Greater Noida: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the commencement of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, recalling the timeless civilisational spirit that has kept Somnath alive in the hearts of millions for over a millennium on Thursday.
PM Modi noted that in January 1026, Somnath faced its first attack. Despite repeated assaults in subsequent centuries, the eternal faith of devotees and the civilisational resolve of Bharat ensured that Somnath was rebuilt time and again. He said, “Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering.”
The Prime Minister shared glimpses from his previous visits to Somnath and invited citizens to join the celebration by sharing their own memories using #SomnathSwabhimanParv. He recalled the programme held on 31st October 2001, which marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple opened its doors in 1951 in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, KM Munshi and several others were highlighted as pivotal in the temple’s reconstruction. The 2001 programme also coincided with the 125th Jayanti of Sardar Patel, and was attended by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani, and several other dignitaries.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi underscored that 2026 marks 75 years since the grand ceremony of 1951, when Somnath Temple was rededicated to the nation. He affirmed, “This milestone is not just about the temple’s reconstruction, but about the indomitable spirit of our civilisation that continues to inspire generations.”
In separate thread posts on X, PM Modi wrote:
“Jai Somnath!
Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks couldn’t diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again.
I’m sharing some pictures from my previous visits to Somnath. If you have been there too, share them using #SomnathSwabhimanParv.”
“#SomnathSwabhimanParv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering.”
“Here are some glimpses of a programme held in Somnath on 31st October 2001. This was the year when we marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple opened its doors in 1951 in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The efforts of Sardar Patel, KM Munshi and several others were noteworthy. It was also when the 125th Jayanti of Sardar Patel was being marked. The programme of 2001 was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Ji, Home Minister Advani Ji and several other dignitaries.
In 2026, we mark 75 years since the grand ceremony of 1951!”
Read on X:
Sharing a Sanskrit verse on X, PM Modi stated:
“श्री सोमनाथ महादेव की कृपा और आशीर्वाद से सबका कल्याण हो।
सौराष्ट्रदेशे विशदेऽतिरम्ये ज्योतिर्मयं चन्द्रकलावतंसम्।
भक्तिप्रदानाय कृपावतीर्णं तं सोमनाथं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥”
Read on X:
श्री सोमनाथ महादेव की कृपा और आशीर्वाद से सबका कल्याण हो।
सौराष्ट्रदेशे विशदेऽतिरम्ये ज्योतिर्मयं चन्द्रकलावतंसम्।
भक्तिप्रदानाय कृपावतीर्णं तं सोमनाथं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥ pic.twitter.com/kupwtEpzYB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2026
