Somnath and the Idea of India: A Millennium of Faith, Resilience and Civilisational Continuity

Why in News ?

The Prime Minister has highlighted the thousand-year survival of the Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s indomitable civilisational spirit, as the country commemorates Somnath Swabhiman Parv (1026–2026) — marking one millennium since the first documented destruction of the shrine and its repeated resurgence thereafter. The year-long observance celebrates unbroken faith, cultural continuity, and national self-respect (Swabhiman) rooted in India’s civilisational consciousness.

Background & Context: Somnath in India’s Civilisational Memory

Somnath occupies a unique place in Indian history—not merely as a religious shrine but as a civilisational marker reflecting the continuity of Indian culture despite repeated political upheavals.

Located on India’s western coast, Somnath stood at the intersection of religion, maritime trade, geography, and political power. Its repeated destruction and reconstruction over centuries transformed it into a powerful metaphor for India’s resilience.

Post-Independence, the rebuilding of Somnath was consciously framed as a symbol of national regeneration, separate from sectarian narratives, reinforcing India’s commitment to cultural revival within a constitutional framework.

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

Construction Traditions and Historical Evolution

Mythological Tradition

According to tradition, the temple was rebuilt multiple times:

• In gold by Somraj (Moon God)
• In silver by Ravana
• In wood by Lord Krishna

Historical Reconstruction

• After Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in 1026 CE, the temple was rebuilt in stone by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty
• The shrine suffered repeated destruction in:
  • 1026 CE
  • 1297 CE
  • 1394 CE
  • 1706 CE (Aurangzeb)

Cycles of Destruction and Rebirth

• The first major documented destruction occurred in 1026 CE, recorded by Al-Biruni
• Each destruction was followed by reconstruction, often under adverse political conditions
• 2026 marks 1,000 years since the first attack, making Somnath Swabhiman Parv a landmark civilisational milestone

Post-Independence Reconstruction

• Initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1947
• Supported intellectually by K.M. Munshi, author of “Somanatha: The Shrine Eternal”
• Pran-Pratistha performed by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 11 May 1951
• Represented cultural revival without state religious patronage, reinforcing secular constitutional values

Architectural Style: Kailas Mahameru Prasad

About the Style

• A distinctive western Indian temple architecture linked to the Chalukya/Solanki (Chaulukya) tradition
• Symbolises Mount Kailasa (abode of Shiva) and Mount Meru (cosmic axis)

Architectural Features

• Part of the Nagara school, enriched with Māru-Gurjara elements
• Key components:
  • Garbhagriha (sanctum)
  • Sabha Mandapa
  • Nritya Mandapa
• A towering Shikhara of 155 feet
• Built by traditional Gujarat master masons known as Sompura Salats

Cultural and Intellectual Significance

• Visited by Swami Vivekananda, who described Somnath as the embodiment of India’s national life-force
• Revered by scholars like Hemchandracharya, reflecting inter-sectarian respect
• Ritual continuity preserved by Ahilyabai Holkar during politically turbulent periods
• Somnath symbolises:
  • Faith over fanaticism
  • Creation over destruction
  • Cultural memory over political rupture

Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Core Message

Somnath Swabhiman Parv (1026–2026) is not merely commemorative but civilisational in intent. It underscores:

• India’s ability to absorb shocks without losing identity
• The Gita’s idea of the indestructible soul
• Cultural resilience as a foundation of national self-confidence

12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva