Somnath, Gujarat: For over a millennium, the Somnath Temple has stood as a symbol of resilience, wealth, and mystery. Once the richest temple in India, this sacred shrine has endured seventeen ruthless invasions, from Mahmud of Ghazni to Aurangzeb, only to rise from the ashes every time. But now, the ancient temple is in the headlines for an entirely different reason—the mystery of its levitating Shivling, a legend that has fascinated historians, devotees, and skeptics alike. Could this long-lost marvel have finally been found?
A Temple of Wealth, Faith, and Plunder
The Somnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not just a religious site—it is a testament to India’s grand past and indomitable spirit. According to historical accounts, the temple was adorned with gold, silver, and priceless jewels, accumulating wealth that made it the envy of rulers across continents.
But with great wealth came great tragedy. From Mahmud of Ghazni’s plunder in 1025 AD, which saw him loot treasures worth 20 million dinars (approximately ₹100 crores in today’s value), to Aurangzeb’s merciless destruction in the 17th century, the temple has seen some of the darkest days in history. Yet, like a phoenix, it was rebuilt time and again, standing tall as a symbol of faith and perseverance.
The Legend of the Levitating Shivling: Science or Divine Miracle?
One of the most intriguing mysteries associated with the temple is that of the levitating Shivling. Ancient texts and folklore speak of a Shivling that defied gravity, floating mid-air without any physical support, supposedly held in place by powerful magnetic forces. Historians have debated whether this was a lost architectural wonder or merely a myth woven into legend.
Now, recent findings suggest that remnants of a magnetically charged structure beneath the temple might have played a role in this phenomenon. While no definitive evidence of a floating Shivling has been found, researchers believe that certain ancient techniques involving electromagnetism could explain how a Shivling might have “levitated” in ancient times.
Rebuilding the Glory: Somnath’s Many Resurrections
The destruction of Somnath did not mark its end. From King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple saw multiple restorations, each grander than before. The final and most ambitious reconstruction came in 1951, championed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, after India’s independence. Today, the towering temple, facing the Arabian Sea, stands as a proud symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
Somnath: A Living Testament to India’s Indestructible Spirit
The story of Somnath Temple is not just about wealth or destruction—it’s about resilience. It represents India’s ability to withstand the tides of time, invasion, and adversity, only to emerge stronger. The whispers of a levitating Shivling add to its mystique, making it a temple where history, mythology, and science converge.
As devotees and scholars continue to unravel the temple’s secrets, one thing remains clear—Somnath is not just a temple. It is history etched in stone, standing tall against time, refusing to bow down, no matter the odds.