The secret behind the levitating Jyotirlinga at Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat, India, is one of the most revered and ancient shrines of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or the radiant manifestations of Shiva, that are considered to be the holiest places for the devotees of Shiva. Somnath Temple has a long and turbulent history, as it was destroyed and rebuilt several times by various invaders and rulers. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of the temple is the legend of the levitating Jyotirlinga, or the idol of Shiva, that was said to float in mid-air without any support.

The legend of the levitating Jyotirlinga

According to the legend, the original Jyotirlinga of Somnath Temple was made of iron and was suspended in the air by the magnetic force of a huge loadstone, or magnetite, that was fixed on the ceiling of the temple. The loadstone was also said to have alchemical properties, as it could produce gold from the iron. The Jyotirlinga was believed to be hidden inside the Syamantak Mani, or the philosopher’s stone, which was associated with Lord Krishna. The Syamantak Mani was a gem that could grant any wish and was also a source of immense wealth and power.

The legend of the levitating Jyotirlinga was first recorded by the historians of Mahmud of Ghazni, a Turkish ruler who invaded India in the 11th century CE. Mahmud was notorious for plundering and destroying many Hindu temples, including the Somnath Temple, in his quest to spread Islam. When he reached the temple, he was amazed to see the Jyotirlinga floating in the air. He ordered his men to seize the idol and the treasure, but they could not move the idol. After a lot of efforts he was finally able to break the idol.

The scientific explanation of the levitating Jyotirlinga

It is possible that the ancient architects of Somnath Temple use the magnetic principle to create the levitating Jyotirlinga. They could have used a large loadstone as the ceiling magnet, a smaller iron Jyotirlinga as the lower magnet, and a thin layer of bismuth, a diamagnetic metal, as the diamagnetic material between them. The bismuth would have been hidden inside the Syamantak Mani, which would have also served as a decorative and symbolic element. The bismuth would have prevented the Jyotirlinga from touching the loadstone or falling to the ground, and created a stable levitation system. The gold coating on the loadstone could have been either a natural phenomenon or an artificial embellishment. The iron Jyotirlinga could have also been a meteorite fragment, which would have added to its sacredness and rarity.

The significance and legacy of legendary mystery

The levitating Jyotirlinga of Somnath Temple was not only a religious and artistic marvel, but also a scientific and technological achievement. It demonstrated the advanced knowledge and skill of the ancient Indian architects and metallurgists, who were able to create a magnetic levitation system using natural materials and without any external power source. It also reflected the cultural and spiritual values of the ancient Indians, who revered nature and its forces as manifestations of the divine. The levitating Jyotirlinga was a symbol of the power and glory of Lord Shiva, the lord of destruction and creation, and the source of all energy and matter.

The levitating Jyotirlinga was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni, who failed to appreciate its significance and beauty. He also looted and desecrated the temple, and killed thousands of Hindus who defended it. His act of vandalism was condemned by many historians and poets, who lamented the loss of the temple and the idol. The temple was rebuilt several times by various rulers and devotees, who tried to restore its original splendor and sanctity. The current structure of the temple was built in 1995, and houses a new Jyotirlinga, which is made of stone and is not levitating. However, the legend of the levitating Jyotirlinga lives on in the memory and imagination of the people, who still visit the temple and worship Lord Shiva with devotion and awe. The levitating Jyotirlinga of Somnath Temple is a proof of the ancient wisdom and wonder of India, and a reminder of the potential for life in the most unexpected places.