1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrine

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple [installation of the present day temple] was done by President S. Radhakrishnan 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a Triveni sangam (the confluence of three rivers — Kapila, Hiran and Sarasvati.

Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and Portuguese the present temple was reconstructed in Chalukya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951.

The ancient temple’s timeline can be traced from 649 BC but is believed to be older than that. The present form was reconstructed in 1951. The reconstruction was completed by Vallabhbhai Patel.   The first President of India,  Rajendra Prasda ,performed the Pran-Pratishtha Ceremony of the Jyotirlinga on May 11, 1951 in the Garbh – Gruh of the Somnath Temple which was being reconstructed at that time.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by a most unwelcome tourist – the legendary looter Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2022