Somnath Temple: 17 Attacks, 1000 Years of Resilience, India's Unbroken Spirit

• Somnath Temple, one of 12 Jyotirlingas, was looted 17 times but rebuilt each time, symbolizing India's enduring civilization.
• Its 1000-year history includes major attacks from Mahmud Ghaznavi (1026 AD) to Aurangzeb, repeatedly attempting its destruction.
• Despite invasions, the temple was rebuilt by Hindu rulers, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, and post-independence by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Al-Biruni and Swami Vivekananda highlighted Somnath's significance as a cultural, economic, and historical center of India.
• The modern temple's reconstruction, initiated by Sardar Patel, faced Nehru's opposition but was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, affirming national heritage.

Why It Matters: Somnath Temple embodies India's unbreakable spirit, rising stronger after every destruction for a thousand years.