Bhadrakali Temple Inscription at Prabhas Patan Testifies to (Chalukya) Solanki Ruler Kumarapala's Role in Somnath Temple's Rebuilt

Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat holds a rich and sacred past with copper plates, inscriptions and memorial stones that reflect its prosperity, heritage and enduring spirit of valour.

Inscriptions and original relics detailing the history of Prabhas Patan and the Somnath Temple are found throughout the Prabhas region. Inscriptions, copper plates, and relics from temples destroyed during the invasions are housed in the Prabhas Patan Museum, a symbol of valor, strength, and devotion. The museum currently operates in the former Sun Temple in Prabhas Patan.

One such inscription is located near the museum in Prabhas Patan, next to the old Ram Temple in Bhadrakali Lane. Preserved at the home of Sompura Brahmin Deepakbhai Dave , it is embedded in the wall of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple in his courtyard.

This inscription, according to Mr. Tejal Parmar, Curator (Museum Head) of the Prabhas Patan Museum, was created in 1169 AD (Vallabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255) and is currently preserved by the State Archaeology Department. It is a panegyric of Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhava Brihaspati, the spiritual guru of Chalukyan (Solanki) ruler Maharajadhiraja Kumarpal 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 eras. According to it, in the Satya Yuga, Chandra (Som) built it of gold; in the Treta Yuga, Ravana built it of silver; in the Dwapara Yuga, Shri Krishna built it of wood; and in the Kali Yuga, Solnki ruler Bhimdev Solanki built a beautifully artistic stone temple.

History confirms that Bhimdev Solanki built the fourth temple on the ruins of the earlier one, followed by a fifth on the same site by Kumarapala in 1169 AD. Under Solanki rule, Prabhas Patan became a major centre of religion, architecture and literature, while Siddharaja Jayasimha's justice and Kumarapala's devotion established Somnath as a glorious symbol of Gujarat's golden age.

The sacred land of Prabhas Patan holds not only ruins but also the spiritual glory of Sanatan Dharma. The historic Bhadrakali inscription reflects the devotion of the Solanki rulers and scholars like Bhavavrihaspati. Through its rich heritage of art, architecture, and literature, this land continues to inspire generations to come, while the legacy of Prabhas and the enduring peak of Somnath confirm that devotion and self-respect are timeless.

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