Prabhas Patan Museum, situated 300 meters north of the Somnath temple along the market street and just 7 kilometers from Veraval city, showcases intricately carved stone fragments from previous temples exposed to the elements in its courtyard. Established in 1951, the museum is easily accessible from major cities in Gujarat, given Somnath’s excellent connectivity. A notable attraction is the reconstructed 12th-century shrine from the main temple, featuring delicately carved ceilings and spiritual paintings.
History of Prabhas Patan Museum
Located at the religious site of Prabhas Patan in Somnath, the museum holds significance as the unification point of the mythical Saraswati, Hiranya, and Kapila. According to ancient tales, the “Kalbhairav Linga” of Lord Shiva is also situated at Prabhas Patan, with an association with the moon, believed to have worshiped the Shiva Linga at this site.
Illustration of Prabhas Patan Museum
The museum houses remnants of ancient temples in the form of a scattered collection of carved stones in the courtyard. It also preserves art treasures from various ancient epochs, including Sanskrit inscriptions, twelfth-century toranas, five domes, sacred waters from different rivers, pillars, and statues of deities like Vishnu, Natra Bhairava, Agni, Uma Maheshwara, and Parwati (from the 11th century). Noteworthy features include “Stone Apsaras.” Additionally, the museum displays seashells, pottery shards, and a glass container holding waters from various rivers and seas.
How to Reach Prabhas
Situated to the right of the entrance of the renowned Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan Museum is easily accessible from Veraval. A mere 5-minute journey from the temple leads you to this notable museum. The closest railway station is Veraval, providing well-connected routes to nearby cities such as Junagarh. Covering a distance of approximately 7 km from Veraval, the museum can be reached in about 10-12 minutes, depending on the prevailing traffic conditions.
Travel Options:
By Road:
The temple city is positioned 82 km from Junagadh, 270 km from Bhavnagar, and 120 km from Porbandar. The capital city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, is conveniently located just 400 km away from Somnath.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Somnath, ensuring excellent connectivity to other major towns in Gujarat and across India.
By Air:
For those opting for air travel, Porbandar Airport is located 120 km away, while Rajkot Airport is situated 200 km from Prabhas Patan Museum.
Best Time to Visit
- The most favorable period to plan a visit is during the cooler months from November to February.
Visiting Hours
- 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Thu–Tue, closed on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month.
Entry Fee:
- Entrance fee is Rs 5
- For foreigners: Rs 50
- Camera fee is Rs 100.
Also Read: Popular Places to Visit in Somonath
