The Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates one thousand years of the temple's resilience against Mahmud of Ghazni's attack and seventy-five years of its modern reconstruction. The sacred Jyotirlinga showcases India's cultural continuity, architectural grandeur, and sustainable development under the PRASHAD scheme.
Why In News?
Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates 1,000 years since the first attack (1026) and the 75th anniversary of its 1951 reopening.
About Somnath Temple
Location: Situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. On the coastline of the Arabian Sea at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers.
Archaeological Significance:
Cultural Significance
Historical Timeline
Ancient Period: First recorded structural temple was built by the Chaulukya (Solanki) king Mularaja sometime before 997 CE.
1026 CE (First Major Attack): The Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the temple, destroying its idol and looting its wealth.
12th Century: Rebuilt by the Solanki ruler Kumarapala in stone and jewels around 1169 CE.
Medieval Invasions:
Ahilyabai Holkar's Restoration (1783): After Aurangzeb's destruction, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore, built a new temple adjacent to the ruins to ensure uninterrupted worship for pilgrims.
British Era (1842): Governor-General Lord Ellenborough issued the "Proclamation of the Gates," instructing the British army to bring back wooden gates from Mahmud's tomb in Afghanistan, falsely believing they were the stolen sandalwood gates of Somnath.
Modern Reconstruction (Post-Independence)Sardar Patel's Resolve: In November 1947, Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins and pledged to rebuild the temple as a national duty.
Funding Strategy: Mahatma Gandhi blessed the reconstruction but advised that it should be funded by the public rather than the state. The Shree Somnath Trust was established, headed by K.M. Munshi.
Consecration: The ruins were cleared in 1950, and the newly built temple was officially consecrated in May 1951, by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Architectural Features
Style: Present Somnath Temple is built in the Māru-Gurjara or Chaulukya (Solanki) style of temple architecture. Expression of the broader Nagara style of historic temple architecture.
Form: Structure follows the grand Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural form.
Structural Layout and Components: Temple complex is divided into three connected structures: the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum housing the Jyotirlinga), the Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and the Nrityamandap (dance hall).
Source: PIB
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Somnath Temple: 1. It is located at the confluence (Triveni Sangam) of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers. 2. It is built in the Chaulukya (Solanki) or Kailash Mahameru Prasad style of temple architecture. 3. The present structure was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The temple is situated at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, at the Triveni Sangam. This is the sacred confluence where the Kapila, Hiran, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet before flowing into the Arabian Sea. Statement 2 is correct: The modern structure follows the Chaulukya (also known as Solanki) style of temple architecture. Specifically, it is built in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad form, which is known for its intricate stone carvings and massive shikhara. Statement 3 is correct: After the temple was reconstructed through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi, the Pran-Pratistha (consecration) ceremony was performed on May 11, 1951. The ceremony was presided over by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. |
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is a national commemoration marking 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. It also celebrates 75 years since the temple's reopening on May 11, 1951, honoring India's civilisational resilience and cultural continuity.
The Turkic Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath temple in January 1026 CE.
The temple is located at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, situated on the Arabian Sea coast at the Triveni Sangam (confluence) of the Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers.
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