Introduction

Somnath Temple, one of the most revered and historically significant temples in India, is located in the Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple’s history, architecture, and religious importance have drawn millions of devotees and tourists worldwide. Known as the “Shrine Eternal,” the temple symbolizes India’s spiritual legacy and architectural grandeur.

The Story of Somnath Temple: A Tale of Faith, Destruction, and Rebirth

The Somnath Temple stands as one of India’s most sacred shrines, but its story is more than just a religious one—it’s a saga of faith, resilience, and rebirth.

The Divine Origin: Chandra and Lord Shiva

According to Hindu mythology, the origin of the Somnath Temple is linked to the Moon God, Chandra (Soma). Chandra was married to 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, but he loved Rohini, his favorite wife, more than the others. This preferential treatment angered Daksha, who cursed Chandra to lose his brightness and wither away. Distressed by the curse, Chandra sought refuge in Lord Shiva and performed penance on the shores of what is now Prabhas Patan. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva partially relieved Chandra from the curse, restoring his luminosity.

This is why the moon waxes and wanes in a cyclic manner, and in gratitude, Chandra built the first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the site, naming it Somnath, which translates to “The Lord of the Moon.”

The Cycles of Destruction and Reconstruction

The Somnath Temple’s story is not just about its divine origins but also about its repeated cycles of destruction and reconstruction. Over the centuries, the temple has been ravaged by invaders and rebuilt by devout kings and rulers, symbolizing the resilience of faith.

1. First Destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni (1024 AD): In the 11th century, the temple became a target for Mahmud of Ghazni. Mahmud, drawn by the immense wealth of the temple, invaded Gujarat in 1024 AD, plundering Somnath and destroying the temple. It is said that he looted enormous treasures, including gold and jewels, and dismantled the Jyotirlinga.
2. Reconstruction by Solanki King Bhimdev I: After the destruction by Mahmud, the temple was rebuilt by the Solanki dynasty under the rule of King Bhimdev I and his son Kumarpal. This marked the first of many reconstructions, as the temple was restored to its former glory.
3. Subsequent Destruction by Alauddin Khilji: The temple was again desecrated in the late 13th century by the forces of Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. His army, led by Ulugh Khan, destroyed the temple and once again plundered its wealth.
4. Rebuilt by Mahipala I: After Khilji’s invasion, the temple was restored by the Chudasama rulers of Gujarat, under Mahipala I, who ensured the continuation of worship at the site.
5. Repeated Attacks and Rebuilding Efforts: Over the next few centuries, Somnath continued to face destruction at the hands of rulers such as Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat and Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. Yet, each time, the temple was rebuilt, a testament to the enduring devotion of its followers.

The Modern Rebirth

The final chapter in Somnath’s tumultuous history came in the 20th century. After India gained independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister, took it upon himself to restore the temple. Under his guidance, the present structure was built in 1951, with the support of prominent leaders like K.M. Munshi and Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.

Architectural Marvel

The present structure of Somnath Temple, built in the Chalukyan style of architecture, is an architectural masterpiece. The temple is designed to capture both religious and artistic aesthetics, combining intricate carvings, stone sculptures, and a towering spire.

• Shikhar (Pinnacle): The temple stands 155 feet high, with a grand Shikhar that is visible from a great distance. The Kalash (apex) of the temple weighs about 10 tons, symbolizing the pinnacle of spiritual devotion.
• Dhwajdand (Flagstaff): The flag atop the temple is 27 feet tall and is regularly replaced, symbolizing purity and sanctity.
• The Jyotirlinga: The central deity in the temple is the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, representing his eternal presence. This is believed to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.

The Spiritual Significance

Somnath is considered the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a pivotal pilgrimage destination. Each Jyotirlinga represents a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and the Somnath Linga is believed to have been self-manifested or Swayambhu, as opposed to man-made.

The temple is special in Hindu cosmology, believed to be where Lord Krishna ended his earthly incarnation. According to the Mahabharata, after being accidentally shot by a hunter’s arrow, Krishna left his mortal body at Bhalka Tirtha, which is located near Somnath.

• Purna Kumbh Mela: Somnath is one of the few places that hosts the Purna Kumbh Mela, drawing large numbers of devotees during the event.
• Shravan Month Celebrations: During the auspicious month of Shravan, the temple witnesses an influx of devotees, who participate in grand Shivratri celebrations.

Legends Surrounding Somnath

Several legends are intertwined with the history of the Somnath Temple:

• The Pillar and the Ocean: An inscription found in the temple claims that there is no landmass between Somnath and the South Pole. This is a fascinating testament to ancient Indian geographical knowledge, and it is said that the temple faces the ocean to symbolize infinite possibilities.
• The Cow of Plenty (Kamadhenu): It is believed that the Kamadhenu, the divine cow that grants all wishes, emerged from the Earth at this site. This is one of the reasons why the land around Somnath is considered exceptionally sacred.

Scenic Location

The temple is located along the western coast of Gujarat, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The strategic positioning of the temple facing the sea is of great significance, as there is no landmass between the temple and Antarctica, a fact famously inscribed on the temple walls.

• Nearby Attractions: Visitors can also explore other nearby attractions, such as Bhalka Tirtha, Triveni Sangam, and Gita Mandir, making Somnath a comprehensive spiritual and tourist destination.

How to Reach Somnath

• By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport, around 85 km away, connected to major cities in India.
• By Train: The closest railway station is Veraval, just 7 km away, which is well-connected to cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot.
• By Road: Somnath has a well-developed road network, with regular bus services from Gujarat’s major cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot.

Conclusion

Somnath Temple is a mesmerizing blend of history, spirituality, and architecture. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking blessings or a history enthusiast marveling at its resilience, Somnath offers a unique and enriching experience. The temple stands not only as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage but also as a symbol of faith that has withstood the test of time.