"“This temple of Somnat was built upon fifty-six pillars of teak wood covered with lead, The idol itself was in a chamber; its height was five cubits and its girth three cubits. This was what appeared to the eye, but two cubits were (hidden) in the basement. It had no appearance of having been sculptured, Yaminu-d daula seized it, part of it he burnt, and part of it he carried away with him to Ghazni, where he made it a step at the entrance of the jami'-masjid. The shrine of the idol was dark, but. it was lighted by most exquisitely jewelled chandeliers. Near the idol was a chain of gold to which bells were attached. The weight of it was 200 mans. When a certain portion of the night had passed, this chain was shaken to ring the bells, and so rouse a fresh party of Brahmans to carry on the worship. The treasury was near, and in it there were many idols of gold and silver. Over it there were veils hanging, set with jewels, everyone of which was of immense value. The worth of what was found in the temple exceeded [p. 53] two millions of dinars, all of which was taken. The number of the slain exceeded fifty thousand."-lbn Asir."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Sack of Somnath
50 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Sack of Somnath →
Related Quotes
"'When Sultan Mahmud ascended the throne of sovereignty, his illustrious deeds became manifest unto all mankind within…"
"“The destruction of the temple of Somnãth, was looked upon as the crowning glory of Islam over idolatry, and Sultãn M…"
"Mahmud, as soon as his eyes fell on this idol, lifted up his battle-axe with much anger, and struck it with such forc…"
"Sultam Mahmud, having entered into the idol temple, beheld an excessively long and broad room, in so much that fifty-…"
"The chief of Anhilwara called Bhim, fled hastily, and abandoning his city, he went to a certain fort for safety and t…"
"The linga he raised was the stone of Somnath, for soma means the moon and natha means master, so that the whole word …"
"Then in accordance with his custom, he advanced with his army towards Hindustan with the object of the conquest of So…"
"Asjadi composed the following qaSida in honour of this expedition: When the King of kings marched to Somnat, He made …"
"'The celebrated temple of Somnat, situated in the province of Guzerat, near the island of Dew, was in those times sai…"
"At that date, the Mohammedan conqueror, Mahmoud of Ghizni, crossed India; seized on the holy city of Somnauth; and st…"