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| Somnath Hindu temple of Veraval, Gujarat, |
Above image: Somnath temple of Veraval, Gujarat. Upon getting Shiva’s blessings, the moon is said to have regained his light and this is why this town is also referred to as Prabhas. The original Somnath temple was built by the moon in pure gold and later rejuvenated by Ravana in silver, then by God Krishna in sandalwood and finally by Bhimadeva in stone. Made of reddish yellow stones the temple was inaugurated by the first Indian President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951. image credit.- B. SurajPatro1997.........
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| Somnath temple, Gujarat.Alamy.com |
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| Somnath temple Linga, GJtripnetra.com |
The Somnath Temple: A Symbol of Resilience and Devotion
The Somnath Temple, located in the Prabhas Patan region of Gujarat, is one of the most revered and ancient temples in India. It is considered the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees. The temple stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and architectural brilliance, having witnessed numerous cycles of destruction and reconstruction throughout history.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The origins of the Somnath Temple date back to ancient times, with references in various Hindu scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and the Rig Veda. According to mythology, the temple was originally built by the Moon God, Chandra, in gold, to honor Lord Shiva after being freed from a curse placed upon him by his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati. It is believed that later, Ravana reconstructed the temple in silver, Lord Krishna in sandalwood, and subsequent rulers in stone.
Somnath is also closely associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to have performed his "Neejdham Prasthan Leela" at the banks of the sacred Hiran River. Additionally, it is believed that Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, performed penance at this holy site. The Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra war, also visited the temple and built five smaller shrines in reverence to Lord Shiva.
A continuous History of Destruction and Reconstruction
None of the Hindu temple across India faced more destruction, looting of treasures and killings than Somnath temple. Throughout history, the temple has faced repeated invasions and destruction by Muslim rulers of NW regions. The first known attack was in 725 AD by an Arab governor, followed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD, who plundered its wealth.
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| Somnath temple in ruins, 1869, en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Damaged Somnath temple, Gujarat in 1869.Image credit: D.H. Sykes - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File: Ruins_somnath_temple..................
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| Damaged Somnath temple at early periodsen.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Some of the earliest photos of damaged Somnath temple, Gujarat were taken by Sykes and Nelson in the 19th century. They show Somnath Hindu temple partly converted into an Islamic mosque........
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| Partial conversion of temple into a Mosqueupload.wikimedia.org |
Above image: Somnath temple, Partially converted into a Mosque, Photo credit: Ms Sarah Welch. Somanatha and Other Medieval Temples in Kathiawad, pp. 1–28 This lithograph is now preserved in the British Library, as Item P202. This is a photograph of 2D art published in 1869 .........
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| Ferocious looter and raider Mahmud of Ghazni facebook.com |
Despite repeated devastations by rulers such as Alauddin Khilji of Delhi Sultanate, Mogul ruler Aurangzeb, and other invaders, the temple was rebuilt each time by devoted Hindu kings and patrons.
The most recent reconstruction was initiated after India gained independence. Under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the temple was rebuilt in its present form and consecrated on May 11, 1951. This restoration symbolized the resilience and spiritual unity of the Indian people.
Architectural Grandeur
The present structure of the Somnath Temple is an excellent example of Chalukyan-style architecture, also known as the Kailash Mahameru Prasad style as opposed to the Dravidian style. The temple features a grand Shikhara (spire) rising to a height of about 50 meters, with an intricately carved exterior that reflects the craftsmanship of ancient Indian artisans. The sanctum houses the sacred Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by millions of devotees.
A unique feature of the temple is its "Arrow Pillar" (Baan Stambh), which carries an inscription indicating that there is no land in a straight line between Somnath and the South Pole. The temple complex also includes a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Nandi Mandap, where visitors can offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Somnath is not only a place of worship but also a center of spiritual learning and devotion. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims daily, especially during the auspicious occasions of Maha Shivaratri, Kartik Purnima, and Shravan month. The daily aarti and the grand Somnath Light and Sound Show narrate the temple’s historical and mythological legacy, leaving visitors in awe.
Nearby, the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Hiran, Kapila, and the mythical Saraswati, is considered a sacred site for taking a holy dip. The Bhalka Tirth, where Lord Krishna was mistakenly struck by an arrow before his departure from the mortal world, is another revered site near Somnath.
Accommodation and Facilities
The Shree Somnath Trust manages several guesthouses and dormitories for pilgrims, ensuring a comfortable stay. Veraval, the nearest town, offers additional lodging options. The temple town is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Conclusion
The Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India's rich cultural and religious heritage. Despite facing numerous adversities, it has continued to be a beacon of devotion and spirituality. The temple’s majestic presence, intertwined with mythology and history, continues to inspire millions of devotees, reinforcing their faith in Lord Shiva and the indomitable spirit of Hinduism. A visit to Somnath is not just a religious journey but an experience that connects one to the soul of India's timeless spiritual legacy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnath_temple
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