Somnath Temple History: Ancient and famous temple

Somnath temple history and Introduction

Somnath temple history is very important for every person know the history. This Temple is located in Veraval port of Gujarat. Its glory and fame has spread far and wide. It is one of the most sacred and historical temples of Hinduism.

this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Somnath temple is considered to be the first Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It was built by Chandradev Somraj himself, its mention in Ringveda.

The history of this temple is full of tales of devotion, destruction, and reconstruction.  This temple has been plundered and demolished many times by many Muslim invaders and rulers, yet the grandeur of this temple remains intact.

The Somnath temple was destory 17 times and rebuilt each time. In 1026, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi looted and destroyed the Somnath temple.

Ancient somnath temple history

This temple is mentioned in ancient texts, such as the Skand Purana, Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, and Shiv Purana. According to Hindu belief, this temple was first built by Chandradev to atone for his sins. Moon performed severe penance for Lord Shiva at the behest of Brahmadev, Moon Dev established Shivaling and worshiped him.

Pleased with the harsh penance of Moon, Lord Shiva freed him from the curse and blessed him with immortality.Due to this curse and boon, the moon increases for 15 days and decreases for 15 days.

Destruction and reconstruction Somnath

The somnath Temple was subjected to repeated attempts to destroy  by many Muslim invaders and rulers. The temple has faced many invasions and destructions over the centuries. The most notable attack among these was by Mahmud Ghaznavi in ​​year of 1024 .

He looted the temple treasury and demolished the sacred structure, causing widespread devastation. Despite all this, the temple was renovated several times.

The most prominent reconstructions include:

Reconstruction of the Chalukya dynasty:

In the 11th century, King Bhimdev of the Chalukya dynasty rebuilt the temple.

13th century reconstruction: After further destruction by the Delhi Sultanate, local rulers rebuilt the temple.

Maratha Restoration:

In the 18th century, the Maratha Empire, especially Ahilyabai Holkar, played an important role in restoring the temple.

Modern somnath temple history

Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man and Deputy Prime Minister of India, ordered the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. Soon thereafter, the Somnath Trust was established to collect funds and oversee the construction of the temple.

The new structure was built by the traditional Sompuri builders of temples in Gujarat. In 1951, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, performed the consecration ceremony of the new temple. The temple is now managed by the Shri Somnath Trust, which oversees its maintenance and administration.

It was dedicated to the nation by the President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma on  December 1995. The temple is constructed in the Chalukya architectural style with beautiful carvings and a grand shikhara. The unique architecture and grandeur of this temple mesmerizes the visitors.

The first Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Somnath, is divided into three parts: —

Garbhagriha:

Where the Jyotirlinga is installed, this is the most sacred part of the temple. A beautiful statue of Ahilyeshwar is installed above the Shivling in the upper part of this holy place.

Mandap:

The huge assembly hall, which has beautiful carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology. Inside the temple there are idols of Parvati, Lakshmi, Ganga, Saraswati and Nandi.There is also a grand shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha within the temple complex, as well as a statue of Aghorlinga outside the northern wall.

Shikhar:

The Shikhar of the Somnath temple is 155 feet high on top of which flags with the symbols of Nandi (bull) and Trishul flutter.

The main Kalash of the temple weighs about 10 tons and its flag is 27 feet high. The temple complex is spread over approximately 10 square kilometers and consists of 42 temples. It is also the place of incredible confluence of three rivers Hiran, Saraswati and Kapila, where devotees take a dip in reverence.

Cultural and religious significance

Somnath Temple is not only a religious place but also a symbol of India’s cultural heritage. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world.

The temple complex also houses a museum, which exhibits textiles related to the history of the temple, and a sound and light show that narrates its saga. Somnath temple history .