The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.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:
✓ Correct answer: a) 1 and 2 only
ExplanationAns: A Exp: About the Somnath Temple: Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus, they believe it to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.(Statement 1 is correct) Somnath is a magnificent temple situated in Sagar Kant of Saurashtra in Gujarat state.A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveler, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by Mahmud of Ghazni.(Statement 2 is correct) During the reign of Bhima I (the Solanki Rajput King), Mahmud of Ghazni overran Gujarat and plundered Somnath in 1025 CE.The contemporary Somnath temple's reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel and completed in May 1951 after his death.Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951. (Statement 3 is incorrect)
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