1. Location & Significance
• Situated in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat.
• One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• Considered the first and most sacred Jyotirlinga.
2. Historical Background
• The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to invasions (notably by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 CE).
• Reconstructed in its current form in 1951 under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s initiative.
3. Architectural Features
• Built in Chalukya-style architecture.
• The temple’s Shikhar (spire) is 50 meters high, with a 7.5 kg gold kalash at the top.
• An inscription on the temple wall states that it stands at a point where the first ray of sunlight falls in India.
4. Religious & Cultural Importance
• Associated with Lord Krishna’s departure from Earth.
• Mentioned in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana.
