Mahashivratri in Somnath Temple: More than 500,000 devotees are expected to visit the Somnath Temple on Mahashivratri, according to temple officials.

Mahashivratri at Somnath Temple

Mahashivratri in Somnath Temple: Mahashivratri will be celebrated this week in February. More than 500,000 devotees are expected to visit the Somnath Temple in Gujarat during this time.

Temple officials report an increase in visitors since last month's Somnath Swabhiman Parva. Preparations are in full swing at the world-famous Somnath Temple for the Mahashivratri festival on February 15, 2026. 

Gir district collector gave information

Keeping in mind the expected huge crowd of devotees this year, the temple administration and local authorities are making elaborate arrangements for security and facilities, Gujarat's Gir district collector NV Upadhyay informed reporters on Monday. 

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held from January 8 to 11 as a national memorial day, marking the 1000th anniversary of the attack on the Somnath Temple on January 10, 1926. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the event.

The administration took necessary steps to control the crowd.

Upadhyaya stated that the number of devotees has increased since the Somnath Swabhiman festival. On normal days, around 20,000 devotees visited the temple, but now their number has increased to over 75,000.

More than 5 lakh devotees are expected to arrive during the main days of the upcoming Mahashivratri festival. 

The number of security checkpoints has been increased from 6 to 10.

To control the crowds at the Somnath Temple, the administration has implemented several measures related to the ease of visiting the temple. The number of security checkpoints has been increased from six to ten. A special one-way entry and exit system has been designed to maintain the flow of devotees. 

Medical teams will be on duty 24 hours a day to handle any emergencies. He further stated that a large-scale community kitchen will be organized in the temple parking area.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Tourism Corporation has organized grand cultural events on February 14, 15, and 16. Officials have informed that renowned singers, including Kailash Kher, will perform in a field near the temple complex.