About Somnath Jyotirlinga
The Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, holds an unmatched position in Hindu spiritual heritage as the Prathama Jyotirlinga—the primary shrine among the twelve divine manifestations of Lord Shiva. Gazing out into the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, this magnificent temple complex is not merely an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of eternal devotion and resilience, having risen repeatedly from cycles of destruction and rebirth.
Built in the traditional Chalukya style of temple architecture (also known as Solanki style), the current structure reflects the brilliance of ancient Indian craftsmanship. The soaring spire (Shikhara) reaches a height of 155 feet, topped with a massive flag pole and kalash. The temple layout includes the main garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), a grand sabha mandapa (assembly hall), and a beautiful nritya mandapa.
A unique feature on the temple grounds is the Bana Stambha (Arrow Pillar). An inscription on this pillar states that from this point on the Somnath sea coast, there is no piece of land in a straight line all the way to the South Pole (Antarctica). This remarkable geographical revelation highlights the ancient Indians' sophisticated understanding of astronomy and geography.
Visitors to Somnath can experience the profound serenity of morning and evening Aartis, accompanied by the thunderous sound of temple drums and the soothing roar of ocean waves. Every evening, a captivating Light and Sound show (Jay Somnath) is presented against the backdrop of the illuminated temple and sea shore, narrating the glorious saga of the shrine.
History
The history of Somnath is intertwined with mythology, cosmic time, and historical accounts spanning over two millennia. According to sacred scriptures, the temple was originally built by the Moon God (Soma) out of gold after Lord Shiva cured him of a debilitating curse cast by King Daksha. Subsequently, it was reconstructed in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna, and in stone by King Bhimdev Solanki.
In historical times, Somnath was renowned across the world for its phenomenal wealth, intricate stone carvings, and sacred status. This immense prosperity attracted repeated foreign invasions. The most prominent destruction occurred in 1026 CE when Mahmud of Ghazni targeted the shrine, destroying the sanctum and looting its immense treasures. Over subsequent centuries, the temple faced multiple attacks and demolitions by various rulers, including Afzal Khan, Alauddin Khilji's forces, and Aurangzeb.
Despite repeated attempts to erase the monument, the spiritual significance of the site remained undiminished in the hearts of devotees. Following India's independence in 1947, India's First Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, took a sacred vow to rebuild the temple to its past glory. Construction began under the guidance of Prabhashankar Sompura, a master of traditional temple architecture, and was completed in May 1951. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, performed the installation of the Jyotirlinga, stating, 'The Somnath temple signifies that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction.'
