India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Somnath temple in Gujarat, where he offered prayers and took part in the ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. The celebration commemorates 1,000 years since the first known attack on the temple in 1026, which is viewed as both a tragedy and a watershed moment in the shrine’s long and stormy history. The Somnath temple, located along the Arabian Sea in Prabhas Patan near Veraval, is an important part of India’s religious and cultural environment. It is considered one of the most important Hindu sanctuaries and is said to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva is worshiped in his most cherished form. According to tradition, this is the place where Shiva appeared as a blazing pillar of light, symbolizing the infinite nature of the divine.
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During his visit, the prime minister joined priests and devotees in singing the Omkar Mantra and performing special rites in the sanctuary. The temple’s mood was one of devotion and profound meditation, since the ceremonies were both spiritual and historically significant. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was planned to commemorate a millennium after Mahmud of Ghazni’s conquest of the temple, which destroyed the shrine but did not extinguish its followers’ devotion. A major highlight of the evening was a large-scale drone show staged near the temple complex. Nearly 3,000 drones lit up the night sky, forming striking images of Lord Shiva, the sacred shivling, and a three-dimensional outline of the Somnath temple. The show also recreated important moments from the temple’s long past, blending technology with history in a way that drew large crowds and widespread attention. It is among the largest drone displays ever organized at a religious site in the country.
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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present alongside the Prime Minister. The Swabhiman Parv began on January 8 and is continuing. Modi is in Gujarat for a three-day visit that includes participation in several events, among them the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. On his arrival in the state, he was welcomed by the Chief Minister and other senior leaders. As his convoy moved towards the VVIP circuit house near the temple, the prime minister briefly interacted with people during a roadshow, with residents and devotees lining the streets to greet him. The program continued the next day with the Shaurya Yatra, which began in the morning. According to an official statement from the Press Information Bureau, the procession is meant to honor those who sacrificed their lives while defending the Somnath temple over the centuries. A symbolic procession of 108 horses formed part of the yatra, representing courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. After the procession, the prime minister once again offered prayers at the temple before addressing a public gathering as part of the Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
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The story of Somnath stretches back to ancient times and finds mention in several scriptures and Puranas. The name “Somnath” means “Lord of the Moon.” According to legend, Chandra, the Moon God, worshiped Lord Shiva here to restore his lost brightness. The temple is also near Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Kapila, Hiran, and fabled Saraswati rivers, which has been a major pilgrimage place since ancient times. Records show that monarchs such as Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhata II visited Somnath, then known as Someshvara, emphasizing its prominence well before the medieval period. Its richness and importance, however, made Somnath a frequent target. The earliest recorded raid took place in 1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni led his soldiers across the Thar Desert into western India. At the time, the shrine was under the protection of Chaulukya monarch Bhima I. Despite opposition from local warriors, priests, and devotees, Mahmud’s force overcame the fortifications.
Yet Somnath refused to fade into history. It was rebuilt again and again by rulers and patrons who saw its restoration as a matter of faith and honor. In the 12th century, during the reign of Kumarapala, the temple was reconstructed in stone, replacing an earlier wooden structure. In 1299, it was attacked again during Alauddin Khilji’s campaign in Gujarat. A few years later, Mahipala I of the Chudasama dynasty rebuilt the shrine, and his son Khengara reinstalled the lingam. Another destruction followed in 1395 under Zafar Khan, who later founded the Gujarat Sultanate. During the Mughal era, the temple is believed to have been demolished once more under Emperor Aurangzeb. By the 18th century, Somnath was mostly in ruin. Its rebirth began after India attained independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took the initiative to restore the temple as a symbol of national pride and cultural rejuvenation. The current structure was opened in 1951 and is controlled by the Shree Somnath Trust, which is chaired by India’s prime minister.
The temple, constructed in traditional Hindu architectural style from creamy yellow stone, has finely carved pillars, exquisite sculptures, and a peaceful sanctuary holding the holy black Shiva lingam. Gardens and visual displays around the complex represent stories from Shiva’s life, contributing to its spiritual and cultural significance. Today, Somnath serves not just as a site of prayer but also as a symbol of perseverance and continuance. Despite recurrent devastation, it has survived for centuries, and rebuilt each time with communal resolve and dedication. The government has referred to the temple as a sign of religion, power, and national pride. The Prime Minister’s presence at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv reflects the enduring spirit of India’s civilization and a continued commitment to preserving and celebrating the country’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
