Why in the News?
The Prime Minister of India highlighted the thousand year survival of the Somnath Temple, marking 1,000 years since the 1026 CE attack by Mahmud of Ghazni.
Somnath Temple
- One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- Revered across Hindu tradition
- Known as the Eternal Shrine due to repeated destruction and reconstruction
Location
- Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Saurashtra region of Gujarat
- Located on the Arabian Sea coast
- At the Triveni Sangam of Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers
Historical Significance
Ancient Origins
- Mentioned in Shiva Purana
- Evidence of worship since antiquity
- Multiple reconstructions in pre medieval times
1026 CE Event
- Temple attacked and plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni
- Considered a major historical rupture in Indian history
Medieval Period
- Rebuilt by rulers such as Kumarapala of the Chaulukya dynasty
- Reconstructed under Chudasama kings
- Destroyed again during Sultanate invasions
Symbol of Resilience
- Historical records indicate the temple was destroyed six times
- Rebuilt after every destruction
- Became a symbol of civilisational continuity and faith
Architectural Features
- Built in Chaulukya or Solanki style
- Prominent shikhara and richly carved stone walls
- Garbhagriha houses the Jyotirlinga
- Famous inscription stating no landmass lies between Somnath and the South Pole, symbolising cosmic alignment
Modern Reconstruction
Post Independence Revival
- Reconstruction initiated in 1947
- Led by Vallabhbhai Patel as a civilisational responsibility
- Designed by architect Prabhashankar Sompura using traditional methods
Inauguration
- Inaugurated on 11 May 1951
- By Rajendra Prasad
- Despite the political debates of the period
Present Management
- Managed by the Somnath Trust
- Trust is chaired by the Prime Minister of India
| [2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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