In a stirring address at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the rich and often tumultuous history of the Somnath Temple, emphasizing its unparalleled resilience in the face of repeated destruction and its enduring status as a symbol of India's civilizational pride. The event, held from January 8 to 11, 2026, commemorates 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion in 1026.
Modi highlighted the temple's repeated devastation and reconstruction, noting that it was attacked multiple times by invaders, from Ghazni to Aurangzeb. He stated that religious fundamentalists throughout history believed they could conquer Somnath with their swords, but they failed to understand the temple's eternal essence. He added that these invaders are now reduced to figures in history books, while the Somnath Temple continues to stand tall.
The Prime Minister underscored that Somnath is more than just a stone structure; it represents a living embodiment of belief, identity, and civilizational pride. He drew a parallel between the temple's journey and India's own, stating that just as many attempts were made to destroy Somnath, foreign invaders made continuous efforts to destroy the country, but neither Somnath nor India was ultimately destroyed. Modi also pointed out that the flag hoisting at the Somnath Mahadev Mandir symbolizes India's power and capabilities to the world.
The history of the Somnath Temple is a complex tapestry of destruction and revival. It is believed that the first version of the temple was built long before the Christian era. Over the centuries, the temple was rebuilt using different materials, including gold, silver, wood and stone. The temple was repeatedly targeted by invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026, Alauddin Khilji in the 13th century, and Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Each time, the temple was rebuilt, demonstrating the unwavering faith and resilience of the Indian people.
The modern temple was reconstructed in 1950, following India's independence, under the initiative of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the rebuilt temple on May 11, 1951. Today, the Somnath Temple stands as a testament to India's enduring spirit and its ability to overcome adversity.
PM Modi serves as the chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. Ahead of his visit, Modi recalled the historical attacks on the shrine and emphasized that these invasions failed to weaken the faith of the people, instead strengthening India's cultural unity. He described Somnath Dham as a timeless source of faith, courage, and self-respect for generations of Indians.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv included a Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession to honor those who defended the temple. The celebrations drew massive crowds and served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect the Somnath Temple and preserve India's cultural heritage.
