Somnath Temple — A Millennium of Faith, revival and continuity

The Somnath temple’s history spans a thousand years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s raid in 1026. Despite repeated invasions in the medieval period, the shrine was rebuilt multiple times — notably under Kumarapala of the Solanki dynasty and later by the Chudasama rulers — symbolising continuity of faith and resilience.

After Independence, its reconstruction (1947–51) was revived by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Architect Prabhashankar Sompura rebuilt the temple using traditional techniques, restoring Somnath as both a sacred space and a cultural emblem.

Key Facts Regarding the Somnath Temple

Location and Religious Importance

• Situated at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, on the Arabian Sea coast
• Recognised as the first Jyotirlinga among the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
• Mentioned in:
  • Rig Veda
  • Skanda Purana
  • Shiva Purana
  • Shreemad Bhagavatam
• Identified as the Neejdham Prasthan Leela Sthal, where Lord Krishna is believed to have undertaken his final earthly journey

Sacred Geography

• Located at the confluence of Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers with the sea
• The Tirth Stambh (Abadhit Samudra Marg) symbolises an uninterrupted sea route to the South Pole, reflecting ancient Indian astronomical and geographical knowledge

2026 Milestone: The year 2026 marks 1,000 years since the 1026 CE attack, with the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” celebrating its enduring legacy of faith.