Prabhas Patan Inscriptions Reveal Somnath’s Sacred Continuity

Prabhas Patan stands as a living repository of India’s sacred and historical legacy, where inscriptions, copper plates, and memorial stones narrate centuries of devotion, resilience, and royal patronage. Epigraphic records discovered across the Prabhas region, especially those linked to the Somnath Temple, reflect the area’s prosperity and its enduring role as a centre of Sanatan Dharma.

Epigraphic Heritage of Prabhas Patan

Several authenticated inscriptions and temple remnants are preserved at the Prabhas Patan Museum, which currently operates from the ancient Sun Temple complex. These artefacts symbolise both spiritual devotion and the valour with which the Somnath shrine withstood repeated invasions. One significant inscription is located near the museum, beside the old Ram Temple in Bhadrakali Lane, embedded within the wall of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple at the residence of Sompura Brahmin Dipakbhai Dave.

The Bhadrakali Inscription of 1169 CE

According to Shri Tejal Parmar, Curator of the Prabhas Patan Museum, the Bhadrakali inscription dates to 1169 CE, corresponding to Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255. Protected by the State Department of Archaeology, it is a eulogistic record of Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhavabrihaspati, spiritual preceptor of Kumarapala, the Solanki ruler of Anhilwad Patan. The inscription provides a rare and continuous historical account of the Somnath Temple from ancient to medieval times.

Somnath Across the Four Yugas

The inscription records the traditional belief of Somnath Mahadev’s reconstruction in all four yugas. In Satya Yuga, it was built of gold by Chandra (Soma); in Treta Yuga, of silver by Ravana; in Dvapara Yuga, of wood by Shri Krishna; and in Kali Yuga, a grand stone temple was constructed by Bhimdev Solanki. Historical records confirm that Kumarapala later built the fifth temple in 1169 CE on the same sacred site.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Prabhas Patan is closely associated with the Somnath Temple tradition.
• The Solanki dynasty patronised temple architecture and literature in Gujarat.
• Valabhi and Vikram Samvat were prominent historical calendar systems.
• Somnath is traditionally linked to reconstruction across four yugas.

Solanki Rule and Gujarat’s Golden Age

Under Solanki rule, Prabhas Patan emerged as a major centre of religion, architecture, and literature. The just governance of Siddharaj Jaysinh and the devotion of Kumarapala elevated Somnath as a proud symbol of Gujarat’s Golden Age. The Bhadrakali inscription stands as testimony to the scholarly and spiritual traditions of the period, affirming that the legacy of Prabhas Patan continues to inspire devotion, cultural pride, and historical consciousness.