PM Modi greets nation on Somnath Swabhiman Parv, recalls enduring civilisational spirit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to the nation on the commencement of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, recalling the timeless civilisational spirit that has kept the Somnath temple alive in the collective consciousness of the country for over a millennium.

Somnath Swabhiman Parv is a year-long programme being observed in Gujarat to commemorate the long and resilient history of the Somnath Temple . The event recalls the temple’s repeated destruction by invaders such as Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb, and its subsequent rebuilding on each occasion through public faith and community donations. The celebrations also mark 75 years of the temple’s modern reconstruction in 1951, an effort spearheaded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi , with the restored shrine inaugurated by the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

In his message, the Prime Minister referred to January 1026, when Somnath faced its first recorded attack, and said that despite repeated assaults in the centuries that followed, the unwavering faith of devotees and the civilisational resolve of Bharat ensured that the sacred shrine was rebuilt time and again. He described Somnath Swabhiman Parv as a reminder of the countless sons and daughters of the nation who never compromised with their principles and ethos, even in the most challenging times.

“However daunting the circumstances were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our civilisational values unwavering,” PM Modi said.

Sharing memories from his earlier visits to Somnath, the Prime Minister invited citizens to participate in the celebrations by sharing their own experiences and photographs of the temple using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.

Mr. Modi also recalled a major programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001 , which marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple was opened to the public in 1951. He highlighted the pivotal role played by Sardar Patel, K.M. Munshi and several others in the temple’s reconstruction after Independence. The 2001 event coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel and was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , Home Minister L.K. Advani and several other dignitaries.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister underlined the significance of the year 2026, which marks 75 years since the grand rededication ceremony of the Somnath Temple. He said the milestone symbolises not only the physical reconstruction of the temple but also the indomitable spirit of India’s civilisation that continues to inspire generations.

In a series of posts on X, Mr. Modi said that the attacks on Somnath could not diminish the eternal faith of millions nor break the civilisational spirit that repeatedly restored the shrine. He concluded his message with a call for collective remembrance and celebration, saying, “Jai Somnath!”