Somnath Temple History: Attacked 17 Times, Looted by Invaders — Who Restored Its Grandeur?

The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and a prominent Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Its rich history makes it an important topic for students, as questions related to the temple often appear in exams and interviews.

A Historic Pilgrimage Site

Located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, on the Arabian Sea coast, the Somnath Temple is celebrated in the Shiva Purana (Chapter 13). Historically constructed with gold, silver, and stone, it has been a symbol of faith and resilience. Over the centuries, the temple has faced multiple attacks, with historians recording 17 invasions, including several by the Mughal rulers.

First Attack by Mahmud of Ghazni

The temple’s first major attack occurred in the 11th century, when the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided it in 1026 AD during the reign of Bhim I. The invader plundered the temple and broke the Jyotirlinga.

Reconstruction by Kumarapala

According to an inscription from 1169 AD, Kumarapala (1143–1172) rebuilt the temple and adorned it with precious stones.

Further Attacks

• 1299 AD: Under the command of Ulugh Khan, general of Alauddin Khilji, the temple was looted again after defeating the Vaghela king Karna.
• 1308 AD: Mahipal I, ruler of Chudasama dynasty, reconstructed the temple, and his son Khengar reinstated the Jyotirlinga between 1331–1351 AD.
• 1395 AD: The temple faced destruction once more, this time by Zafar Khan.

The temple continued to endure multiple invasions over the centuries, totaling 17 recorded attacks.

Restoration and Grandeur by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The temple regained its grandeur in the modern era, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man and Deputy Prime Minister, visited Junagadh on 12 November 1947 and ordered the reconstruction of Somnath Temple. The Somnath Trust was established to oversee construction and fundraising. On 11 May 1951, the first idol installation ceremony was conducted by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, restoring the temple’s glory.

Why Somnath Temple is in the News

Currently, the temple is in the spotlight because 1026 marked 1000 years since the first attack. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has also written an article commemorating the temple’s historical and spiritual significance. The Somnath Trust is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, highlighting its continued importance in contemporary India.