Baan Stambh, Somnath Temple

The Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar) at India's Somnath Temple is an ancient pillar with an arrow on top pointing to the sea, symbolizing a path to the South Pole with no landmass in between. Its existence is mentioned in texts from the 6th century, and while the exact construction date and builder are unknown, its inscription points to a sophisticated understanding of geography, astronomy, and navigation by ancient Indians. Key historical facts Dating: The pillar is mentioned in records from at least the 6th century, suggesting it is over 1500 years old. Inscription: A Sanskrit inscription on the pillar reads, "आसमुद्रांत दक्षिण ध्रुव पर्यंत अबाधित ज्योर्तिमार्ग," which translates to "there is no earth terrain from this point of the sea to the South Pole". Geographical significance: The inscription highlights ancient Indian knowledge of the Earth's shape, the existence of the South Pole, and the fact that no landmass exists between Somnath and Antarctica. Mystery: The pillar's existence raises the question of how ancient civilizations possessed this knowledge, speculating they may have had aerial maps or a profound understanding of celestial bodies and geography. Temple connection: The pillar is located on the south side of the Somnath Temple, which has been a pilgrimage site since ancient times. The temple itself has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the latest reconstruction occurring in 1951.