For centuries, the Somnath Temple has stood not merely as a place of worship, but as a symbol of civilisational endurance. Now, with Jai Somnath, ace filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are finally bringing this monumental chapter of India on a cinematic scale it deserves. Known for grand storytelling and rooted historical narratives, their collaboration signals a serious, immersive retelling of Somnath’s trials and triumphs by Mahmud of Ghazni.
Did you know that the Somnath Temple was repeatedly attacked over nearly six centuries? The earliest recorded large-scale invasion was by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE. Historical accounts describe the temple being looted, its famed jyotirlinga desecrated, and immense wealth carried away.
In 1299 CE, Ulugh Khan, a general of Alauddin Khilji, attacked the temple again, reportedly taking the idol to Delhi. The assaults did not end there. In 1395 CE, Zafar Khan launched another attack. Later, Mahmud Begada in 1451 CE is said to have desecrated the structure.
By 1665 CE, during the reign of Aurangzeb, orders were issued that led to yet another destruction of the temple, according to several historical chronicles. Each invasion left scars, yet Somnath rose again, rebuilt, restored, and revered.
Jai Somnath brings forward one of the most important and central chapters of Indian history, the invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni, that has never been told, and now Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are coming together to finally bring this monumental tale to life. With their larger-than-life cinematic vision, Jai Somnath intends to showcase a saga of devotion, sacrifice, and the indestructible spirit of India. By choosing this emotive and sentimental chapter of Indian history, the filmmakers are set to bring a story to the big screen that reflects resilience, faith, and the timeless victory of creation over destruction.