UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 72
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple ?
- Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
- A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
- Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A (1 and 2 only)
Explanation: Somnath is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is described in medieval travel writing by al-Biruni; its modern installation ceremony involved Rajendra Prasad.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. True / qualifies - Somnath in Gujarat is among Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. True / qualifies - Al-Biruni recorded descriptions of Somnath in his writing.
3. False / does not qualify - President Rajendra Prasad performed the 1951 consecration, not S. Radhakrishnan.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.
B. Incorrect-includes 3 even though President Rajendra Prasad performed the 1951 consecration, not S. Radhakrishnan.; omits 1 even though Somnath in Gujarat is among Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.
C. Incorrect-includes 3 even though President Rajendra Prasad performed the 1951 consecration, not S. Radhakrishnan.; omits 2 even though Al-Biruni recorded descriptions of Somnath in his writing.
D. Incorrect-includes 3 even though President Rajendra Prasad performed the 1951 consecration, not S. Radhakrishnan.