Somnath temple

Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred and historically significant temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, it stands majestically on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas—the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva—and is often called “The Eternal Shrine,” as it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history but continues to stand as a symbol of faith and resilience. The word Somnath means “Lord of the Moon,” and according to legend, the temple was originally built by the Moon God (Chandra) himself to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

The temple’s history spans thousands of years. It is believed to have been first constructed in gold by Chandra Dev, then rebuilt in silver by Ravana, in wood by Lord Krishna, and finally in stone by King Bhimdev. Over the centuries, Somnath became a target of repeated invasions due to its immense wealth. The temple was first destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE, who looted its treasures and desecrated the shrine. It was later rebuilt several times by various rulers, including the Solankis, the Paramaras, and the Chalukyas. Each reconstruction reaffirmed the enduring devotion of the Hindu people to Lord Shiva and their determination to restore the temple’s glory.

The present structure of Somnath Temple was reconstructed in 1951 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. Built in the Chalukya style of architecture, the temple is made of sandstone and features intricately carved spires and sculptures that reflect the artistic brilliance of ancient Indian craftsmanship. The temple’s Shikhara (spire) rises about 50 meters high, and a massive Kalash (finial) weighing around 10 tons crowns its top. An inscription on the temple wall famously mentions that it stands on the first point of land along the Indian coastline, with no landmass between Somnath and the South Pole.

Religiously, Somnath holds immense significance. It is said that Lord Krishna ended his earthly journey near this site, marking it as a sacred place in Hindu mythology. Every day, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and witness the mesmerizing Aarti performed in the evening, with the Arabian Sea waves echoing the chants. The temple not only represents divine power and beauty but also the unbreakable spirit of faith that has withstood the test of time. Today, Somnath stands as a timeless symbol of devotion, resilience, and the eternal presence of Lord Shiva.