Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, 11 January (H.S.): Prabhas Patan safeguards a profound historical and spiritual heritage on Sunday, where copper plates, inscriptions, and memorial stones chronicle its prosperity, cultural richness, and indomitable spirit of valor. Epigraphic records alongside authenticated archaeological remains illuminate the storied past of Prabhas Patan and the Somnath Temple, scattered across the region.
These priceless artifacts—including inscriptions, copper plates, and fragments from temples razed during invasions—are meticulously preserved at the Prabhas Patan Museum, embodying symbols of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion.
Housed temporarily in the ancient Sun Temple at Prabhas Patan, the museum serves as a vital repository of Somnath's tumultuous yet triumphant narrative.
A particularly significant inscription resides near the museum in Prabhas Patan, adjacent to the old Ram Temple along Bhadrakali Lane.
Embedded in the wall of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple within the courtyard of Sompura Brahmin Dipakbhai Dave's residence, it stands under the protection of the State Department of Archaeology.
Prabhas Patan Museum Curator and Head Shri Tejal Parmar elaborated that this eulogistic inscription, dated 1169 CE (corresponding to Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255), honors Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhavabrihaspati, the revered spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.
This Sanskrit engraving chronicles the Somnath Temple's ancient and medieval history, detailing its mythological reconstructions across the four yugas: Chandra (Soma) erected a golden structure in Satya Yuga; Ravana built one of silver in Treta Yuga; Shri Krishna fashioned a wooden edifice in Dvapara Yuga; and in Kali Yuga, King Bhimdev Solanki crafted an exquisitely artistic stone temple.
Historical accounts affirm that Bhimdev Solanki constructed the fourth temple atop prior foundations, succeeded by Kumarapala's fifth iteration in 1169 CE at the identical sacred site. Under Solanki patronage, Prabhas Patan flourished as a preeminent hub of religion, architecture, and literature.
The exemplary justice of Siddharaj Jaysinh and Kumarapala's profound devotion elevated Somnath as an emblem of Gujarat's Golden Age, radiating cultural splendor.
Beyond mere ruins, Prabhas Patan's hallowed terrain embodies the spiritual majesty of Sanatan Dharma. The Bhadrakali inscription encapsulates the Solanki rulers' piety and the scholarly eminence of figures like Bhavabrihaspati.
Through its opulent legacy in art, architecture, and literature, this land perpetually inspires succeeding generations. Prabhas Patan's heritage, crowned by Somnath's perennial apex, unequivocally demonstrates that devotion and self-respect transcend epochs, echoing valor through millennia.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
