The short answer
Gomukh Mahadev Temple, Don: what visitors should know first
Go for the setting and the spring, on a weekday if possible. The temple is about 13 km from Songadh, down a forest road, with about 80 steps to descend and no lodging, so it is best in dry weather and with a driver.
History and context
The story behind Gomukh Mahadev Temple, Don
Local tradition links the temple to the sage Gautam, who is said to have done penance here, and to the arrival of the Ganga at this site. The village name is said to derive from the ashram of Rishi Dronacharya. These accounts are traditions rather than documented history.
Useful facts
Gomukh Mahadev Temple, Don facts at a glance
- Location
- Don village, Songadh taluka; about 13 km from Songadh
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Shiva (Ratneshwar Mahadev)
- Visitor note
- About 80 steps down; no lodging
- Water feature
- Year-round spring from a cow-mouth spout
Why it matters
Why Gomukh Mahadev Temple, Don is worth your time
The temple is a local pilgrimage site tied to a legend about the sage Gautam, who is said to have atoned for a sin here, with Shiva calling the Ganga to appear at this spot. Whatever the story, the unexplained constant flow of water makes it a striking place in dry country.
It is also a useful counterpoint to the fort and the dam: a small, quiet, forested site that draws devotees rather than tourists. If you have an extra half day around Songadh and can manage steps, it gives you a view of how local faith and landscape are tied together.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Gomukh spout
Water flows all year from a cow-mouth spout into a large kund.
- 02
Monsoon waterfall
A waterfall of about 15 feet draws bathers in the rains.
- 03
Forest setting
The drive and the hollow give the temple a remote feel.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive from Songadh on the highway and turn off onto the forest road for the last 4 km. The temple sits in a hollow below a plateau at one corner of the village, so you walk down about 80 steps to reach it.
Inside, look for the Gomukh, a cow-mouth spout from which water runs through the year before it vanishes into the hills, hence the name Gupt Ganga. A large kund is enclosed by iron grills. The main shrine is to Shiva as Ratneshwar Mahadev, with smaller shrines to Ganesha, Hanuman and Parvati.
Nearby there is a waterfall about 15 feet high that attracts bathers in the monsoon, and a small Hanuman temple where monkeys and langurs are often seen. Snacks are available in the area but there is no lodging, so plan to return to Songadh or Vyara. Weekends bring devotees from Surat and Navsari.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Go with a driver on the forest road
- Wear shoes with grip for the steps
- Carry water and snacks
- Avoid weekends for a quiet visit
- Remove footwear at the temple
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Don village, about 13 km from Songadh and 4 km off the main highway
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Weekday mornings; the waterfall is best in the monsoon
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- About 80 steps lead down to the temple and must be climbed back, which is tiring for older visitors or those with knee trouble. The forest road is narrow and the area has snacks only, with no lodging.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket. Remove footwear, dress modestly and keep to the paths around the kund. Visiting hours are not published.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Gomukh Mahadev Temple, Don
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
About 80 steps lead down to the temple and must be climbed back, which is tiring for older visitors or those with knee trouble. The forest road is narrow and the area has snacks only, with no lodging.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is it from Songadh?
About 13 to 14 km, depending on the source, and about 4 km off the main highway.
Are there steps?
Yes, about 80 steps down to the temple.
Is there accommodation?
No, but snacks are available nearby.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
