Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a roadshow in Gujarat's Prabhas Patan to commemorate 75 years since the consecration of the reconstructed and restored Somnath Temple. The event marks a significant milestone in India's spiritual and cultural heritage.
PM Modi's Visit to Gujarat
PM Modi arrived in Jamnagar on Sunday night, beginning a two-day visit to Gujarat. Extensive security arrangements and welcome programmes were organised across Jamnagar, Somnath, and Vadodara ahead of his engagements. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, celebrated earlier this year, commemorates 1,000 years since the first attack by Mahmud of Ghazni on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The Parv celebrates the enduring spirit of India's civilisation and its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Rituals at Somnath Temple
After the roadshow, PM Modi visited the Somnath Temple and performed several rituals. He performed the Vishesh Maha Puja, followed by the Kumbhabhishek and Dhvajarohan ceremonies, which mark the consecration rituals and the hoisting of the temple flag.
Release of Commemorative Coin
Later in the day, PM Modi will release a commemorative Rs 75 coin to mark the occasion. An official gazette notification for the same was issued on May 8. According to Sudhir Lunawat, a numismatist based in Gujarat, one side of the coin will depict the Somnath Temple along with the text, 'A celebration of 1000 years of India's unwavering faith and devotion', with 2026 as the year of issuance. The coin will be struck by the government mint in Kolkata.
Inauguration of Sardar Dham Bhavan-3
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Sardar Dham Bhavan-3, also known as the Shri Dushyant and Daksha Patel Complex, in Vadodara. Constructed near Vaghodia Crossing on NH-8A adjacent to L&T Knowledge City, the complex was built at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore and spans approximately 4.75 lakh square feet. It includes 278 accommodation rooms, an NRI guest house, an e-library, a career guidance centre, training facilities, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of around 1,000.
Defence Minister's Remarks
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his wishes on the 75th anniversary of the Somnath Temple's reconstruction, calling it a 'powerful symbol of India's spiritual consciousness and faith.' He further hailed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, emphasising that the initiative strengthens India's resolve to further awaken and enrich its spiritual and cultural consciousness. 'Today marks 75 years since the reconstruction of the Shri Somnath Temple. The Somnath Temple is a powerful symbol of India's spiritual consciousness and faith. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our country is today celebrating the Somnath Swabhiman Utsav, which is a celebration of India's eternal energy. This is an occasion to strengthen the resolve to further awaken and enrich India's spiritual and cultural consciousness, so that future generations of India can also draw inspiration from it,' Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav at the sacred Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a symbol of India's enduring faith and civilisational heritage.
