Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a powerful reflection on the historical resilience of Gujarat's Somnath Temple, ahead of his scheduled visit to the shrine on January 11. In a social media post, the PM recalled the temple's repeated destruction and reconstruction over centuries, framing it as a testament to India's unshakeable faith and cultural unity.
A Millennium of Unbroken Faith
Marking a solemn historic milestone, Prime Minister Modi noted that January 1026 witnessed the first major attack on the Somnath Temple. He stated that the assault led by Mahmud Ghazni and the numerous attacks that followed over the centuries failed to diminish the spiritual resolve of the people. "The attack of the year 1026 and the numerous assaults that followed thereafter could not shake our eternal faith," PM Modi wrote on 'X'.
He emphasized that these events, conversely, strengthened the collective sentiment of India's cultural unity, leading to the temple's repeated revival. The Prime Minister is set to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations on January 11, which commence from January 8. The year-long observance marks 1000 years since the first attack and will feature programmes highlighting India's spiritual heritage and cultural pride.
Honouring Legacy and National Resolve
PM Modi described the Swabhiman Parv as a festival of remembrance for the countless Indians who never compromised on their values and principles, no matter how terrifying the times. "Their loyalty to our civilization and cultural consciousness remained unbroken," he said, adding that this occasion of a thousand years of unbroken faith inspires continued commitment to national unity.
The Prime Minister also shared glimpses from a past event held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the temple's reconstruction. He paid tribute to the pivotal roles played by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who presided over the 1951 inauguration ceremony, and leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in spearheading the rebuilding effort. He recalled that the 2001 event was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K. Advani.
Commemorating a Symbol of Resilience
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, from January 8 to 11, will see a range of spiritual and social activities at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Veraval, Gujarat. The Prime Minister's visit and reflections come alongside a blog post he wrote on January 5, marking the 1000-year historic milestone. The temple, located on the Arabian Sea coast in Saurashtra, has been plundered and rebuilt multiple times in history.
PM Modi underscored that despite the repeated assaults, Somnath continues to stand tall as an enduring symbol of India's spirit. The year 2026 will also mark the 75th anniversary of the grand 1951 reconstruction ceremony, adding another layer of significance to the ongoing commemorations. The Prime Minister invited the public to share their own memories and pictures of Somnath using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.
