The Legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga – Destroyed & Rebuilt

The Somnath Jyotirlinga, situated in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, is one of the most venerated and resilient temples of Lord Shiva in India. Known as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, it holds a unique place in Hindu mythology and Indian history — not just for its spiritual aura, but also for its remarkable endurance through centuries of destruction and reconstruction.

The story of Somnath is not merely about a temple. It is a saga of faith, resilience, and rebirth — reflecting how devotion can rebuild what hate tries to destroy.

Origin of the Somnath Jyotirlinga

According to the Shiva Purana, the Somnath linga was established by Chandra Dev (Moon God). He was married to 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, but favored only one of them — Rohini. Enraged by this partiality, Daksha cursed Chandra to lose his brilliance and gradually fade.

To rid himself of the curse, Chandra performed intense penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at Prabhas. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva restored his light and set up residence as a Jyotirlinga, taking the name Somnath — “Lord of the Moon”.

This tale signifies that divine grace can restore what seems lost, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual radiance.

Architectural Grandeur and Sacred Legacy

The Somnath temple was built on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Legend says that the original temple was made of gold by the Moon God, then rebuilt in silver by Ravana, in wood by Krishna, and finally in stone by Bhimdev.

This cycle of rebuilding in different ages reflects a deeper message — that the temple is not just a structure but a manifestation of timeless devotion.

Its sanctum sanctorum houses the Jyotirlinga, believed to be self-manifested, radiating immense spiritual energy. It is also aligned with a unique geographic feature: an ancient Sanskrit inscription states that no landmass lies between Somnath and the South Pole, symbolizing its cosmic significance.

Repeated Destruction: A Temple That Refused to Fall

What truly makes Somnath stand apart is its unbreakable spirit. Over centuries, the temple was attacked and destroyed multiple times by invaders, yet it rose again, each time more radiant than before.

1. Mahmud of Ghazni (1025 CE)

The most infamous attack came from Mahmud of Ghazni, who plundered the temple, broke the linga, and looted its treasures. Over 50,000 devotees tried to protect it but were massacred.

2. Subsequent Destructions

  • Alauddin Khilji’s army under Ulugh Khan desecrated it in the 14th century.

  • Aurangzeb attempted to destroy it again in the 17th century.

But every time it was razed, the devotion of the people brought it back. Somnath became a symbol not just of faith, but of cultural identity and resilience.

Rebirth in Independent India

After India gained independence in 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, took it upon himself to rebuild the temple — this time, not just with bricks, but with national pride and spiritual revival.

In 1951, the new temple was consecrated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President. His words echoed the essence of Somnath:

“The Somnath Temple signifies that the power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction.”

Today, the temple stands tall in Chalukya-style architecture, welcoming millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.

Spiritual Significance of Somnath Today

Visiting Somnath is more than a pilgrimage — it is an experience of witnessing centuries of devotion, struggle, and victory. Devotees come to:

  • Offer prayers and seek blessings for healing and renewal

  • Meditate by the tranquil Arabian Sea

  • Participate in Aarti and Rudrabhishekams

  • Witness the light and sound show narrating its epic history

For many, standing before the Jyotirlinga is like touching the core of time itself, where history, myth, and divinity blend into one.

Somnath Beyond Religion – A Symbol of Resilience

Somnath has transcended being just a temple. It is:

  • A reminder of India’s ancient spiritual roots

  • A memorial for countless martyrs who protected it

  • A beacon of cultural revival and religious harmony

  • A symbol that darkness can never erase light

This story is not confined to stone and sand — it lives in the heart of every devotee who has ever faced loss and chosen to rebuild with faith.

Conclusion: The Eternal Flame of Somnath

From myth to history, from destruction to restoration, the legend of Somnath Jyotirlinga continues to inspire millions across generations. It teaches that while time can break stones and steal gold, it cannot crush the human spirit powered by devotion.

So when you visit Somnath — or even think of it — remember this: It is not just a temple that stood up after every fall; it is you, your strength, your inner temple, that can rise too.

Om Namah Shivaya.