Somanāth Temple
The Somanāth Temple at Prabhasa Patan in Gujarat is one of the most ancient and revered Śiva temples, traditionally counted among the twelve Jyotirliṅgas.
Significance
As the first among the Jyotirliṅgas, Somanāth holds supreme importance in Śaiva theology. The temple is believed to mark the spot where the moon (Soma) was cursed and then restored by Śiva. It is also associated with the legend of the Syamantaka gem and is close to the traditional site of Kṛṣṇa’s departure from the mortal world.
History
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Mahmud of Ghazni’s famous raid in January 1026 CE is the most well-known destruction, though the temple was rebuilt each time. The current structure was completed in 1951 under the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who envisioned it as a symbol of national pride and cultural revival.
Key features
The temple stands on the seashore at the confluence of the Kapilā and Hiran rivers with the Arabian Sea. Its Māru-Gurjara (Solankī/Chālukya) style architecture features intricate carvings and a towering shikhara. The shodashopachāra (sixteen-fold) worship is part of the temple’s daily ritual.
Modern status
The temple is managed by the Shree Somnath Trust, which also oversees several associated temples and institutions in the region. The Sound and Light Show narrating the temple’s history is a major attraction. The temple attracts millions of devotees annually.
Verification notes
Status: verified. The temple’s history is well-documented in archaeological surveys and historical chronicles. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has conducted extensive excavations at the site.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).