The Somnath Mandir, located at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples and the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Beyond its spiritual importance, the history of Somnath Mandir is deeply connected with foreign invasions, repeated destruction, and remarkable reconstruction. Over centuries, the temple faced attacks from outside invaders, yet it always rose again—becoming a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and cultural continuity in Indian history.
Somnath Mandir: Location and Religious Importance
Somnath Mandir stands on the western coast of India, near the Arabian Sea, at a site believed to be sacred since ancient times. According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva manifested here as a Jyotirlinga, making Somnath a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from across the country.
The temple is also mentioned in several ancient texts such as:
- Rigveda
- Skanda Purana
- Shiva Purana
- Mahabharata
From early times, Somnath was not only a religious center but also a wealthy institution supported by kings, traders, and pilgrims.
Ancient Origins and Early Glory of Somnath Temple
Legends describe that the Somnath temple was first built by Chandra (Moon God) in gold, later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in wood, and finally by King Bhimdev in stone. While these accounts are mythological, historical evidence confirms that a grand temple existed here long before medieval invasions.
Due to its location near a thriving port, Somnath became extremely prosperous, attracting both devotion and envy.
First Major Foreign Attack: Mahmud of Ghazni (1025 CE)
Who Attacked Somnath?
The first confirmed and most infamous attack on Somnath Mandir was carried out by Mahmud of Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire (modern-day Afghanistan).
Why Was Somnath Attacked?
- To loot immense temple wealth
- To destroy a major Hindu religious symbol
- To demonstrate military and religious dominance
What Happened in 1025 CE?
Mahmud marched deep into Gujarat with a large army. Despite fierce resistance by local defenders, he:
- Destroyed the main Shiva Lingam
- Looted gold, jewels, and treasures
- Killed thousands of devotees and priests (as per contemporary chroniclers)
- Carried the plunder back to Ghazni
This attack shocked the entire Indian subcontinent, as Somnath was regarded as one of the holiest temples of Hinduism.
Aftermath
Soon after Mahmud’s departure, Hindu rulers rebuilt Somnath Mandir, restoring worship and pilgrimage.
Repeated Attacks During the Delhi Sultanate (13th–14th Century)
Somnath Mandir faced repeated destruction during the expansion of Islamic rule in India.
Alauddin Khilji’s Invasion (1299 CE)
During the Gujarat campaign of Alauddin Khilji, his generals attacked and damaged Somnath Mandir. Idol worship was disrupted, and temple property was destroyed.
Later Sultanate Attacks (1375 CE)
Another major destruction occurred under later Delhi Sultanate rulers, further damaging the temple structure.
Impact of Sultanate Attacks
- Repeated desecration of the shrine
- Decline in pilgrim activity
- Temporary abandonment of temple worship
Despite these setbacks, local Hindu rulers and devotees rebuilt the temple again and again.
Final Major Destruction: Aurangzeb (1706 CE)
Who Ordered the Destruction?
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, was well-known for his stringent religious laws.
What Happened?
In 1706 CE, Aurangzeb ordered:
- Complete demolition of Somnath Mandir
- Construction of a mosque at the site
Consequences
- Formal temple worship stopped for nearly 250 years
- The site remained under Islamic control during late Mughal and British periods
- Somnath existed largely in ruins and memory
Somnath Mandir During British Rule
The British did not rebuild the temple. However, in 1842, Governor-General Lord Ellenborough brought the sandalwood gates from Ghazni to India, claiming symbolic restitution. Still, the Somnath temple itself remained unrestored.
Reconstruction After Independence: A Symbol of National Revival
Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
After India’s independence in 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took a historic decision to rebuild Somnath Mandir as a symbol of cultural revival.
Completion and Inauguration
- Reconstruction began in 1947
- Completed in 1951
- Inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India
The temple was built in Chalukya (Solanki) architectural style, using sandstone, entirely through public contributions.
Present-Day Somnath Mandir
Today, Somnath Mandir stands majestically facing the Arabian Sea and includes:
- The Jyotirlinga shrine
- The Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar), indicating no landmass to the south until Antarctica
- A large temple complex with museums and prayer halls
Millions of devotees visit Somnath every year.
Timeline of Foreign Attacks on Somnath Mandir
- 1025 CE – Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed and looted the temple
- 1299 CE – Alauddin Khilji’s forces attacked Somnath
- 1375 CE – Delhi Sultanate caused further destruction
- 1706 CE – Aurangzeb demolished the temple completely
Why Somnath Mandir Is a Symbol of Eternal Faith
Somnath Mandir represents:
- Survival despite repeated foreign invasions
- The resilience of Hindu civilization
- The power of faith over destruction
Every reconstruction of Somnath sends a message that belief and culture cannot be erased by force.
Conclusion
The history of Somnath Mandir is not just the story of a temple—it is the story of India’s spiritual endurance. Attacked and destroyed multiple times by foreign invaders, Somnath was rebuilt every time by devoted hands. Today, it stands not only as a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva but also as a timeless symbol of resistance, revival, and unbroken faith.
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