Somnath Swabhiman Parv
Context:
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv (January 8-11, 2026) is being observed to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE.
The event celebrates the resilience of India’s civilizational heritage.
About the Temple:
It is considered the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
It is situated at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, at the confluence (Triveni Sangam) of three rivers:
Hiran
Kapila
Saraswati.
Historical Timeline:
The temple faced repeated destruction by invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni (1026), Alauddin Khilji (1296), and Aurangzeb (1665).
In 1783, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built a temple adjacent to the ruins.
The modern reconstruction was pledged by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on November 13, 1947.
The Pran-Pratistha of the current temple was performed by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on May 11, 1951.
Architecture & Features:
The present temple is built in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad style, reflecting traditional Nagar architecture.
The reconstruction was led by the renowned Prabhashankar Sompura.
Baan Stambh:
A unique pillar on the sea-facing wall features an inscription stating that there is no landmass between that point and the South Pole (Antarctica) along that longitude.