Mumbai: Nestled in the sacred town of Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, the Somnath Temple stands as a beacon of faith, history, and artistic heritage. As the first of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas, this temple is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, with mentions in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Shreemad Bhagavat, and Shiva Purana.
According to legend, the temple was originally built in gold by Somraj (the Moon God), later reconstructed in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna, and finally in stone by Bhimdev. Despite facing multiple invasions, Somnath has risen time and again, symbolising resilience and cultural unity. The present-day temple, envisioned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands proudly on the Arabian Sea coast, showcasing traditional architecture with a towering 155-foot Shikhar and an awe-inspiring Kalash weighing 10 tons.
A site of immense religious significance, Somnath has also been a historical hub of music and dance. Rooted in the Shaivite tradition, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja—the cosmic dancer—Somnath has long celebrated the divine connection between spirituality and artistic expression. The temple’s Natya Mandap is a silent witness to this glorious past.
The Somnath Festival of Dance and Music, curated by the Gujarat Tourism and IGNCA Regional Centre Vadodara, seeks to revive this age-old connection. Celebrated during Mahashivratrithe festival brings together legendary artists, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awardees, for an unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience. With performances ranging from Veena recitals and devotional bhajans to vibrant folk traditions like Raas and Dyro, the festival is a true tribute to Lord Shiva.
Special performances – Renowned artists perform through the night on Mahashivratriblending devotion with artistic excellence.
Sacred Sound Exhibition (Vādyam – Nādasya Yātrā) – A unique three-day showcase exploring the evolution of Indian musical instruments and their spiritual significance.
Sangam Aarti at Triveni Ghat – A divine ritual with 108 Diyascelebrating the holy confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati Rivers.
Scholarly Seminars – Discussions on “Somnath: Temple, Tirtha & Tradition” (Saumnath Temple, Tirtha, Tradition) Hosted by Sri somnath sanskrit mahavidyalaya.
Dates: February 24 – February 26, 2025
Location: Somnath Temple, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat
Here is the detailed schedule of the Somnath Festival 2025:
Somnath Festival 2025 schedule (Pic credit: Gujarat Tourism)
There will be ‘Parthiveshwar Mahapujan’ on Feb 26, Mahashivratri on Maruti Beach, near Somnath Temple from 8 am onwards and a majestic ‘Palkhi Yatra’ from 9 am onwards in the temple premises.
This festival attracts devotees, cultural enthusiasts, scholars, and tourists from across India. It serves as a unifying event where locals, travellers, and government dignitaries come together to celebrate Somnath’s rich heritage.
The Somnath Festival of Dance and Music is not just an event; it is a spiritual journey that revives the temple’s ancient artistic traditions, ensuring that devotion and culture continue to flourish hand in hand.
Beyond its artistic and spiritual offerings, the Somnath Festival serves as a unifying platform, drawing devotees, artists, scholars, and travellers from across India. The fusion of heritage, devotion, and culture makes this a one-of-a-kind event that revives the sacred traditions of Shaivism.
Whether you’re a lover of Indian classical arts, a devotee of Lord Shiva, or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, the Somnath Festival 2025 is an unmissable celebration. Mark your calendars and prepare to witness the magic of music, dance, and devotion at one of India’s most sacred sites.
