The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, India, stands as a testament to India's resilience and civilizational pride, having been attacked and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The temple is not only one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus but also the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple's history is a complex narrative of destruction, reconstruction, and unwavering faith.
Early History and Initial Construction
The exact origins of the Somnath Temple remain unclear, with estimates varying from the early centuries of the 1st millennium to around the 9th century CE. According to ancient texts, the temple was initially built in gold by King Somraj during Satya Yuga. It was later rebuilt in silver by Ravana in Treta Yuga, and then in wood by Lord Krishna during Dwapara Yuga. King Bhimdev is credited with constructing the temple out of stone. The site's significance as a pilgrimage center stems from being a Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers. Legend says that Soma, the Moon God, regained his luster by bathing in the Sarasvati River at this site after being cursed.
Waves of Destruction
The Somnath Temple faced repeated destruction at the hands of invaders. The first notable attack occurred in 725 AD when Junayad, the Arab governor of Sindh, destroyed the temple. In 815 AD, King Nagabhata II of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty rebuilt the temple using red sandstone. However, the most infamous assault came in 1026 AD when Mahmud of Ghazni raided and plundered the temple, breaking its Jyotirlinga and looting an estimated 20 million dinars. This event is considered the fifteenth invasion of India by Mahmud. The destruction was so severe that it left a lasting impact on the collective memory of India.
Reconstruction Efforts
Despite the repeated devastation, the Somnath Temple was consistently rebuilt by various rulers and devotees. Between 1026 and 1042 AD, the temple was reconstructed by the Solanki King Bhima of Anhilwara and the Paramara King Bhoja of Malwa. In 1169, Kumarapala of the Chalukya-Solanki dynasty rebuilt the temple with "excellent stone and studded it with jewels". However, in 1299, Alauddin Khilji's army, led by Ulugh Khan, sacked the temple during their invasion of Gujarat. The Chudasama dynasty restored the temple in 1308, with Mahipala I rebuilding it and his son Khengara reinstalling the lingam. Further destruction occurred in 1395 by Zafar Khan, the last governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate, and in 1451 by Mahmud Begada, the Sultan of Gujarat.
Even in the 18th century, the temple was in a dilapidated state until Ahilyabai Holkar, a Maratha queen from Indore, built a smaller temple and placed an idol there in 1782. The repeated desecration underscores the temple's significance as a target for invaders seeking to undermine the region's cultural and religious identity.
Modern Reconstruction
The most recent and comprehensive reconstruction of the Somnath Temple occurred after India's independence. In 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then the Deputy Prime Minister, visited the ruins and resolved to rebuild the temple, viewing it as crucial for reviving India's cultural confidence. The Somnath Trust was established to oversee the reconstruction, and the present-day temple was built according to traditional designs. On May 11, 1951, the then-President of India, Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the rebuilt temple. The Prime Minister of India currently serves as the chairman of the trust.
The Somnath Temple's history is a powerful narrative of continuous struggle, resilience, and faith. Despite facing repeated destruction, it has been resurrected time and again, embodying the enduring spirit of India's cultural and religious heritage.
