Shree Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, with the current structure being built in 1951. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is also an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and pillars of the temple. The temple is situated on the shore of the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for tourists to witness the beautiful sunsets over the sea.

History of Somnath Temple

The history of Somnath Temple dates back to ancient times and is shrouded in legends and myths. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was originally built by Lord Soma, the Moon God, in gold. It was later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, by Lord Krishna in wood, by King Bhimdev Solanki in stone, and by various other rulers and devotees throughout history.

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the most infamous being the destruction of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE. Mahmud is said to have looted the temple of its riches and destroyed the idol of Lord Shiva, which was made of gold. The temple was rebuilt by King Bhoj of Malwa in the 11th century, and subsequently by various other rulers including the Chalukyas and the Solankis.

In the 14th century, the temple was destroyed by Sultan Alauddin Khilji, who is said to have taken away the lingam from the temple and thrown it into the sea. The temple was rebuilt once again by King Mahipala I of the Chudasama dynasty in the 15th century.

In 1706, the temple was destroyed for the final time by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who is said to have ordered the demolition of all Hindu temples in India. The temple remained in ruins for several centuries until it was rebuilt by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi in 1951. The current structure of the temple is a fine example of modern Indian architecture and is a testament to the resilience of the Indian spirit.