ASI Protected
Somnath Temple
Also known as: Deo Patan
Somnath (Veraval), Gujarat
1st Century CE (original); rebuilt 1951
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history -- most famously sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 CE. The current temple was rebuilt after Indian independence in 1951 at the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in the Chalukya style of Maru-Gurjara architecture.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Misc Historic
- Style
- Chalukya / Maru-Gurjara (reconstruction)
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Somnath - Lord of the Moon)
- Languages
- Gujarati, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
First among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Symbol of Indian resilience (destroyed and rebuilt six times). Rebuilt after independence as a symbol of national renewal. Ancient trade and pilgrimage center on the Arabian Sea coast
Architectural Features
Kirtimukha carvingsShikhara in Maru-Gurjara styleArrow pillar (Baan Stambh) pointing to the South PoleShore-side location on the Arabian SeaReconstructed using traditional techniques