By Minakshi Bhaskar Vaidya, Prabhas Patan, Somnath: World famous Somnath Mahadev temple was rich, with presence of beautiful carving and number of sculptures inside and outside the temple structure in ancient time. To restore such glory, newer sculptures are being carved inside and outside the temple. While the task of carving newer sculptures on outer portion of the temple is over, a team of skilled sculptors have started carving new figures inside the main temple.

Around a dozen skilled stone artists led by Dhrangadhra based Ghanshyambhai Sompura are actively involved in carving new sculptures as prescribed in our ancient shastra. Some examples – Yama figure has been carved in Southern direction, Varun in Western direction and Kuber Bhandari in Northern direction inside the ‘mandovar’ of main temple recently. Mukhya Mandap, Sabha Mandap, zarukha, gallery and pillars will feature sculptures of various deities and forms of Shiv.

Shri Sompura said he has been handed over Maha meru prasad design of the temple and all new sculptures are being carved and fixed as prescribed in shastra. He said once the work is over, the visitors will see scores of dev pratima at every place while moving in the temple.

Somnath temple is constructed using Dhrangadhra stone, which is available in plenty in Zalavad pocket of Saurashtra region.

DeshGujarat