India, a country situated in South Asia and in our hearts, has a rich historical background and has been referred to by different names throughout time. It was once the home of the Indus Valley civilization and was known as Jambudweepa in ancient history. The Persians called it Hind, while Arabic texts referred to it as Al-Hind. In Chinese literature, it was known as Tianzhu. When Muslim conquerors arrived, it became Hindustan. Today, it is officially known as Bharat or India. With its long and illustrious history, India has witnessed both remarkable achievements that brought glory to the nation and unfortunate events that left a dark stain on its legacy. In this article, we will explore the destruction of the top Hindu temples by foreign invaders.
Over the centuries, numerous magnificent temples were constructed across the subcontinent, serving as centers of worship, art, and culture. However, India’s history is also marked by invasions by foreign rulers who, in some instances, targeted these sacred structures. Here, we delve into the stories of famous Indian temples that faced destruction by foreign invaders.
1. Somnath Temple
Location: Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
History of the Somnath Temple
Somnath is a magnificent temple situated in Sagar Kant of Saurashtra in Gujarat state. One of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is here in Somnath. Somnath is also mentioned in Rigveda. This temple of Somnath has been very attractive in front of many destructive foreign invaders who want to lure and convert to the temple’s glory. Whenever the temple has tried to destroy it, then it has been built again.
Attacks on the Somnath Temple
The first temple in Somnath is said to have been built 2000 years ago. In 649 CE, King Maitre of Vallabhini constructed a second temple to replace the old one and made improvements to it. In 725, the ruler of Sindh attacked the temple with his army and destroyed it. King Nag Bhatt II rebuilt the temple for the third time in 815 using red sandstone. In 1026, Mahmud Ghazni looted the temple, taking its precious jewels and property. He also burned and destroyed the temple, causing great harm to the pilgrims there. Between 1026 and 1042, Solanki Raja Bhimdev constructed the fourth temple in Bhoj and Anhilwad Patan with the help of Parmar King of Malwa. Somnath was destroyed again in 1299 when the Delhi Sultanate occupied Gujarat. In 1394, it was destroyed once more. And in 1706, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb demolished the temple again.
Reconstruction
India’s Iron Man and First Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on November 13, 1947, promised to rebuild the temple. Today’s Somnath Temple is built on its original place in seventh place. When the temple was rebuilt on December 1, 1995, then the Indian President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma dedicated the temple to the country. In 1951, when India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad proposed to purify Jyotirling, he said, “This temple of Somnath is a symbol of victory over construction on destruction”. The temple was built under Shri Somnath Trust And this trust is now monitoring the temple. Currently, the chairman of the trust is former chief minister Keshubhai Patel and Sardar Patel was the first chairman of this trust.
Current Scenario
The Present temple is made in the form of “The Kailash Mahameru Prasad”, built in Chalukya style, and has a spectacular display of the art of Sompura artisans of Gujarat. This type of construction has not happened in the last 800 years. According to the inscription written in Sanskrit on the coast, only the sea exists between the temple and the southern part of the planet and there is no land.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Hinduism. Its history is as ancient as the city itself, dating back thousands of years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity of destruction and transformation in Hinduism.
According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is considered the holiest of cities. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in this city. The original temple structure is said to have been built centuries ago, although the exact date is uncertain due to its antiquity. It is mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts, solidifying its significance.
Attacks on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Throughout its history, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has faced numerous challenges and attacks. These attacks were primarily carried out by foreign invaders who sought to subdue and eliminate Hindu religious institutions. Some of the notable incidents include:
Destruction by Qutb-ud-din Aibak – In the early 12th century, during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate, the temple faced its first major attack. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, is believed to have destroyed the original temple structure.
Reconstruction by Hindu Kings – Subsequent Hindu kings, notably the Maratha rulers, worked to rebuild and restore the temple over the centuries. The current temple structure is largely attributed to the efforts of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century.
Attack by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb – One of the most significant attacks on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple occurred during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of the temple and the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque at the same site. This led to the partial destruction of the temple.
3. Martand Sun Temple
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir
The Martand Sun Temple stood as a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture, known for its intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and grand proportions. It showcased the architectural brilliance of the Kashmiri rulers of that era and was considered one of the grandest temples in the region.
History of Martand Sun Temple
The Martand Sun Temple, located in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a historically significant architectural wonder. Its construction dates back to the 8th century during the reign of King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya, the Sun God, and served as an important pilgrimage site for devotees.
Attacks on the Martand Sun Temple
During the 15th century, the temple was invaded and damaged by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan, who was known for his destruction of Hindu temples in Kashmir. The temple was targeted due to its significance as a Hindu place of worship.
In the early 19th century, the temple faced another devastating blow. In 1819, the Afghan governor of Kashmir, Azim Khan, ordered the destruction of the Martand Sun Temple. As a result, much of the temple was demolished, leaving behind ruins that stand as a testament to its former glory.
4. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
History of the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple holds immense significance as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, the temple is believed to stand on the spot where Lord Krishna was born thousands of years ago.
According to Hindu mythology and scriptures, Mathura was the capital city of the Yadava dynasty, ruled by King Kansa, who was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. It was here that Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva. The temple serves as a sacred pilgrimage site for millions of devotees who seek blessings and spiritual connection with Lord Krishna.
Attacks on the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Throughout history, the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple has faced various attacks and invasions. One significant event was the destruction of the original temple by Emperor Aurangzeb, a Mughal ruler, in the early 17th century. Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of numerous Hindu temples, including the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, due to his policy of imposing Islamic dominance.
Current Scenario
The temple remained in ruins for several years until the present structure, Kesava Deo Temple, was built on the site in the late 18th century. Despite these attacks, the faith and devotion of millions of devotees towards Lord Krishna and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple never wavered.
In the current scenario, the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is a prominent place of worship and pilgrimage. It attracts devotees from all over the world who gather to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings. The temple complex houses various idols and shrines dedicated to different forms of Lord Krishna.
5. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, also known as the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is considered the birthplace of Lord Rama. The history of this temple is intertwined with a complex series of events spanning several centuries.
History of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Ayodhya has been associated with Lord Ram for millennia. Historical texts, including the Ramayana, mention the sacredness of this land. The temple is believed to have ancient roots, with devotees offering prayers here for generations.
The temple, as seen today, showcases magnificent architecture and intricate carvings. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Indian temple design. The temple complex includes other sacred sites like Sita Rasoi, Hanuman Garhi, and the Kanak Bhavan.
The earliest historical records mention a temple at the site in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, which is believed to have been built during the reign of King Vikramaditya of the Gupta Empire, around 380 CE. Over time, the temple became an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Rama.
Attacks on the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Mughal Era – During the Mughal rule, the temple faced significant challenges. In the early 16th century, the Mughal emperor Babur’s commander, Mir Baqi, is believed to have destroyed an existing temple and constructed the Babri Masjid on the same site. This event marked a contentious chapter in the temple’s history.
Colonial Era – During the colonial period, disputes over the temple escalated. In 1853, communal tensions led to riots, and a grill was installed to separate the Hindu and Muslim areas within the complex. This marked the beginning of legal disputes over the site’s ownership.
Modern Disputes – In 1949, a group of Hindus placed idols of Lord Rama inside the mosque, leading to the mosque’s closure by the government. Legal battles ensued, and in 1992, a large mob demolished the mosque, resulting in significant communal violence across India.
Current Scenario of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
After years of legal proceedings, the judgment of the Supreme Court of India in November 2019 finally resolved the ownership dispute. The court ruled that the disputed land, where the mosque once stood, should be given to a trust to build a Hindu temple. It also directed the government to allocate an alternative piece of land to build a mosque.
In August 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple took place, attended by various political leaders and religious figures. The temple is expected to be an architectural marvel, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Indian temple architecture.
The current scenario of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is that the construction is underway. The temple is being built according to the traditional Nagara style of architecture, following the guidelines provided by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). It is expected to become a significant pilgrimage site after its completion.
The construction of the temple has garnered significant attention and has been a matter of both celebration and controversy. While many Hindus see it as a long-awaited fulfillment of their religious aspirations, some segments of society continue to express concerns about the impact on communal harmony.
6. Jagannath Temple
Location: Puri, Odisha
The Jagannath Temple, situated in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most sacred and renowned Hindu temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s history is steeped in spirituality and tradition.
The temple complex is famous for its unique rituals and customs. The deities worshipped here are Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. The deities are made of wood and are replaced every 12 years in a grand ceremony known as the Nabakalebara.
Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, is the principal deity of the temple. The idols are made of wood and are distinct for their unique appearance. The annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, of Puri is one of the grandest Hindu festivals in India, where these idols are paraded through the streets.
History of the Jagannath Temple
The temple’s history dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. However, the roots of the temple’s deity, Lord Jagannath, trace back even further in Hindu mythology.
Attacks on the Jagannath Temple
Like many ancient temples, the Jagannath Temple has faced attacks and invasions over the years. In the 16th century, it was looted and partially destroyed by Afghan ruler Kalapahad. However, the temple was rebuilt and restored to its former glory by the Gajapati King of Puri, Raja Mansingh.
Another significant event in the history of the temple was the attack by Muslim armies in the early 18th century during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. The temple was plundered and its idols were taken away. However, after Aurangzeb’s death, the idols were retrieved, and the temple was reconstructed.
Current Scenario of Jagannath Temple
In the current scenario, the Jagannath Temple continues to attract millions of devotees from all over the world. The temple complex, spread over a vast area, is a hub of religious activities and cultural festivals. The most famous festival associated with the temple is the Rath Yatra, where the deities are taken out in grand chariots for a procession.
The management and administration of the temple are carried out by a hereditary body of priests known as the Daitapatis. The rituals and customs are meticulously followed, preserving the age-old traditions and practices associated with the temple.
7. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Location: Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
History of the Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, often referred to as the Srirangam Temple, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Located in the town of Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, India, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and stands as a testament to India’s architectural and spiritual heritage.
The temple’s history is ancient and illustrious, with roots that stretch back over a thousand years. It is believed to have been originally constructed by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century CE. Subsequent dynasties, including the Pandya and Vijayanagara empires, made significant contributions to its expansion and renovation.
What sets the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple apart is its sprawling complex covering an area of 156 acres, making it the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple’s architecture showcases the Dravidian style, characterized by towering gopurams (entrance towers), intricately carved pillars, and vast courtyards.
Attacks on the Temple
Throughout its history, the Srirangam Temple has endured various attacks and challenges:
Islamic Invasions – During the medieval period, the temple faced multiple invasions by Islamic rulers. The most significant of these was the invasion by Malik Kafur, a general of Alauddin Khilji, in the 14th century. The temple’s treasures were plundered, and it suffered damage. However, the temple was restored by the Vijayanagara Empire.
Aurangzeb Invasions – In the 17th century, the temple was again subject to attack, this time by the Muslim general, Aurangzeb. The deity of Lord Ranganatha was hidden for several years to protect it from destruction. After Aurangzeb’s death, the temple was restored and the idol was reinstated in the sanctum sanctorum.
Current Scenario of Rangathaswamy Temple
Today, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple remains a vibrant center of Hindu worship and culture. It attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists from India and around the world. The temple complex is a treasure trove of art, culture, and spirituality.
The administration of the temple is overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government. This department manages the temple’s affairs, including rituals, maintenance, and preservation of its architectural wonders.
The temple hosts several annual festivals, with the Vaikuntha Ekadashi being one of the most significant. During this festival, devotees believe that Lord Ranganatha opens the gates to heaven, and thousands gather to seek His blessings.
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the temple’s heritage. Renovation projects have been undertaken to maintain the temple’s structural integrity and artistic grandeur.
8. Dwarkadhish Temple
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
The Dwarkadhish Temple, located in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed to be built on the exact spot where Lord Krishna once resided and ruled as the king of Dwarka. The temple holds immense religious and historical significance.
History of the Dwarkadhish Temple
According to mythology, Dwarka was established by Lord Krishna himself after he migrated from Mathura.
The temple has ancient origins, believed to date back over 2,500 years. It is said to have been originally built by Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, on the banks of the Gomti River. Dwarka, known as Dwaravati in ancient texts.
Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. The current structure of the Dwarkadhish Temple was constructed in the 16th century and is the result of the combined efforts of various dynasties and rulers, including the Yadavas, the Guptas, and the Solankis.Its five-story spire (shikhara) and intricate carvings make it a visual masterpiece.
Attacks on the Temple
During India’s history, the temple was repeatedly targeted by foreign invaders. Islamic rulers, including Mahmud of Ghazni and Aurangzeb, attacked and damaged the temple. Mahmud Begada, in the 15th century, is known to have plundered Dwarka and desecrated the temple.
The Marathas, under the leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao, launched efforts to reclaim and restore the temple in the 18th century. The temple was rebuilt with the support of the Maratha rulers.
These temples, despite the challenges they faced, remain important symbols of India’s cultural and religious heritage. They reflect the resilience and devotion of the Indian people who have strived to preserve their rich history in the face of adversity.