PM Modi Calls Somnath Temple a Symbol of India’s Indomitable Spirit
Prime Minister commemorates 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, highlighting resilience, culture, and India’s global rise
New Delhi, Jan 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, rebuilt after repeated attacks by foreign invaders, as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian civilisation.
In a blogpost marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, the Prime Minister wrote, “There can be no better example of our civilisation’s indomitable spirit than Somnath, which stands gloriously, overcoming odds and struggle.”
Modi recalled that the temple, attacked multiple times including by Turkish ruler Mahmud Ghazni in 1024 AD remains a symbol of the courage of countless sons and daughters of Bharat Mata who protected India’s culture and heritage.
“This same spirit is visible in our nation today, which has emerged as one of the brightest spots of global growth, overcoming centuries of invasions and colonial exploitation,” he said. “Our value systems and the determination of our people have made India a centre of global attention. The world is seeing India with hope and optimism, eager to invest in our innovative youngsters.”
Cultural and global influence
Highlighting India’s global cultural footprint, Modi said, “Our art, culture, music, and festivals are going global. Yoga and Ayurveda are making a worldwide impact, boosting healthy living. Solutions to pressing global challenges are coming from India.”
He added that past aggressors are now “dust in the wind,” their names synonymous with destruction, while Somnath stands bright, a reminder of India’s eternal and undiminished spirit.
“Somnath is a song of hope that tells us that while hate and fanaticism may destroy for a moment, faith and conviction in goodness have the power to create for eternity,” he said.
Rebuilding Somnath and India’s vision
Modi also recalled the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in rebuilding the temple after Independence. Inspired by a visit during Diwali 1947, Patel announced that the temple would be reconstructed. The grand reopening took place on May 11, 1951, with President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in attendance.
The Prime Minister noted that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was reportedly not enthusiastic about the event, believing it might create a bad impression, but the reopening proceeded under Dr. Prasad’s guidance.
“Just as Somnath rose again and again over a thousand years, we can restore our great nation to the glory it embodied before invasions,” Modi said. “With the blessings of Shree Somnath Mahadev, we move forward with renewed resolve to build a Viksit Bharat, where civilisational wisdom guides us to work for the welfare of the world.”
