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Somnath Temple: History, Location and Architecture

8 January 20261 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSSomnath Temple:History, Locationand Architecture8 January 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Prime Minister highlighted the shrine’s survival over a millennium since the 1026 CE assault, calling it proof of cultural continuity.

Key facts

  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas; also called the ‘Eternal Shrine’.
  • Located on the Arabian Sea coast where the Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati rivers meet (Triveni Sangam).
  • Mentioned in the Shiva Purana; worship dates to ancient times.
  • Destroyed and rebuilt at least six times.
PhaseEvent
1026 CEAttacked and plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni
MedievalRebuilt by Kumarapala (Chaulukya, 12th century) and Chudasama kings; destroyed again under Delhi Sultanate invasions
Post-IndependenceLed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with K. M. Munshi; inaugurated 1951

Architecture

  • Chaulukya (Solanki) style: tall shikhara, fine stone carving, spacious garbhagriha.
  • The Baan-Stambh inscription says no land lies from the southern arrow to the South Pole.

Exam angle

  • Style: Chaulukya.
  • Reconstructed temple inaugurated: 1951.

Test yourself

1. In which architectural style is the Somnath Temple built?

The notes describe Somnath as built in Chaulukya (Solanki) style.

2. The reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated in which year?

After Independence, the rebuilt temple was inaugurated in 1951.

3. Somnath Temple stands at the Triveni Sangam of which rivers?

The site is at the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran and Saraswati.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 6 & 7 January 2026 (19 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJanuary 2026

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