Somnath Temple

Introduction

• The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. Destroyed and reconstructed several times in the past, the present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951. The temple is considered sacred due to the various legends connected to it. Somnath means "Lord of the Soma", an epithet of Shiva. According to tradition, the Shivalinga in Somnath is one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India, where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a fiery column of light. The jyotirlingas are taken as the supreme, undivided reality out of which Shiva partly appears.

• Each of the twelve jyotirlinga sites take the name of a different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is a lingam representing the beginning-less and endless stambha (pillar), symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. In addition to the one at Somnath, the others are at Varanasi, Rameswaram, Dwarka, Somnath, Nageshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Baidyanath, Rameshwaram, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath

• The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni sangam (the confluence of three rivers — Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Sarasvati). Soma, the Moon god, is believed to have lost his lustre due to a curse, and he bathed in the Sarasvati River at this site to regain it. The result is the waxing and waning of the moon, no doubt an allusion to the waxing and waning of the tides at this sea shore location. The name of the town Prabhas, meaning lustre, as well as the alternative names Someshvar and Somnath ("The lord of the moon" or "the moon god") arise from this tradition.

Ancient Origins and Early History

• The origins of the Somnath Temple can be traced back to the dawn of Hindu civilization. According to Hindu mythology, the first Shiva temple at Somnath was built by the moon god, Soma, hence the name "Somnath" meaning "Lord of the Moon." The temple is believed to have been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with each new incarnation reflecting the architectural styles and beliefs of the ruling dynasties.

• The earliest references to the Somnath Temple can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Rig Veda and the Skanda Purana. These texts describe the temple as one of the most sacred sites of Lord Shiva worship, attracting pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent. The temple's prominence is also attested to in the writings of Greek historian Megasthenes, who visited the Indian subcontinent in the 4th century BCE and made mention of the "Somnath" shrine.

• During the classical period of Indian history, the Somnath Temple flourished under the patronage of various Hindu dynasties, including the Maitrakas of Vallabhi, the Chalukyas of Gujarat, and the Paramaras of Malwa. Each of these ruling families contributed to the expansion and embellishment of the temple, bestowing it with wealth, resources, and architectural grandeur.

The Somnath Temple during the Medieval Era

• The medieval era, however, marked a tumultuous period in the temple's history, as it faced repeated waves of desecration and destruction at the hands of invading Muslim armies. The first major attack on the Somnath Temple is attributed to the Afghan ruler Mahmud of Ghazni, who invaded the region in 1024 CE and plundered the shrine, carrying away its legendary wealth and destroying the original temple structure.

• Undeterred by this setback, the local rulers and the devotees of Somnath worked tirelessly to rebuild the temple, often in the face of continued attacks and upheaval. The Solanki dynasty of Gujarat, in particular, made significant contributions to the temple's restoration and expansion during the 11th and 12th centuries CE, transforming it into an architectural marvel and a center of Hindu spiritual and cultural life.

• However, the temple's trials were far from over, as it faced successive waves of destruction at the hands of other Muslim invaders, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Each time, the resilient people of Saurashtra rallied to reconstruct and revive the Somnath Temple, preserving its sacred legacy for future generations.

The British Era and the Struggle for Independence

• The arrival of the British in the Indian subcontinent during the 18th century ushered in a new chapter in the history of the Somnath Temple. Under the colonial rule, the temple faced significant challenges, as the British authorities often interfered with its management and religious practices, further exacerbating the cycles of decline and neglect.

• Despite these challenges, the Somnath Temple remained a symbol of Hindu pride and identity, particularly during the Indian independence movement. The temple's reconstruction and restoration became a rallying cry for the nationalist leaders, who saw it as a way to reclaim India's cultural heritage and assert the country's spiritual sovereignty.

• One of the most significant events in the temple's modern history was the visit of Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India, in 1947. Patel's visit and his passionate speech about the temple's importance as a symbol of India's identity and resilience inspired a renewed sense of pride and determination among the people of Gujarat to preserve and protect this sacred site.

The Post-Independence Era and the Somnath Temple Today

• The post-independence era has witnessed a remarkable revival and transformation of the Somnath Temple. In the years following India's independence, the temple underwent a massive restoration and reconstruction project, funded largely by public contributions and the Indian government.

• The new temple, inaugurated in 1951, was designed by the renowned architect Choksi and incorporated elements of traditional Hindu temple architecture, blending it with modern engineering techniques to create a structure that was both visually stunning and structurally sound.

• Today, the Somnath Temple stands as a shining example of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Indian civilization. It continues to attract millions of devotees and pilgrims from all over the world, who come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and to experience the temple's rich history and spiritual atmosphere.

• The temple complex has also evolved to include various other religious and cultural features, such as the Somnath Trust, which manages the shrine and oversees various social and educational initiatives in the region. The trust also maintains a museum within the temple premises, which offers visitors a glimpse into the temple's captivating history and the broader narrative of India's spiritual heritage.

The Somnath Temple's Architectural Grandeur

• The Somnath Temple's architectural legacy is as impressive as its historical significance. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several cycles of construction and reconstruction, each time incorporating the unique styles and design elements of the ruling dynasties that patronized it.

• The earliest known temple structure, dating back to the 1st millennium BCE, was said to have been built of wood, gold, and silver, reflecting the opulence and reverence associated with the shrine. The subsequent incarnations of the temple, constructed under the Maitrakas, Chalukyas, and Paramaras, incorporated the distinctive features of the regional architectural traditions, such as the use of intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and elaborate mandapas (pavilions).

• The most recent iteration of the Somnath Temple, completed in 1951, is a harmonious blend of traditional Hindu temple design and modern engineering principles. The temple's main sanctum, known as the Garbha Griha, is topped by a magnificent Shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 155 feet, while the temple complex as a whole covers an area of approximately 30 acres.

• The temple's exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the lives of various deities. The main entrance, known as the Nandi Dwar, features a grand archway flanked by towering sculptures of the sacred bull, Nandi, which is considered the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

• One of the most striking features of the Somnath Temple is the series of Tirthas (sacred water bodies) that surround the main shrine. These include the Suraj Kund (Sun Pond), the Chandrama Kund (Moon Pond), and the Garud Kund, each with its own religious significance and rituals associated with it.

• The temple's architectural grandeur is further enhanced by the presence of various subsidiary shrines and structures within the complex, such as the Nandi Mandapa, the Shiva Parvati Mandapa, and the Shiva Linga Mandapa, all of which contribute to the temple's overall magnificence and religious significance.

The Somnath Temple's Spiritual and Cultural Significance

• Beyond its architectural splendor, the Somnath Temple holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus across the world. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple is believed to be a manifestation of the divine energy of Lord Shiva, making it a site of profound reverence and devotion.

• The temple's association with various Hindu deities and mythological figures, such as Soma, the Moon God, and the sage Ravana, further enhances its spiritual resonance and attracts pilgrims from diverse backgrounds. The temple's annual festival calendars, which include events like the Maha Shivratri and the Kartik Purnima, also draw vast crowds of devotees who come to participate in the rituals and rituals and experience the temple's sacred atmosphere.

• The Somnath Temple's cultural significance extends beyond its religious dimensions, as it has also played a crucial role in shaping the artistic, literary, and intellectual traditions of the region. The temple has been the subject of numerous works of art, poetry, and literature, with its history and spiritual essence inspiring generations of writers, painters, and sculptors.

• Moreover, the temple's role as a center of learning and scholarship has also been well-documented throughout history. The temple's library and educational institutions, which flourished under the patronage of various dynasties, attracted students and scholars from across the Indian subcontinent, making Somnath a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange.

The Somnath Temple's Legacy and Significance in Modern India

• In the modern era, the Somnath Temple has continued to hold a prominent place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of India. The temple's rebuilding and restoration in the aftermath of India's independence has been seen as a symbolic act of reclaiming the country's cultural and religious heritage, and it has become a rallying point for Hindu nationalism and the assertion of Indian identity.

• The temple's significance is further underscored by the fact that it has been visited by numerous political and religious leaders over the years, including prominent figures like Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India. These visits have reinforced the temple's status as a revered national monument and a symbol of India's spiritual and cultural unity.

• In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the Somnath Temple has also played a crucial role in the economic and social development of the Saurashtra region. The influx of pilgrims and tourists to the temple has contributed to the growth of the local economy, with the temple and its associated institutions serving as major sources of employment and revenue generation.

• Moreover, the Somnath Trust, which manages the temple's affairs, has also been actively involved in various social and philanthropic initiatives in the region, ranging from the provision of healthcare and education to the preservation of local arts and crafts.

Interesting Facts about Somnath Temple

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas Shrines of Shiva, Somnath Temple is also the specimen of fine architecture. Dubbed as Eternal Shrine, it is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ended his Lila and thereafter for heavenly abode. This legendary temple is said to have vandalized numerous times in the history but with the help of zealot Hindu Kings the temple was rebuilt each time. Here in this blog we bring to you facts and legends that are attached to this sacred and architecturally marvelous temple.

• The modern day Somnath Temple was built over five years, from 1947 to 1951 and was inaugurated by then President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad.

• The Shivalinga in the temple is believed to have been safely hiding within its hollowness the famous Syamantak Mani, the Philosopher’s stone, which is associated with Lord Krishna. It is said that it was a magical stone, which was capable of producing gold. It is also believed that stone had alchemic and radioactive properties and could create a magnetic field around itself that helped it remain floating above ground.

• The temple finds its reference in the most ancient texts of Hindus like Shreemad Bhagavat, Skandpuran, Shivpuran and Rig-Veda which signifies the importance of this temple as one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India.

• According to history scholars, the site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times as it was said to be the confluence point known of three rivers, Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Saraswati. The confluence was called as Triveni Sangam and is believed to be the place where Soma, the Moon god bathed and regained his lustre. The result is reckoned to be the waxing and waning of the moon or the waxing and waning of the tides at this sea shore location.

• The legend has it that the initial structure of the temple was first built by Moon God who constructed the temple with gold. The Sun God used silver for its construction, whereas Lord Krishna made it with the help of sandalwood.

• According to Hindu scholar, Swami Gajanand Saraswati, the first temple was built 7, 99, 25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran.

• The temple was suffer destruction at the hands of Mahmud Ghazni in 1024, Khilji’s army in 1296 , Muzaffar Shah in 1375, Mahmud Begada in 1451 and Aurangzeb in 1665.

• The temple is said to be situated at such a place that there is no land in straight-line between Somnath seashore till Antarctica. In an inscription in Sanskrit, found on the Arrow-Pillar called Baan-Stambh erected on the sea-protection wall at the Somnath Temple is stated that the temple stands at a point on the Indian piece of land, which happens to be the first point on land in the north to the south-pole on that particular longitude.

• According to Skanda Purana, the name of Somnath Temple will change every time the world is reconstructed. It is believed when Lord Brahma will create a new world after ending the recent one, Somnath will acquire the name of Pran Nath Temple.

• On the walls of the temple, along with Shiva, the sculptures of Lord Brahma and Vishnu can also be seen. According to the Prabhaskhand of Skanda Purana, answering to the question of Parvati, Lord Shiva reveals that so far Somnath has been named 8 times.

• According another reference in the Skanda Purana, there have been about 6 Brahmas. This is the era of 7th Brahma who is called Shatanand. Lord Shiva also reveals that in the 7th Yuga, the name of the temple is Somnath and in the last Yuga the Shivlinga was called Mrityunjay.