Somnath, Gujarat

We spent this Diwali at the Somnath Jyotirling, dressed in dhotis and with a mudgar in hand.

Located where three rivers meet, the Somnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlings found in India.

The temple has a turbulent history. It first faced destruction in 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. Over time, it was damaged and rebuilt multiple times. Reasons for the destruction of the temple vary but broadly fell under the categories of looting, Islamic iconoclasm or insulting Hindus (the idol was thrown to be trampled under the feet of Muslims).

After India gained independence, the temple saw a rebirth. Thanks to the efforts of leaders like Sardar Patel, it stands as a testament to resilience and unity.