By Arun Sharma

Somnath, Gujarat | Special Report

The name Somnath evokes far more than a sacred destination—it summons India’s enduring faith, civilisational pride and national self-belief. Perched on Gujarat’s western coast, the Somnath Jyotirlinga is not merely a temple of stone; it is a living symbol of India’s eternal spirit, resilience and cultural continuity.
Across a thousand years of upheaval, invasions and repeated destruction, Somnath’s flame of devotion never dimmed. History records that even after the infamous raid of 1026, the sanctity of Somnath endured in the hearts of millions. Each reconstruction was not just architectural renewal, but a collective reaffirmation of India’s cultural consciousness and civilisational confidence.


Standing today like an unyielding rock amid restless ocean waves, Somnath teaches a profound lesson to the world: faith may be suppressed for a moment, but it can never be erased. The saga of Somnath mirrors India’s own journey—of absorbing shocks, confronting adversity and emerging stronger with time.


A defining chapter unfolded in 1951, when independent India witnessed the temple’s re-consecration under the visionary resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with President Dr Rajendra Prasad gracing the historic occasion. It marked a watershed moment—an assertion of a free nation reclaiming its heritage with dignity and confidence.


Today, as India shares its holistic traditions—yoga, Ayurveda, art, spirituality and humane values—with the global community, Somnath shines as a civilisational lighthouse. It reflects an India that blends ancient wisdom with modern aspiration, offering the world a message of inner strength, harmony and resilience.


The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is thus not merely a commemoration of the past; it is a reminder that a nation’s true power flows from its faith, culture and the collective resolve of its people. This enduring belief continues to propel India forward, equipping it to face future challenges with courage and conviction.
Jai Somnath.