Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant three-day visit to Gujarat on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with a profound focus on the historic Somnath temple. The centerpiece of his visit was participation in the 'Shaurya Yatra' on Sunday, a ceremonial procession held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
A Millennium of Unbroken Faith and Resilience
The Swabhiman Parv, observed from January 8 to 11, 2026, commemorates a monumental milestone: 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. The Prime Minister's Office highlighted that this event began centuries of repeated destruction and rebuilding. Despite this turbulent history, the temple has endured as a powerful emblem of India's civilisational courage, faith, and national pride.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed that he felt blessed to be in Somnath, describing the temple as a 'symbol of strength, resilience, and tradition'. He emphasized that his visit coincided with the parv marking a millennium since that first invasion.
PM Modi's Engagements: From Mantra Chanting to Tribute
Upon his arrival at the temple town on Saturday, the Prime Minister received a rousing welcome. His engagements were diverse and deeply symbolic:
- He actively participated in the Omkar Mantra chanting within the temple complex.
- He witnessed a special drone show that depicted key historical events linked to Somnath's long and storied past.
- During the Shaurya Yatra on Sunday, PM Modi paid solemn tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, acknowledging the Iron Man of India's pivotal role in the restoration of the Somnath temple after independence.
- Following the yatra, he offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of the Somnath temple.
The Symbolism of Shaurya Yatra and Swabhiman Parv
The Shaurya Yatra is not just a procession but a symbolic re-enactment of courage and sacrifice. It represents the enduring spirit that allowed Somnath to rise repeatedly from ruins, sustaining the faith of millions through generations. The PMO noted that the temple's cycle of ruin and revival is often described as unique in world history, remaining deeply rooted in the nation's collective consciousness.
Prime Minister Modi's participation underscores the government's focus on cultural heritage and civilisational continuity. The event transforms a historical narrative of invasion into a contemporary celebration of uninterrupted faith and national resilience. The temple, restored to its ancient glory through collective resolve, stands today as a testament to that spirit.
The four-day national commemoration has drawn attention to how historical landmarks shape modern identity, with Somnath serving as a focal point for reflections on tradition, recovery, and pride.
