Veer Hamirji Gohil is one of the countless bravehearts who sacrificed themselves at the altar of devotion while protecting the great Somnath Temple, the first Jyotirlinga temple. The magnificent temple of Somnath, which stands defiantly against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, owes its existence to the blood of countless men and women like Veer Hamirji Gohil, who have stood up against the tyrannical forces that have laid siege to the temple from time to time. Who was Veer Hamirji Gohil? What was his connection with the Somnath temple? By the time you finish reading this post, you are sure to get a complete picture of the saga of Veer Hamirji Gohil.
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Somnath And The Inspiring Saga of Veer Hamirji Gohil
The great temple of Somnath stands as an enduring symbol of Indian culture and resilience. It was attacked, looted, and plundered numerous times across the chapters of Indian history. Though there is no documentation to say how many times it was destroyed and rebuilt, it can be said that this process of destruction and rebuilding happened at least 17 times.
The temple bore the attacks from armies led by Mahmud Gazni, Allauddin Khalji, Zafar Khan, Mahmud Begda, and others. But every time the defenders of the temple fought till the last against the powerful invaders, and every time the temple rose from its ashes. The existing structure of the Somnath Temple was given shape after India’s independence, thanks to the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K.M. Munshi, and others. Given the kind of destruction that the temple has faced, one can only imagine the sacrifices of the countless unsung and unknown men and women who have anointed the temple with their blood. One such unsung hero is Veer Hamirji Gohil.
Veer Hamirji Gohil And Somnath Temple Gujarat
The Somnath temple stands in solitary splendour, a silent sentinel of the seas, right on the edge of the coast of Prabhas Patan, in Gujarat. All eyes are focused on the grand structure, the abode of Lord Shiva, and the first Jyotirlinga Temple. Hardly anyone pauses to look up at the statue of a horseman that stands inside a roundabout in front of the temple. That statue is that of one of the defenders of the Somnath Temple, a man called Veer Hamirji Gohil.
Opposite this roundabout, there is a picture along with the Vir Hamirji Gohil story written in Hindi. The board has been installed by ‘Garasiya Kshatriya Rajput Samaj, Bhaka.” You may be surprised to know that the flag that flutters from the top of the Somnath temple if first kept ceremonially at the monument of Veer Hamirji Gohil, before being hoisted.
Veer Hamirji Gohil History | Story of Veer Hamirji Gohil
Historically, there is ambiguity regarding the year in which Veer Hamirji Gohil defended the Somnath temple, Some accounts suggest that he fought against the marauding forces of Zafar Khan, of the Delhi Sultanate, in the late 14th century, while some suggest that he fought against the forces of Allaudin Khalji towards the end of the 13th century. Other accounts state that he fought against the forces of Mahmud Begda in the 15th century, and sacrificed his life defending the temple in the 15th century. Under the circumstances, it is difficult to sift fact from myth. However, what is undeniable is the existence of Veer Hamirji Gohil and his supreme sacrifice while defending the great Somnath temple, the soul of India.
Inspiring Story of Veer Hamirji Gohil
The story of Veer Hamirji Gohil of Somnath, according to the information board near his monument in Somnath, is as under:
Kunwar Hamirji, the youthful and valiant son of Thakur Bhimji Gohil of Arthila, Lathi, was astride his horse in playful abandon when his sister-in-law, with a voice both stern and resolute, interrupted him: “This is no time for games, Hamirji. The sacred Somnath Temple—heart of our dharma—calls for protection.” Stirred by her solemn words, the young prince was seized with a sense of duty far beyond his years. Without delay, he rallied a small band of loyal companions and set forth toward Prabhas Patan, where the venerable temple stood under threat.
Their path led them through the dense expanse of the Gir forest, where they encountered the Bhil chieftain, Vegdaji. The tribal leader informed Hamirji of the grave situation at Somnath and, recognising the prince’s valour, offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. The union was solemnised the very next day, sealing an alliance of blood and purpose.
With renewed strength and swelling numbers, the warriors pressed on toward Somnath. There, in the shadow of the sacred shrine, they confronted the invading forces. In a battle of fierce resistance and unyielding devotion, Hamirji and his comrades laid down their lives, attaining martyrdom in defence of their faith. This noble act of sacrifice is believed to have occurred in the 15th century and remains etched in the annals of Gujarat’s heroic past and Somnath’s bloodied history.
There are many myths associated with the legend of Veer Hamirji Gohil and his demeanour and resilience. One of the amazing stories around Veer Hamirji’s defiance is that even after being beheaded by the enemy, his headless torso continued to fight for the protection of his beloved and sacred Somnath Temple.
Kesari Veer Hamirji Gohil – Immortalising The Hero on Celluloid
The saga of Veer Hamirji Gohil has been immortalised in many Gujarat books. A Gujarati film titled “Veer Hamirji – Somnath Ni Sakhate” was released in 2012. This film was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the category of Best Feature Film. Recently, a Hindi film titled Kesari Veer Hamirji Gohil has been released.
Kesari Veer Hamirji Gohil is a Gujarati historical film that pays tribute to the legendary Rajput warrior Hamirji Gohil, who valiantly defended the Somnath temple in the 13th century. Directed by Harsukh Patel, the film dramatises the youthful hero’s journey from a carefree prince to a martyr for faith and duty. It captures his courage, sacrifice, and the cultural heritage of Saurashtra with powerful storytelling and vibrant visuals. The film also highlights themes of valour, devotion, and unity among communities. Kesari Veer Hamirji Gohil stands as a cinematic homage to Gujarat’s enduring legacy of resistance and righteousness.
The incredible saga of Veer Hamirji Gohil is as inspiring as the iconic Somnath temple itself. It is a story that fills every Indian with pride. It is a reminder to spare a thought for the countless men and women who have been sacrificing their lives to uphold the pride and integrity of our nation.
Jai Hind, Jai Somnath!
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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.
Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.
