PM Modi named Somnath Temple trust chairman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chosen as the new chairman of the Somnath Temple trust which manages the Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan town in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district, becoming the second PM to hold the post.

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chosen as the new chairman of the Somnath Temple trust which manages the Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan town in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district, becoming the second PM to hold the post.

Somnath Temple

• The Somnath temple(also known as the DeoPatan) is located in Prabhas Patan on the western coast of Gujarat.
• It is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlingashrines of Shiva.
  
  

Temple Architecture

• The present temple is built in the Chaulukya style of temple architecture or "Kailash Mahameru Prasad" style.
• This style is sometimes called the Vesara style and Chalukya style.
• It reflects the skill of the SompuraSalats, one of Gujarat's master masons.
• The temple's sikhara, or main spire, is 15 metres in height, and it has an 8.2-metre tall flag pole at the top.
• The temple’s entrance has gallery exhibits photos telling the tale of the ancient temple’s ruins, renovations and excavations.
• The temple’s architecture and is adorned with stone carvings & sculptures.
• The temple in its interior has a GarbhaGriha with the Jyotirlingam enshrined in it, a SabhaMandap or assembly hall and aNrityamandap.
• The ceiling is made out of loadstone and is decked with exquisite watercolor paintings.