New Delhi, Jan 8: Ahead of his scheduled visit to the Somnath Temple on January 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reflected on the shrine’s long and resilient journey, highlighting how repeated historical attacks failed to diminish the spiritual resolve of the people.
As the Somnath Swabhiman Parv commenced on Thursday, the Prime Minister shared memories from his earlier visits to the temple, describing the occasion as a celebration of unwavering faith and cultural unity.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi recalled that the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026, followed by several subsequent assaults over centuries, did not weaken India’s spiritual foundations. Instead, he said, these events strengthened the nation’s cultural consciousness and led to 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 numerous attacks that followed could not shake our eternal faith. On the contrary, they strengthened the sentiment of India’s cultural unity, and the temple was revived and rebuilt time and again,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Calling the event a festival of remembrance, Modi said the Swabhiman Parv honours countless Indians who refused to compromise on their values, even in the most difficult and frightening times.
He emphasised that their commitment to India’s civilisation and cultural identity remained unbroken, inspiring present and future generations to remain dedicated to national unity.
“This occasion reminds us of those countless sons of Mother India whose resolve never wavered. Their loyalty to our civilisation and cultural consciousness remained intact, and this thousand-year journey of faith inspires us to remain committed to the unity of the nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, which marked the 50th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction and inauguration in 1951. He recalled that the original inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and acknowledged the pivotal role played by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in rebuilding the temple.
Modi noted that the 2001 event was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L.K. Advani, and several other dignitaries. He added that 2026 will mark the 75th anniversary of the historic 1951 inauguration ceremony.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11 to participate in the concluding events of the Swabhiman Parv.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, being observed from January 8 to January 11, will feature a series of programmes highlighting India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride, and enduring social values.