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Somnath's Ancient Inscriptions Reveal Temple's Golden, Silver & Wooden Past

The Prabhas Patan Museum, operating from an ancient Sun Temple, preserves critical inscriptions and remains that narrate the long history of the Somnath Temple. A key inscription from 1169 CE, protected by the State Department of Archaeology, records the temple's legendary construction in each yuga—gold, silver, wood, and stone. It details the fourth temple built by Bhimdev Solanki and the fifth by Kumarapala, marking Prabhas Patan as a major religious and architectural center. This heritage underscores the region's enduring spiritual pride and the Solanki dynasty's devotion.

Key Points: Prabhas Patan Museum Preserves Somnath Temple's Epic History

  • Inscription from 1169 CE preserved
  • Details temple built in four yugas
  • Highlights Solanki rule's golden age
  • Museum houses copper plates & remains
2 min read

Prabhas Patan Museum preserves inscriptions and remains showcasing Somnath's history

Discover inscriptions from 1169 CE detailing how Somnath Temple was rebuilt in gold, silver, wood, and stone across four yugas at Prabhas Patan Museum.

"This inscription records the ancient and medieval history of the Somnath Temple. - Tejal Parmar, Curator"

New Delhi, January 11

Prabhas Patan preserves a rich and sacred past, with copper plates, inscriptions and memorial stones reflecting its prosperity, heritage, and enduring spirit of valour. Epigraphic records and authenticated remains revealing the history of Prabhas Patan and the Somnath Temple are found across the Prabhas region. Inscriptions, copper plates, and remnants of the temple destroyed during invasions are preserved at the Prabhas Patan Museum as symbols of valour, strength, and devotion.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Culture, the museum currently functions from the ancient Sun Temple at Prabhas Patan. One such inscription is located near the museum in Prabhas Patan, beside the old Ram Temple in Bhadrakali lane. Preserved at the residence of Sompura Brahmin Dipakbhai Dave, it remains embedded in the wall of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple in his courtyard.

Providing details, the Curator (Museum Head) of the Prabhas Patan Museum, Tejal Parmar, stated that this inscription, carved in 1169 CE (Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255) and currently protected by the State Department of Archaeology, is a eulogistic inscription of Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhavabrihaspati, the spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.

This inscription records the ancient and medieval history of the Somnath Temple. It mentions the construction of Somnath Mahadev in all four yugas. Accordingly, in the Satya Yuga, Chandra (Soma) built it of gold; in the Treta Yuga, Ravana built it of silver; in the Dvapara Yuga, Krishna built it of wood; and in the Kali Yuga, King Bhimdev Solanki constructed a beautifully artistic stone temple.

History confirms that Bhimdev Solanki built the fourth temple on the earlier remains, followed by the fifth temple constructed by Kumarapala in 1169 CE at the same site. Under the Solanki rule, Prabhas Patan emerged as a major centre of religion, architecture, and literature, while the justice of Siddharaj Jaysinh and the devotion of Kumarapala raised Somnath as a proud symbol of Gujarat's Golden Age.

As per the release, the sacred land of Prabhas Patan holds not just ruins but the spiritual pride of Sanatan Dharma. The historic Bhadrakali inscription reflects the devotion of the Solanki rulers and scholars like Bhavabrihaspati. Through its rich legacy of art, architecture, and literature, this land continues to inspire future generations, while the heritage of Prabhas and the enduring pinnacle of Somnath affirm that devotion and self-respect remain timeless.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone interested in archaeology, this is fascinating. The level of detail from 1169 CE is remarkable. It's crucial that these artifacts are protected by the State Department. I hope they also create high-quality digital archives for global researchers.
V
Vikram M
Jai Somnath! 🚩 The Solanki period was truly a golden age for Gujarat. Siddharaj Jaysinh and Kumarapala's contributions are legendary. Reading about the temple being rebuilt across ages, from gold to stone, gives me goosebumps. Our history is not just about ruins, it's about an unbroken spirit.
P
Priya S
While preserving history is important, I hope the museum's narrative is balanced. History should be presented as it is, for education, without being overly politicized. The focus should remain on the incredible art, architecture, and scholarship of that era, which is inspiring enough.
R
Rohit P
Amazing! Planning a trip to Veraval soon, will definitely visit this museum now. It's heartening to see local custodians and the government working together. The story of Somnath is the story of India's resilience.
K
Karthik V
The mention of Ravana building it in silver during Treta Yuga is interesting. It shows the complexity of our epics – even a figure often vilified had a role in building a Mahadev temple. Our ancestors recorded history with such nuance. We need to learn from that.

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