In an Op-Ed for Swabhiman Parv marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath temple in 1026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the shrine’s survival symbolises India’s indomitable civilisational spirit. He noted that despite repeated attacks and immense adversity over centuries, the Somnath temple continues to stand tall.
The Prime Minister wrote that the very mention of Somnath fills hearts with pride, calling it an eternal proclamation of India’s soul. He described the majestic temple, located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s western coast, as a powerful testament to the country’s enduring cultural and spiritual resilience.
The Prime Minister said Somnath is not just a temple but a symbol of the enduring courage that safeguarded Bharat’s culture and civilisation. Recalling Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack in 1026, he said the attempt to destroy the shrine failed, as Somnath stands rebuilt and glorious a thousand years later through the resolve of devoted generations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 2026 will mark 75 years since the restored Somnath temple reopened in May 1951 in the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad. He recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the reconstruction effort after Independence, inspired by his 1947 visit, and noted Dr Prasad’s resolve despite opposition from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi also paid tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar’s temple restoration work and cited Swami Vivekananda’s view that shrines like Somnath embody India’s spirit. He described Somnath as a symbol of enduring faith, adding that the world now looks to India with optimism, drawn by its youth, culture, and global influence through Yoga, Ayurveda, and innovation.
Officials said Modi will visit the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on January 11, coinciding with the launch of year-long programmes under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’. A series of spiritual and social events will be held from January 8 to 11 to highlight the shrine’s historical and cultural legacy.
