The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Ahead of his visit to the Somnath Temple on January 11 for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reflected on his earlier visits to the historic shrine, underscoring the resilience of faith despite repeated attacks over centuries.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister recalled that the first attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026, followed by several subsequent assaults, failed to weaken the spiritual resolve of the people. Instead, he said, these events reinforced India’s cultural unity and inspired the temple’s repeated revival and reconstruction.
“The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is commencing auspiciously from today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, the Somnath Temple endured the first attack in its history. The attack of the year 1026 and the numerous assaults that followed thereafter could not shake our eternal faith. On the contrary, these strengthened the sentiment of India’s cultural unity, and the Somnath Temple was repeatedly revived and rebuilt,” PM Modi wrote, while sharing photographs from his previous visits and inviting citizens to post their own memories with the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.
Describing the Swabhiman Parv as a festival of remembrance, the Prime Minister said it honours countless Indians who never compromised on their principles and values, even in the most difficult and frightening times. He added that their unwavering commitment to India’s civilisation and cultural consciousness continues to inspire dedication to national unity.
“This occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv is a festival to remember those countless sons of Mother India who never compromised on their principles and values. No matter how difficult and terrifying the times may have been, their resolve always remained unwavering,” he said.
PM Modi also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction and inauguration in 1951. He recalled that the historic ceremony in 1951 took place in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and acknowledged the significant role played by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in rebuilding the temple.
He further noted that the 2001 programme was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L.K. Advani and other dignitaries, and added that the year 2026 will mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 inauguration.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. The event will be observed from January 8 to January 11, featuring a series of programmes highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride and social values.
