Prabhas Patan Museum
The Prabhas Patan Museum, also known as the Somnath Museum, is an archaeological treasure trove that documents the tumultuous and glorious history of the Somnath Temple. Established in 1951, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts recovered from the ruins of previous versions of the temple , which were destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The museum is divided into several galleries featuring ancient sculptures, inscriptions, coins, and pottery. One of the most unique exhibits is a collection of "Holy Waters" in glass bottles from major rivers across the world, including the Nile, Danube, and Tigris, symbolizing the universal nature of divinity. The museum also showcases the reconstructed 12th-century shrine of the main temple, allowing visitors to see the intricate craftsmanship of the Solanki era. For history enthusiasts, the museum provides a context that makes the visit to the main temple much more meaningful. It houses over 3,500 objects that tell the story of the Prabhas Patan region from the prehistoric era to the medieval period. The museum is maintained by the Government of Gujarat and serves as a vital educational center for understanding the architectural evolution of North Indian temples. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological & CulturalEntry Fees:
The entry fee is very nominal, costing 5 Rupees for Indian citizens and 50 Rupees for Foreigners. If you wish to take photos, there is a separate photography fee of 100 Rupees and a videography fee of 500 Rupees. These charges are quite affordable given the historical value of the collection on d...The entry fee is very nominal, costing 5 Rupees for Indian citizens and 50 Rupees for Foreigners. If you wish to take photos, there is a separate photography fee of 100 Rupees and a videography fee of 500 Rupees. These charges are quite affordable given the historical value of the collection on display.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 10:30 AM right when it opens to explore the galleries in a quie...Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 10:30 AM right when it opens to explore the galleries in a quiet atmosphere before the afternoon crowds arrive.
:Special Events:
The museum organizes special exhibitions during International Museum Day in May. Additionally, during the Somnath Mahadev festival, the museum often hosts lectures by renowned archaeologists and historians who explain the significance of the artifacts to the visiting pilgrims, bridging the gap bet...The museum organizes special exhibitions during International Museum Day in May. Additionally, during the Somnath Mahadev festival, the museum often hosts lectures by renowned archaeologists and historians who explain the significance of the artifacts to the visiting pilgrims, bridging the gap between faith and history.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Open-Air Courtyard: The rows of ancient carved pillars provide a dramatic background for heritage photography.
The 12th Century Ceiling: The reconstructed ceiling with its circular floral motifs is a masterpiece of geometric art.The Open-Air Courtyard: The rows of ancient carved pillars provide a dramatic background for heritage photography.
The 12th Century Ceiling: The reconstructed ceiling with its circular floral motifs is a masterpiece of geometric art.
The External Facade: The entrance of the museum with the Somnath Temple visible in the distance creates a great "then and now" shot.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Observe the Ancient Sculptures: Look at the broken yet beautiful idols of Lord Agni, Vishnu, and Parvati.
Study the Inscriptions: Read the historical records carved in stone that detail the donations made to the temple.
View the Global Water Collection: See the glass jars containing water from the Nile and St. Lawrence rivers.
Walk through the Open Courtyard: Get up close to the massive pillars and carved stones that once held up the temple roof.
Learn about the Temple History: Read the informative plaques that explain the different stages of the temple's reconstruction.
Visit the Numismatic Section: See the ancient coins that were used in the port city of Prabhas Patan.
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
The museum is famous for housing the original stone remains of the ancient Somnath Temple that survived various invasions. It is also renowned for its "Waters of the World" collection, which is unique in India. The detailed Sanskrit and Persian inscriptions found here are of immense value to hist...The museum is famous for housing the original stone remains of the ancient Somnath Temple that survived various invasions. It is also renowned for its "Waters of the World" collection, which is unique in India. The detailed Sanskrit and Persian inscriptions found here are of immense value to historians studying the medieval history of the Saurashtra region. It is the best place to understand the "Rise and Fall" of one of India's most significant religious landmarks.
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Architecture:
The museum building itself is a modest, colonial-style structure with high ceilings and large windows to allow for natural light. The courtyard is perhaps the most impressive "architectural" part, where massive stone pillars and lintels from the 11th and 12th centuries are arranged in the open air...The museum building itself is a modest, colonial-style structure with high ceilings and large windows to allow for natural light. The courtyard is perhaps the most impressive "architectural" part, where massive stone pillars and lintels from the 11th and 12th centuries are arranged in the open air. The internal galleries are organized by theme, with a central hall measuring approximately 120 feet by 60 feet. The stone carvings on display show the transition from early Nagara style to the highly ornate medieval architecture.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Diu Airport is the closest; taxis take about 1. 5 to 2 hours to reach Somnath.
By Train: Somnath Station is just 1. 5 KM away; an auto-rickshaw will get you there in 5 minutes.
By Road: The museum... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Somnath Temple (0. 5 KM), 2. Somnath Beach (1 KM), 3. Triveni Sangam (1. 5 KM), 4. Gita Mandir (1. 6 KM), 5. Kamnath Mahadev (1. 2 KM), 6. Panch Pandav Gufa (1. 3 KM), 7. Laxmi Narayan Temple (1. 6 KM), 8. Suraj Mandir (1. 1 KM), 9. Junagadh Gate (1. 5 KM), 10. Bhalka Teerth (4. 5 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not touch the ancient artifacts to prevent damage from skin oils.
Packing: Carry a notebook and pen if you are a history student;
there is a lot to learn! Accommodation: Stay at any of t...
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Prabhas Patan Museum Tourism:-
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