The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revealed that the historic Somnath temple was reconstructed without the consent of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru post-Independence. Govind Karjol, the former Deputy Chief Minister, highlighted this during a special pooja at the Kadumalleshwara Temple in Malleshwaram, commemorating 75 years since the temple’s reconstruction. Karjol emphasized the temple’s ancient legacy spanning over a millennium.
The Somnath Temple, rebuilt against Nehru’s wishes, was formally consecrated in 1951, attracting around 140 crore devotees nationwide today. Karjol mentioned that not only the BJP but Hindus across the country are observing special rituals to honor the temple’s reconstruction anniversary. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra led party workers in performing a special pooja, praying for universal well-being.
Karjol recounted the temple’s destruction during Mughal invasions, with its restoration proposed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1948. Despite Nehru’s opposition, leaders like K.M. Gadgil and K.M. Munshi persisted in advocating for the temple’s reconstruction. The temple’s restoration was eventually realized, disregarding Nehru’s objections, to revive its former glory.
State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra coordinated ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’, where BJP members nationwide offered prayers at Shiva temples, chanting the ‘Om Namah Shivay’ mantra. The event saw the presence of prominent figures like Govind Karjol, Ambika Hulinaykar, S. Harish, and Saptagiri Gowda from the BJP leadership in Bengaluru.
