Somnath Temple
EasternHindutempleSouth Asia2000 BCE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Somnath (Prabhas Patan)
Country
India
Region
South Asia
Coordinates
20.8880, 70.4013
Era
2000 BCE - present
Site Type
Temple
About
The first and foremost of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, destroyed and rebuilt seven times; the current temple (1951) was reconstructed as a symbol of Indian independence and Hindu resilience.
Significance
Somnath is where Shiva manifested as a pillar of endless light (Jyotirlinga); the site is also associated with the moon god Soma, who built the original temple of gold.
History & Historical Arc
Repeatedly sacked — most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 CE who looted enormous wealth — and rebuilt each time. Sar…
Archaeological Notes
Excavations at Prabhas Patan have revealed material from the early centuries CE; the site of Krishna's death (shot by a …
Key Features & Structures
- Somnath Jyotirlinga sanctum
- Bhalka Tirtha (Krishna's death site)
Visitor Information
Sound and light show held evenings; pleasant October–March. Located on Gujarat's Saurashtra coast.
Related Figures
Shiva (Somnath)Soma (moon god)Krishna