PM Marks 1,000 Years Since First Attack on Somnath Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently shared an Op-Ed marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath temple in 1026 AD. He underlined that despite repeated assaults over centuries, Somnath continues to stand tall as a symbol of India’s resilience and civilisational continuity. The Prime Minister wrote that Somnath’s story is not just about a temple, but about the unbreakable courage of countless children of Bharat Mata who protected India’s culture and values.

Another Milestone in 2026
The Prime Minister noted that 2026 will also mark 75 years since the restored Somnath temple was opened to devotees, making it a year of double historical significance for the nation.

About the Somnath Temple
Somnath is a magnificent temple located on the coastline at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region. It is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, making it one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

Repeated Destruction and Reconstruction
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times in history.

• In 1026 AD, during the reign of Bhima I, the Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni raided Somnath, broke the jyotirlinga, and looted riches estimated at 20 million dinars.
• The temple was rebuilt by Kumarapala (1143–1172) in stone, replacing a decaying wooden structure, as recorded in an inscription dated 1169.
• In 1299, during the invasion of Gujarat by Alauddin Khalji, his general Ulugh Khan sacked the temple after defeating the Vaghela ruler Karna.
• The temple was rebuilt again by Mahipala I, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra, in 1308, with the lingam installed by his son Khengara between 1331 and 1351.
• In 1395, it was destroyed once more by Zafar Khan, the last Delhi Sultanate governor of Gujarat and later founder of the Gujarat Sultanate.

Reconstruction After Independence
After Independence, the responsibility of rebuilding Somnath was taken up by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. During his visit to Junagadh on 12 November 1947, Patel ordered the reconstruction of the temple. Subsequently, the Somnath Trust was established to raise funds and oversee the work.

Reopening of the Restored Temple
In May 1951, the restored Somnath Temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad. Prime Minister Modi recalled that Sardar Patel’s visit to the ruins of Somnath during Diwali 1947 deeply moved him and inspired the decision to rebuild the temple at its original site, restoring a powerful symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Sources: AIR & GoJ