Somnath and Prabhas Patan, Gujarat

Why this place matters

Somnath, the first of the twelve jyotirlingas, stands at Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast. The Puranas call the region Prabhas Kshetra. Tradition says that the Moon (Soma) worshipped Shiva here and was freed from a curse, which is the origin of the name Somnath.

Near the temple is the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Hiran and Kapila are said to meet the Saraswati, which is understood to flow unseen, and then enter the sea. The place is also traditionally linked with the end of Krishna's earthly life. Many Hindus regard the Sangam as an appropriate place for Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan, and the immersion of ashes.

Rituals performed here

• Triveni Sangam: Pilgrims bathe, take a vow, and offer Tarpan. Pind Daan and Shraddha are done under the guidance of priests on the ghat. The Sangam is a short distance from the temple; estimates vary from a short walk to about a kilometre.
• Somnath temple: Darshan of the Somnath jyotirlinga is customarily taken after the rites. The temple is run by the Shree Somnath Trust.
• Other sites: Pilgrims often visit nearby places linked to the story of Krishna, such as Bhalka Tirtha, and the Dehotsarg area.

The usual order is a bath, vow, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and feeding or giving to Brahmins. Traditions vary; follow your family's custom or your priest's guidance. For the general method see the Tarpan vidhi and Pind Daan vidhi guides on this site.

Best time to visit

Traditional occasions. Amavasya days, Pitru Paksha and Maha Shivaratri are the principal days for Somnath. Kartik Purnima is another time when many people bathe at the Sangam.

Practical season. November to February is pleasant, with warm days and mild nights. March to June is hot, and humid near the coast. The monsoon, from June to September, brings rain and strong sea; the rivers rise and the Sangam may be inaccessible. Check conditions before you go. Cyclonic weather can affect the Saurashtra coast in some years, usually before or after the monsoon.

Planning your visit

Priests at the Triveni Ghat conduct the rites. Many families from Gujarat have hereditary links with priests at Prabhas Patan. Ask your elders.

• Book through an official or well-reviewed channel, and agree on the scope of the rite and the dakshina (dakshina = the priest's offering) before beginning. Avoid touts at the ghat steps and temple approaches who press you to begin before agreeing terms.
• Time needed: a standard Tarpan and Shraddha takes a morning. Allow a full day, and a second if you wish to see other sites.
• Getting there: Veraval is the nearest main railway station, a short road trip from Somnath. The nearest airports are Diu and Rajkot, each at some distance by road; check the latest schedules.
• What to wear and carry: modest clothes you can bathe in, a spare set, a towel, sandals, sunscreen, a hat, water. Phones and bags may not be allowed inside the temple, so check the Trust's rules.

Practical tips

• Sea and river currents at the Sangam can be strong. Bathe only in areas that are marked safe, and keep children and elders near the steps.
• Queues at the temple are heavy on Mondays, Shravan days, festivals and weekends.
• The Shree Somnath Trust publishes official information on darshan, accommodation and arrangements; use it rather than third-party sites.
• Book rooms early for Pitru Paksha and festival seasons.
• Facilities for elderly and disabled pilgrims, such as wheelchairs, are generally managed through the Trust. Ask in advance.