News: The Bhadrakali Temple inscription has drawn attention for highlighting the historical legacy, religious importance, and preservation of Somnath-related epigraphic records.
About Bhadrakali Temple Inscription
- The Bhadrakali Temple inscription is an important 12th-century epigraph that records the history and patronage of the Somnath Temple.
- It is a eulogistic inscription of Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhavabrihaspati, the spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.
- Location: The inscription is located at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat and is embedded in the wall of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple.
- Carved in: The inscription was carved in 1169 CE, corresponding to Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255.
- Royal Patronage: It confirms the fifth temple’s construction by Kumarapala in 1169 CE and reflects Solanki patronage of religion, art, and literature.
- Language used: The inscription is engraved in Sanskrit.
- Historical significance: The inscription uniquely chronicles the construction of the Somnath Temple across the four mythological Yugas, listing the materials used in each:
- Satya Yuga: Built of gold by the Moon God (Soma).
- Treta Yuga: Built of silver by Ravana.
- Dvapara Yuga: Built of wood by Shri Krishna.
- Kali Yuga: Built of stone by King Bhimdev Solanki.
- Protection: It is a protected monument under the State Department of Archaeology.
