Somnath | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the historic Somnath Temple as a powerful symbol of India’s civilisational courage and resilience as he attended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a grand cultural and spiritual event marking 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026.


Posting on X, the Prime Minister said he felt “blessed to be in Somnath,” calling it a proud embodiment of India’s civilisational strength. He noted that the event reflected how the nation has come together to honour its heritage and collective memory.


A blend of faith, history and technology
PM Modi arrived in Somnath after landing at Rajkot and travelling via Keshod airport. He offered prayers at the temple before participating in the Swabhiman Parv, which began with a 72-hour chanting of ‘Om’ and a ceremonial route from the Shankh (shell) circle to the temple complex.


The evening witnessed a spectacular drone show, laser lights and cultural performances, depicting Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance, along with images of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Prime Minister himself. Scenes recalling past attacks on the Somnath Temple were also artistically recreated, drawing emotional responses from the crowd.


Massive public participation
Thousands of devotees and visitors from across Gujarat and other parts of the country thronged the temple town. Local residents termed the programme historic, saying such a large-scale cultural celebration had not been witnessed in Somnath earlier. Chanting of “Har Har Mahadev” reverberated through the premises as music, strobe lights and traditional performances created a festive yet devotional atmosphere.


Honouring sacrifice and valour
According to an official statement, the Prime Minister participated on Sunday in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. He will later attend a public function marking the Swabhiman Parv before proceeding to other engagements in Gujarat, including the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions.


A larger national message
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being seen as more than a commemorative event. It underscores the government’s emphasis on reconnecting modern India with its cultural roots, blending tradition with technology, and inspiring younger generations to take pride in the nation’s heritage.


As PM Modi underlined through his presence and message, Somnath continues to stand not just as a place of worship, but as an enduring testament to India’s unbroken civilisational spirit.