Located in the Prabhas Patan region of Somnath in Gujarat is the Veneshwar Mahadev Temple, where Lord Shiva is believed to have absorbed one of His devoted devotees within Himself in order to protect her from the Islamic invader Mahmud of Ghazni. It is from this very incident that Mahadev came to be known as Veneshwar. Even today, evidence of this extraordinary event can be seen in the Veneshwar Mahadev Temple, as the Shivalinga installed here appears to be divided into two parts.
Veneshwar Mahadev Temple Festival
- The most important festival in the temple is Mahashivratri (February – March)
- Shravan month, especially Mondays in the month (July – August)
- Pradosh Vrat fortnightly
- Mondays throughout the year.
History of Veneshwar Mahadev Temple
Somnath, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, is also
located in the Prabhas Patan region. This place holds great mythological
significance and is home to many temples, each with its own legendary history.
The region was repeatedly targeted by Islamic invaders. The Veneshwar Mahadev
Temple, too, underwent reconstruction and renovation several times, which is
why precise information about its original construction is not available.
However, records indicate that the temple existed at the time of Mahmud of
Ghazni’s invasion in 1025 CE. Based on this, it is estimated that the temple is
over 1,000 years old.
Protection of Princess Veni from Mahmud of Ghazni
It was the year 1025 CE. Mahmud of Ghazni had come to India
with the intention of plundering Somnath. Due to Somnath’s immense wealth and
grandeur, the region was frequently targeted by Islamic invaders. When Mahmud
advanced to loot Somnath, he faced fierce resistance from the local Rajput
ruler. The Rajput king was unwilling to surrender under any circumstances.
Confronted with the ruler’s courage and determination, Mahmud of Ghazni
appeared helpless, and his dream of looting Somnath seemed unattainable. At
this point, he resorted to his rigid Islamic tactics.
Mahmud of Ghazni devised a plan to abduct Princess Veni, the
daughter of the Rajput ruler, in order to pressure the king. Princess Veni was
known to be a devoted follower of Lord Shiva and regularly visited the Shiva
temple located outside the Prabhas Patan fort to worship. When Mahmud of Ghazni
and his Islamic army attempted to abduct her, Veni locked herself inside the
temple and prayed to Lord Shiva for protection. It is said that on that day,
Lord Shiva performed a miracle rarely ever witnessed. Upon hearing Princess
Veni’s prayer, the Shivalinga installed in the temple split into two parts and
absorbed Princess Veni within itself.
The history associated with Princess Veni is described in a novel written by the great literary figure K. M. Munshi. From that day onward, Lord Shiva in this temple came to be known as Veneshwar Mahadev, named after His devoted follower. Lord Shiva not only protected His devotee but also granted her immortality. Even today, marks associated with Veni are believed to be visible on the Shivalinga of this temple.