Nehru's Opposition to Somnath Temple: Why He Stood Against Gandhi and Patel

• The Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat, is a symbol of India's cultural identity and historical renaissance, attracting devotees and tourists.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the temple's reconstruction after Junagadh's merger with India, viewing it as a restoration of India's cultural soul.
• Mahatma Gandhi approved the reconstruction but suggested public funding, making it a project of public faith; K.M. Munshi oversaw completion after Patel's death.
• The temple, named 'Somnath Maha Meru Prasad,' was built in the traditional Nagara style by the renowned Sompura family, including Padma Shri Prabhashankar Sompura.
• Despite repeated destruction by invaders like Mahmud Ghaznavi and Aurangzeb, the temple was consistently rebuilt, symbolizing resilience and national consciousness.

Why It Matters: Jawaharlal Nehru opposed the Somnath Temple's reconstruction, a project supported by Gandhi and Patel, symbolizing India's cultural revival.