History and Legend of Somnath Temple

The history of the Somnath Jyotirling Temple is steeped in legend and has endured through millennia. According to ancient texts and oral traditions, the original temple was said to have been built by the Moon God, Soma, with gold, the Sun God, Ravi, with silver, and Lord Krishna with wood. The temple’s splendor and wealth made it a target for invaders, and it was destructed and rebuilt several times. It is believed that the temple was first destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century, who plundered its riches.

Despite facing numerous adversities, the Somnath Jyotirling Temple has been reconstructed and restored to its former glory multiple times. The current structure, built in the Chalukya style of architecture, stands as a testament to the resilience and unwavering devotion of the devotees and the significance of the temple. The latest restoration of the temple was initiated by the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and it was completed in 1951. Somnath temple is a symbol of our spiritual and cultural heritage.