Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan records Kumarapala's revival of Somnath
The Culture Ministry on 11 January 2026 highlighted the 1169 CE Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan, which records the history of the Somnath temple and the role of Solanki ruler Kumarapala in its revival.
Summary
The Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, carved in 1169 CE and protected by the State Department of Archaeology, chronicles the history of the Somnath temple, the Culture Ministry said on 11 January 2026. The inscription is a eulogy of Bhavabrihaspati, spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan. It says Somnath was built of gold by Chandra in the Satya Yuga, of silver by Ravana, of wood by Shri Krishna, and of stone by King Bhimdev Solanki. History confirms that Kumarapala built the fifth temple at the site in 1169 CE, and the Prabhas Patan Museum, housed in the ancient Sun Temple, preserves related inscriptions and remains.
Key facts
- Inscription
- Bhadrakali Temple inscription, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
- Date
- 1169 CE (Valabhi Samvat 850; Vikram Samvat 1255)
- Nature
- Eulogy of Bhavabrihaspati, preceptor of Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan
- Legend recorded
- Gold (Chandra), silver (Ravana), wood (Krishna), stone (Bhimdev Solanki)
- Fifth temple
- Built by Kumarapala in 1169 CE
- Museum
- Prabhas Patan Museum, in the ancient Sun Temple
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The 1169 CE Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan is a eulogy of Bhavabrihaspati, spiritual preceptor of which ruler?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kumarapala
PIB (Culture): it is a eulogistic inscription of Bhavabrihaspati, the spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.
According to the Bhadrakali inscription, which builder–material pair for the Somnath temple is correctly matched?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Shri Krishna – wood
PIB (Culture): the inscription says Chandra built it of gold, Ravana of silver, Shri Krishna of wood, and King Bhimdev Solanki of stone.