karthikeya), Lord Vinayaka, Kalabhairavar, Avimukteshwar, Lord Vishnu, Virupaksha, Virupaksha Gauri and Lord Shaneeshwara.

There are three distinct regions of the temple – the first is a spire over the temple of Lord Vishwanath, the second is a golden dome and the third is a spire with a trident and a flag atop it. The temple has a Sabha Griha that leads to the Garbha Griha where the Linga is housed.

The holy River Ganga flows beside the temple increasing the spiritual value of the temple by manifolds. Kashi Vishwanath Temple plays an important role in Hindu mythology and has been mentioned innumerable times in scriptures like Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, the Upanishads, and in the Vedas.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Rangbhari Ekadashi Kashi Vishwanath
Celebration of the Rangbhari Ekadashi at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Although the Kashi Vishwanath Temple celebrates almost all the festivals such as, Ramnavami, Hanuman Jayanti, Dussehra, Holi, and Janmashtami with great pomp and fare, there are some festivals which are extremely important at this temple.

Some major festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: The festival is celebrated on the 13th night and the 14th day of the month of Maagha (February /March). The Linga of Lord Shiva is bathed with Ganga water, applied with Chandan paste, and offered Bilva leaves, bhang, datura, flowers, coconut, fruits, and cow milk. People keep fast for the whole day and do Shiva Pooja at their homes. Taking a dip in the River Ganga on Mahashivaratri is considered extremely sacred.
  • Makar Sankranti: The devotees take a dip in River Ganga and pray to the Sun God on this day. The day signifies the ascent of the sun and the beginning of spring. The day is dedicated to a good harvest in the agricultural terms. On the day of the festival, thousands of kites are flown in the Varanasi skyline, which is an enthralling experience to have.
  • Shravan Maas: The month of Shravan (June-July) is considered to be the holy month of the Hindu calendar. Special decorations and special poojas are performed for Lord Shiva on every Monday. On the first Monday, Lord Shiva is decorated, on the second, both Shiva and Parvati’s idols are decorated. On the third and the fourth Monday, Lord Ardhanarishwar and Sri Rudrakshaya are worshiped.
  • Dev Deepawali: The festival means “The Diwali of the Gods.” The festival is celebrated in the month of Karthik Poornima, ten days after the festival of Diwali. The steps of all the ghats are lit with lamps in honor of the River Ganga. It is believed that Gods descend to the Earth to take a dip in the Ganga.
  • Rangbhari Ekadashi: The festival is celebrated in February –March. As per legend, the consummation of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati happened on this day. The devotees carry the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a Palki from the house of the Mahant of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and take them to the sanctum of the temple and are decorated with gulaal and rose petals.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

  • Air: The nearest airport to the city is Babatpur, which is 22 km from Varanasi. Direct flights are operated by Air India as well as other private airlines from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction or the Mughal Sarai Junction. Several trains connect the city to almost all major parts of the country like Delhi, Chennai, Howrah, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
  • Road: The city is located on NH2 highway linking Kolkata to New Delhi. Several buses are available from places like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Patna, Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, and Gaya.

Varanasi (Kashi) is one of the seven Moksha Puris according to Hindu beliefs. The other six are Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka-Somnath.

Where to stay nearby?

Numerous Government operated Guest Houses are available for accommodation for Government servants. Please visit the temple’s official website to see a list of the Government Guest Houses: shrikashivishwanath.org

Apart from these Guest Houses, there are several private hotels to accommodate yourself comfortably, within a reasonable budget. The hotels also offer express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup. The names of a few of them are:

  • Shiva Inn
  • Ganpati Guest House
  • Kanha Paying Guest House
  • BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel

Where to eat nearby?

The city of Varanasi boasts of great food and culture. The traditional must-haves of the city’s culinary delights are Chaat items like Kachoris and Puris. The Kashi Kalakand is also a famous dessert here and is available widely. Lassi and Thandai are very popular drinks and are extremely cooling in the heat. The cuisine in Varanasi is mainly vegetarian with occasional but rare non-veg hotels.

What are some famous temples near Kashi Vishwanath?

Explore Varanasi
Varanasi is called the city of temples and Lord Shiva is said to be the city’s guardian deity.

Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath temple are:

  1. Kashi Vishalakshi Temple: The sacred temple is located behind the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Sati. It is believed that when her body was cut with Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, her third eye (Aksha) and the earing (Manikarni) fell at this location and hence the name Visalakshi.
  2. The Kalbhairav Temple: The temple is situated 1 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath temple. As per the legend, when Lord Brahma lies about finding the end of the massive pillar of light, Lord Shiva gets angry and assumes the form of Kalbhairav. He cut off one of the five heads of Brahma. However, the decapitation made Lord Shiva guilty of the crime of killing. He carried the head of Brahma and roamed around as a Bhikshatana until his sin was forgiven. The head was released from him after he reached Kashi. He is the guard of Kashi, and it is a belief that no one can enter Kashi without his permission.
  3. Markandey Mahadev Temple: The temple is located at Kaithi, Varanasi which is 29 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. According to legend, a couple named Mrikandu and Marudvati prayed to Shiva to attain a son. Lord Shiva granted them a boon of a son who was eventually named Markandeya. He was extraordinarily intelligent in his childhood. He was always dedicated to Lord Shiva and master of the Mahamritunjaya Mantra. When he became 16, Yama came to take him. Markandeya prayed for the defense to Lord Shiva who defeated Yama and granted him the gift of immortality.
  4. Bharat Mata Mandir: This unique temple is located just 4 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is located inside the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus. The unique feature is that the temple does not contain any idol of Gods and Goddesses. The Bharat Mata is worshiped here. A map of India can be seen in the sanctum to which offerings are made. Babu Shiv Prasad constructed the Temple and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
  5. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple: The famous temple is located just 1 km away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that the Mrityunjay Mahadev is the “God who triumphs over death.” Devotees from all over the country come here to pray for a long and healthy life and against unnatural death. It is a belief that the well of the temple contains water with medicinal properties, and it can cure several ailments of the sick.
  6. Annapoorna Devi Mandir: The temple dedicated to Annapoorna Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Goddess Annapoorna is responsible for the nourishment of human souls. Anyone who worships her with devotion will never have any food shortages in his or her life.
  7. Tulsi Manas Mandir: The Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita. It is believed that the temple is constructed over the place where the saint Goswami Tulsidas wrote the epic Ramcharitramanas. The walls of the temple depict the scenes of the epic.
  8. The Ghat of Manikarnika: Situated on the banks of River Ganga, this ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered to be a Shakti Peetha. The Shakti Peethas are the 52 places where parts of the body of Goddess Sati (Adi Parashakti), first wife of Lord Shiva, fell on Earth after being decapitated by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.

Apart from the above-mentioned temples, several other famous temples can also be visited in Varanasi. Some of these temples are the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the Durga Temple, The Vyas Temple, The Birla Temple, The Tilbhandeshwar Temple, and The Sarnath Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone enter the temple?

Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website shrikashivishwanath.org for Online Darshan.

How to book and make arrangements for a Havan/ Yajna?

For booking Yajna Shala, please visit the official temple website: shrikashivishwanath.org

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). They can be stored in lockers available. This facility is free of cost.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No, there are no such facilities provided by the temple.

What is the ideal time to visit Kashi Vishwanath?

The months of October to March are perfect to visit the temple as the weather is pleasant and is not too hot to travel during the daytime.

What is the weather like during summers?

The summers at Kashi start from March and continue until May. The summers here can be hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Varanasi?

In Kashi, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 12 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and dry.

If you have any questions about The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 19 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With:

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India. It is located in the Rameshwaram District of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost part of India.

Planning to visit the Rameswaram Temple? Have a look at our Madhurai Rameswaram Tour Package.

Rameshwaram Temple – Facts

DeityLord Rameshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationRameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMadurai Rameswaram Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in South IndiaRameswaram Temple, Srisailam Temple
Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Video

What are the timings of Rameswaram Temple?

The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:00 PM
Evening Darshan3:30 PM8:30 PM
Rameshwaram Shiva
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is closely associated to Lord Rama.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Rameswaram Temple?

Poojas at Rameswaram
There are several poojas that take place at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Some of the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

RitualTimings
Palliyarai Deepa Arathana5:00 AM
Spadigalinga Deepa Arathana5:10 AM
Thiruvananthal Deepa Arathana5:45 AM
Vila Pooja7:00 AM
Kalasanthi Pooja10:00 AM
Uchikala Pooja12:00 PM
Sayaratcha Pooja6:00 PM
Arthajama Pooja8:30 PM
Palliyarai Pooja8:45 PM

The Palliyarai (Sayanangriha) Procession of Swami and the Palliyarai Pooja for Swami and Ambal in the Sayanagriha in the Ambal Shrine are performed between 8:45 PM and 9:00 PM.

Some famous poojas conducted at the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • 1008 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 108 silver Kalasa Abishekam
  • 1008 Kalasa Abishegam (copper)
  • Rudrabishekam
  • Panchamirtha Abishekam
  • Gangabishekam with Ganges & Vessel
  • Swami Sahasranama Archana
  • Ambal Sahasranama Archana
  • Rudrajapam
  • Swami Astothra Archanai
Rameswaram Poojas
All the poojas at the temple are celebrated with great pomp and fare.

What is the significance of Rameswaram Temple?

Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga
Like all the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Rameshwaram Jyoritlinga is Swayambhu.

The significance of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has 2 Lingas – the Ramalingam – made out of sand by Sita, and the Vishwalingam – brought by Hanuman. Since Hanuman had brought the Linga all the way from Kailash, Lord Rama instructed that one should worship Vishwalingam first.

The entire island of Rameshwaram and nearby areas are in relation to Lord Rama. As per beliefs, many incidents from the Ramayana happened here and therefore, this place is important for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Rameshwaram has many as 50 Teerths or holy wells, and 22 of them are inside the temple. The water from these wells is believed to possess medicinal properties. Also, as per belief, the water from each Teerth tastes different and offers various remedies.

The Linga is made of Spatika. It is auspicious to bathe the Linga with the water from the Ganges. Devotees who go to Kashi, make it a point to bring the Ganges water and offer it to the Linga here.

The official website of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is: http://www.rameswaramtemple.tnhrce.in/

What is the history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy History
Lord Ram and Goddess Sita made a Shiva Lingam out of sand and water.

The history of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple dates back to the Ramayana period. Devotees believe that Lord Rama made the Linga and installed it here. As per the legend, Lord Rama and his wife Sita were returning from Lanka after killing Ravana, who was half-demon and half Brahmin.

Since killing a Brahmin is a sin, Lord Rama wished to worship Lord Shiva and ask his pardon. So, he had sent Lord Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring Lord Shiva’s idol. Meanwhile, Lord Rama and Sita were living on the island and when they tried to drink the water, a powerful and divine voice spoke to them.

The voice chided Lord Rama that he was drinking the water without worshiping. Therefore, instead of waiting for Hanuman’s return, Lord Rama instructed Sita to make a Linga with the sand and water from the seashore.

Then he worshipped Lord Shiva in this form and pleaded for mercy. Lord Shiva manifested himself as the Jyotirlinga, blessed Lord Rama and also accepted to stay here and bless mankind forever. Since Lord Rama worshipped the Linga, the Jyotirlinga was named as Ramanathaswamy, and the place was called as Rameshwaram.

What is the structure of Rameswaram Temple?

Architecture of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
The architecture of the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to a host of gods and goddesses carved on the walls of the temple.

The rulers of Pandya Dynasty expanded the temple in 12th century AD.

The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple has the world’s largest temple corridor. They measure around 1220 meters and also comprises of nearly 1200 magnificent granite pillars in total.

What are the festivals celebrated at Rameshwaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adiyogi who is the source of the Yogi tradition. Also, people observe it by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
  • Ramalinga Prathishtai: It is a 3-day festival celebrating the installation of the Ramalingam. The festival occurs during May- June.
  • Thirukalyanam: It is the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festivities carry on for a fortnight and occur in July – August.
  • Navaratri & Dussera: It is a 10-day festival celebrated in September – October.
  • Aarudhira Dharshan: It is an important day in the Shaivite calendar when Lord Shiva indulges in a cosmic dance. Also, Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Nataraja, performs this ecstatic dance on a day that coincides with the longest night of the year. This festival occurs during the end of December or in early January.

How to reach the Rameswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Madurai, which is 174 km from Rameshwaram.
  • Train: Rameshwaram Railway station is the nearest railhead, 1 km away from the temple.
  • Road: This major pilgrim site is connected to all cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. Several state-run and private buses are available.

Where to stay near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

There are several accommodation options available at Rameswaram. The temple also offers accommodation options. One can also find comfortable rooms and dormitories in the TTDC Guest House at a nominal tariff.

What are some temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple?

Explore Rameshwaram
There are several beautiful places to visit near the Ramanathaswamy Temple, such as, the Ram Setu.

Some of the temples near Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple are:

  • Satchi Hanuman Temple: The Satchi Hanuman Temple is a spot of great significance in the Ramayana. It is the place where Hanuman conveyed to Lord Rama, that Sita is in Lanka. Moreover, Hanuman gave Sita’s jewel as evidence or Satchi and hence, the spot became popular as Satchi Hanuman Temple. The temple is 3 km from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Panchamukha Hanuman Temple: The Panchamukha Hanuman Temple has a majestic idol of Lord Hanuman with five faces covered in vermillion. The temple also attracts devotees who come to see the floating rocks that Lord Hanuman’s army used to build the Ramsethu bridge between Indian and Sri Lanka. Also, the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple is 2 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple
  • Badrakaliamman Temple: Badrakaliamman Temple is in dedication to Goddess Durga. The temple is just 2 km away from the Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.
  • Nambu Nayagiamman Temple: The Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is a 14th-century temple. The people of Ramnad built it as a mark of their faith and respect for Lord Rama. Further, the temple is 8 km from the Rameshwaram Ramanathswamy Temple.
  • Kothandaramaswamy Temple: This temple has relations with Vibishana, the brother of Ravana and Lord Rama. Devotees believe that Vibishana sought Lord Rama’s refuge in this place. This is also the place where Lord Rama coronated Vibishana after his victory in Lanka. The Kothandaramaswamy Temple is 12 km away from Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rameswaram Temple

Is the Rameswaram Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Rameswaram Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Rameswaram Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Rameswaram starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Rameswaram?

In Rameswaram, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 17 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is not too cold and pleasant.

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy
The Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy is a very important pilgrimage destination.

If you have any questions about The Rameswaram Ramanathanaswamy Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Nageshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 46 Comments Filed Under: Dwarka Somnath Temple, Gujarat Temples, Jyotirlinga Tagged With:

Nageshwar Temple, also known as the Nageshvara Temple, lies on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines mentioned in Shiva Purana. The Jyotirlinga is in an underground sanctum. The major attraction of this temple is a 25-meters tall statue of Lord Shiva in a large garden with a pond surrounding the statue.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Nageshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Nageshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationJamnagar, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka Somnath Tour and Pancha Dwaraka
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Temple is one the two Jyotirlingas of Gujarat.

What are the timings of Nageshwar Temple?

The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning and evening aarti.

The timings of Nageshwar Temple are as follows:

RitualsFromTo
Darshan6 AM9 PM
Shringar Darshan4 PM4:30 PM
Shayan Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Nightly Aarti9 PM9:30 PM

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga?

Poojas at Nageshwar Temple
There are several poojas that are conducted at the Nageshwar Temple.

The following poojas take place at Nageshwar Temple:

  • Rudrabhishek: This abhishek is performed with Panchamrit (Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar) amongst the recital of several mantras and shlokas. The pooja is said to be conducted when Shiva is in his Rudra Avatar (angry form). The Shiva Linga is washed with water which continuously keeps pouring over it through a vessel (Dudhabhishek).
  • Laghurudra Pooja: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.

Devotees can perform the Rudrabhishekam and Mahapooja with Bhog on Ek Somvar (one Monday), Chaar Somvar (four Mondays), and in the month of Shravan at a reasonable price.

What is the significance of Nageshwar Temple?

Shrine of Nageshwar Temple
The Lingam is an oval Rudraksha with three faces. Rudrakhsa is said to be the tears of Lord Shiva.

The significance of the Nageshwar temple is that this powerful Jyotirlinga protects the devotees from all kinds of poison. Devotees also believe that the one who prays to the lord becomes free of poison i.e.negativities. The lingam at Nageshwar is unique as it consists of a stone popularly known as the Dwarka Stone.

The Rudra Samhita Shloka refers to Lord Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.

Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. There is a story behind this position. There once was a devotee named, Naamdev. He was a mere saint who used to dedicate songs to Lord Shiva.

One day when he was singing bhajans in front of the Lord, the other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can then stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the south. To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

What is the history of Nageshwar Temple?

Nageshwar Temple
The Nageshwar Temple is loacted on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island.

According to the history of the Nageshvara temple, there are two stories behind this Jyotirlinga. The two legends relate to the existence of this numinous temple. The first story dates back to a hundred years in the Shiva Purana, about a demon couple named Daruka and Daruki.

Now known as Dwarka, the city was earlier named after the Asura couple and called, “Darukavana”. Daruka’s wife Daruki was a devotee of Goddess Parvati. But, Daruka was a cruel demon who found joy in troubling people around him.

One day, he imprisoned an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named, Supriya, with several others. Daruka misused the blessings granted to him and continued to torment the local folks by one means or another. While in captivity, Supriya advised all the people to loudly chant the mantra of “Om Namaha Shivaye”.

Supriya told the villagers that this mantra is powerful enough to protect them all. When Daruka came to know about this, he was furious and he went to kill her. This is when Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga on earth. Shiva couldn’t kill the demon because of the boon granted to him by his wife, Parvati. Hence, he assured Supriya and all others that he would protect them all in the form of the Jyotirlinga.

The Jyotirlinga of Darukavana

According to another legend, a group of dwarf sages known as “Balakhilyas” worshipped Lord Shiva in Darukavana for a long time. To test their persistence as well devotion, Lord Shiva went to them as nude wearing only nagas, i.e., serpents on his body.

All the wives of the sages got attracted to him and went after him, leaving their husbands behind. This action made all the sages angry and they cursed Shiva to lose his linga. Hence, the Shiva Linga fell on earth and the whole earth trembled.

Then, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma appeared and requested Shiva to save the planet from getting destroyed and to take back his linga. After consoling the sages, Lord Shiva then took back his linga and promised his divine presence in the form of Jyotirlinga in Darukavana forever.

What are the Festivals Celebrated at Nageshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: This festival occurs in late February or early March. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. The day is famous for rigorous poojas, bhajans, and abhishekams. The devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the abhishek with milk. Thousands of people visit the temple during this glorious festival.
  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the temple.

How to Reach Nageshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Nageshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport, which is 137 km from the temple.
  • Rail: Some trains even connect the way down to the south through Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • Road: There are direct buses available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.

How far is the Nageshwar Temple from the Somnath Temple?

Nageshwar to Somnath
The Somnath Temple is another famous Jyotilinga in Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is another one the 12 holy Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It takes around 4 to 5 hours by road to reach Somnath Jyotirlinga from Nageshwar temple.

Where to stay nearby?

There are various places to accommodate yourself comfortably, within a reasonable budget. The hotels also offer express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup. The names of a few of them are:

  • Hotel Guruprerna
  • Hotel Meera
  • Hotel Damji
  • Hotel Dwarka Residency
  • Hotel Gomti

Where to eat nearby?

The best places nearby to feast on the local food would be the Charmi Restaurant and Hotel Prasad.

Where are some temples nearby?

Explore Dwarka
The Nageshwar Temple is only 17.3 km away from the Dwarkadish Temple.

Some of the temples near Nageshwar Temple are:

  • Shree Dwarkadish Temple: Also known as the Jagat Mandir this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna also known as the “King of Dwarka”. It consists of 5 storied building, 72 pillars and this temple is about 2,200 years old. It is a Pushtimarg temple, therefore it follows the guidelines and rituals of Shree Vallabhacharya and Shree Vitheleshnathji.
  • Gomti Ghat Temples: The Gomati Ghat in Gujarat has plentiful of temples that are devoted to Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Sudama, who was Lord Krishna’s closest friend. The temples around this ghat present an amazing view of River Gomati. The Ghat Temples are just at the entrance of the Dwarkadhish temple.
  • Rukshmani Mandir: Rukshamanee/ Rukshmani Mandir is an important place of pilgrimage and is dedicated to the most adored consort of Krishna, Devi Rukmini. A masterpiece in artistic terms, this temple has embellished walls and carvings which are a treat for one’s eyes. This temple is located in the main city of Dwarka.
  • Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located at a distance of 18.2 km from Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, the temple is dedicated to Lord Chandra Mouliswar Shiva. The temple is on the hillock on the sea. During high tide, water surrounds the temple and a fair takes place here every year on the day of Mahashivratri.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nageshwar Temple

Is the Nageshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Nageshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Nageshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No, there is no online darshan facility available.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are permitted in the temple premises (viz. mobile, camera, laptop).

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. No such facilities are available. Although, a wheelchair can be made available upon request.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

No. No such facilities are available.

What is the weather like during summers?

The summers at Dwarka start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Dwarka, winters start in November and continues until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 10 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Nageshwar Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Somnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 41 Comments Filed Under: Dwarka Somnath Temple, Gujarat Temples, Jyotirlinga Tagged With:

Somnath Temple is the first among the 12 holy Jyotirlingas. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word Somnath translates to ‘The Lord of the Moon‘ which is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval port in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is also called “The Shrine Eternal” because the temple was looted and destroyed six times in the past. However, it was gloriously rebuilt every single time after that.

Planning to visit the Somnath Temple? Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Tour Package.

Somnath Temple – Facts

DeityLord Somnath (Lord Shiva)
LocationSomnath, Gujarat
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursDwarka – Somnath Tour
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra Abhishek
Best Time to VisitMarch and October
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri, Karthik Purnima
Jyotirlingas in GujaratSomnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
The Somnath Temple, Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is one of the Top 50 Famous Temples in India.

What are the timings of Somnath Temple?

The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti.

The timings are as follows:

Darshan 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Morning Aarti 7:00 AM
Afternoon Aarti 12:00 PM
Evening Aarti 7:00 PM

What are the poojas performed at Somnath Temple?

Pooja at Somnath Temple
There are several poojas which take place at the Somnath Temple.

The following poojas take place at Somnath Temple:

  1. Homatmak Atirudra: This yajna is the most powerful and the most sacred yajna out of all the Mahayagnas. Conducting this yagna washes away your sins and brings peace and prosperity. The Atirudra consists of eleven recitations of Maha Rudra.
  2. Homatmak Maharudra: This pooja involves 56 highly learned Vedic Pandits reciting the Rudras in one place. The priest also recites Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda in front of the deities of the temple.
  3. Homatmak Lagurudra: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the evil effects of planets in the horoscope.
  4. Savalaksha Samput Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya Abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person.
  5. Other Poojas and Abhishekams include Savalaksha Bilva Pooja, Kalsarpa Yog Nivaran Vidhi, Shivpuran Path, Mahadugdh Abhishek, Gangajal Abhishek, and Navagraha Jaap.

The prices of the poojas are as follows:

Somnath Temple - Pooja Prices
Somnath Temple – Pooja Prices

What is the significance of Somnath Temple?

The Somnath Temple is the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hindu mythology. Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light from this Linga which makes it Swayambhu. Millions of people worldwide come every year to visit this temple.

It is said that the Syamantak Mani (Philosopher’s Stone) associated with Lord Krishna is hidden inside Shiva Linga in the temple. According to beliefs, this magical stone has the ability to produce gold. It is also responsible for creating a magnetic field around itself which keeps the Linga floating above the ground.

The Linga consists of iron, and the roof of the sanctum is made of loadstone. The builder of the shrine assured that the magnetic force exerted by the loadstone kept the Linga floating in the air. It is also a popular belief that one can wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy water of the Someshwar Kund.

What is Prabhas Patan?

Prabhas Patan is the holy site of Sangam or the junction of three great mythological rivers – Saraswati, Hiranya and Kapila. It is also the site where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow while resting under a tree.

Another extremely famous and sacred Jyotirlinga is Kashi Vishwanath Temple which located in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh.

What is the history of Somnath Temple?

History of the Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple was destroyed six times in the past. This picture is estimated to be 200 years old.

According to legend, the time period and how the temple was first constructed is unknown. But it is said that the second temple was built by the Seuna Kings of Vallabhi (Yadavas of Devagiri) in around 649 CE.

The first attack on the temple was by Al-Junayd, the Governor of Sindh in around 725 CE, during invasions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The King Nagabhata ll reconstructed the third temple in 815 CE.

In 1024, Turkic Sultan, Mohammad Ghazni bombarded the Somnath temple. He demolished the Jyotirlinga and killed all the devotees who attempted to save it from the loot. Later, King Bhoja of Malwa and King Bhimdev I of Patan restored this as a tribute to Lord Someshvara.

The next attack on Somnath was by Alauddin Khilji’s forces. The idol of the god was stolen, and many devotees were captured in the process. King Mahipala I, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra, rebuilt it in 1308. Later, Muzaffar Shah I and Mahmud Begada of the Gujarat Sultanate, respectively, made repeated assaults in 1375 and 1451.

The temple also faced the rage of Aurangzeb in 1665. Finally, in 1783 the Peshwas, Bhonsles, Queen Ahilyabai of Indore and Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior together reconstructed it. The present temple is fashioned in the Chalukya style.

According to the legends, Garbhashay initially contained many gems. Over a period of time, many invaders took them. Three silver gates, originally belonging to the Somnath temple, were brought back to India from Lahore. This was after the Maratha king Mahadaji Shinde defeated Muhammad Shah.

After unsuccessful attempts to re-install them in the Somnath temple, they were then gifted to two temples in Ujjain – the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Gopal Mandir where they are still present.

What is the legend of the Someshwar Kund?

Prajapati Daksha had the 27 Nakshatras born in the form of his daughters. All of his 27 daughters were married to Lord Chandra (The Moon). However, Chandra loved only Rohini and neglected his other 26 wives. This angered their father Daksha. He cursed Chandra to decrease in size every day. To counter this curse, Chandra offered penance to Lord Shiva who granted him a boon.

The boon was that Lord Shiva would place Chandra on His head. This way, Chandra would lose one Kala (shade) every day and decrease in size for 15 days only to grow back in the next 15 days. When the moon fades away fully, it is called no moon day (Amavasya). When he grows to full size, it is called the full moon day (Purnima). Thus, these are called as Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha (each Paksha of 15 days). As a result, Shiva was also called Someshvara (Lord of the Moon). The Kund honours Shiva for removing the curse.

Shrine of the Somnath Temple
This Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva as the ‘The Lord of the Moon’. Seen here is a crescent moon over His head.

What is the structure of the Somnath Temple?

The temple is divided into three main areas – the Garbhagraha, the Sabhamandapam, and the Nrityamandapam. The Shikhar of the temple is 150 feet high. The Kalasam or the Kalash weighs 10 tonnes. The flag pole at the top is 8.2 meters long. The temple reflects the skills of the Sompura Salats, Gujarat’s famed stonemasons.

An inscription in Sanskrit is found in the Banastambha also known as the “Arrow Pillar”. The Abadhit Samudra Marg and Tirstambh indicate that there is no land in a straight line between the seashore until Antarctica.

What are the festivals celebrated at Somnath?

Mahashivratri at Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple shrine as decorated during the festival of Mahashivratri.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Somnath Temple are:

  1. Shravan Month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
  2. Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  3. Golokdham Utsav: It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna, more popularly known as Janmashtami.
  4. Kartik Purnima Fair: The fair lasts for five days.
  5. Somnath Sthapana Divas: The foundation day which is celebrated on the 11th of May.

How to reach Somnath Temple?

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Diu which is 85 km away from the temple.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Somnath (0.5 km). Regular train service is available from all major cities in Gujarat.
  • By Road: Somnath connects well to major cities in Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Dwarka, and Chorwad by state roadways.

You can also travel to Somnath from Vadodara. Have a look at our Dwarka Somnath Vadodara Tour Package.

Somnath Temple route from Ahmedabad

Somnath temple lies at a distance of 411 km from the heart of Ahmedabad.

  • Air: Flights are available that connect Ahmedabad airport to Diu Airport which is 85 km away from the temple.
  • Train: Many trains such as the Superfast express as well as the Mail express run between Somnath railway station and Ahmedabad railway station.
  • Road: The fastest route to travel using roadways is via NH27 and NH47. It takes about 7 hours of drive between Ahmedabad and Somnath temple using the road.

Where to stay nearby?

  1. Rooms operated by Somnath Temple Management are available at nominal rates. People can book those rooms by visiting the official website at www.somnath.org.
  2. Accommodations can be booked in the Sagar Darshan Atithi Grah, Lilavati Atithi Bhavan, and Maheshwari Atithi Bhavan.
  3. Private hotels are also abundant near the Somnath Temple complex.

Some of the hotels where one can stay near Somnath Temple are:

  1. The Fern Residency Somnath: The hotel has 56 rooms including suites such as Winter Green and Hazel Suite. The hotel also offers express check-in and check-out, high-speed Internet, gym facility, in-room safe as well as a business centre.
  2. The Divine Resort: The hotel has a large party hall that can accommodate up to 5000 guests. Conference rooms, massage centre, swimming pool, and gymnasium are also available. Other basic services provided are car rentals, babysitting, and doctor on call.
  3. Lords Inn Somnath: The hotel has facilities like Wi-Fi, airport & railway pickup, power backup, currency exchange, spa, swimming pool, and fitness centre. The hotel also has a meeting room and a banquet hall for private and corporate events

Where to eat nearby?

All the Guesthouses managed by the Somnath Temple Trust hosts a restaurant, which serves various cuisines like Gujarati, Punjabi, and Chinese. Apart from those, many small eateries are also present around the temple complex.

What are the famous temples near Somnath?

Exploring Somnath
There are several temples to visit near the beautiful city of Somnath.

Some temples near Somnath temple are:

  • Bhalka Tirth: It is 5 km from the Prabhas – Veraval highway. At this location, the arrow fired by the poacher Jara hit Sri Krishna, who was resting under a Peepal tree. The Lord Sri Krishna then walked and reached the banks of River Hiran from where he started his last journey.
  • Shree Golokdham Teerth or Shree Neejdham Prastham Teerth: It is on the banks of River Hiran, 1.5 km away from the Somnath Temple. The footprint of Lord Krishna is carved here to mark the site of the temple. Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna also started his last journey from here in his original serpent form.
  • Junagadh Gate: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gujarat. A long time ago Mohmmad of Ghazni entered through this gate and looted the famous Somnath temple and turned it to ruins. Though it has worn out over time, this monument still continues to attract history lovers.

Some other famous temples in Gujarat are:

  • Dwarkadhish Temple: It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages, is situated in the city of Dwarka in Gujarat. Dwarka lies on the banks of river Gomti, in Saurashtra. It is historically considered as the capital of Lord Krishna. The city eventually submerged under the sea except for Temples.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somnath Temple

Is the Somnath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Somnath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Somnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone enter the temple?

Non-Hindus need to take prior permission from the General Manager’s Office. Hindus can enter the temple without any permits.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website www.somnath.org for Online Darshan.

Who should be contacted for performing a Havan/Yajna?

For booking Yajna Shala, please contact the Management of Shree Somnath Trust.
Dy. General Manager: +91-9428214909

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

No. All electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). They can be stored in lockers available in the Cloak Room. The cloakroom facility is free of cost.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

Is there any facility available for site seeing or nearby temple visit?

Tirth Darshan Bus facility is available at a nominal charge which takes pilgrims to the nearby temples for darshan. Bus leaves from the main gate of the temple and its timings are 08:30 AM and 03:30 PM.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Somnath start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Gujarat?

In Somnath, winters start in November and continue until February. The temperatures during this time range from around 10 º C to 24 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Somnath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

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