“Somnath Gives Us A Civilisational Message”: PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi on Friday described Somnath Temple as a timeless symbol of Bharat’s civilisational resilience and unity while marking 75 years since the restored temple reopened to devotees.
In a signed article commemorating the milestone, the Prime Minister said Somnath’s journey reflects the spirit of a civilisation that has endured invasions, destruction and upheaval, yet remained “unbroken and unyielding”.
“Countless individuals from different corners of India contributed to restoring its glory. They saw every part of Bharat as sacred, bound together by a sense of oneness that transcended geography. In a world often marked by divisions, this spirit of unity is more relevant than ever,” PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister said the sacrifices of countless people who defended and rebuilt the temple across centuries would never be forgotten.
He announced that special pujas would be held at Somnath for the next thousand days in tribute to the courage and devotion associated with the shrine’s long history.
“I urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath in this special time. When you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its ancient echoes speak to you. You will not only be overwhelmed by devotion but will also feel the strong pulse of a civilisational spirit that refuses to fade, that is unbroken and unyielding,” he said.
PM Modi said Somnath represents the eternal triumph of Indian civilisation and demonstrates why Indian culture remained undefeated despite repeated attempts to destroy it.
Reflecting on his recent visits, the Prime Minister recalled attending the Somnath Swabhiman Parv earlier this year, marking one thousand years since the first attack on the temple. He also said he would return to Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since the restored temple was inaugurated by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad.
“In less than half a year, it is a privilege to be attending two important milestones relating to Somnath and its journey from ruin to renewal or what everyone describes as from Vidhvans to Srijan,” he said.
The Prime Minister described the temple as carrying a profound civilisational message.
“The waves tell us that no matter how fierce the storms are or how turbulent the tides are, one can always rise again with dignity and strength,” he wrote.
PM Modi also paid tribute to historical figures associated with Somnath’s protection and revival, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a central role in rebuilding the temple after Independence.
Recalling Patel’s emotional pledge at the ruins of Somnath in November 1947, PM Modi noted how the reconstruction became a national mission supported by people across the country.
He also highlighted the role of KM Munshi and the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar in championing the restoration effort.
The Prime Minister remembered how Rajendra Prasad attended the temple’s inauguration in 1951 despite objections from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, making the event “historic and special”.
PM Modi further linked Somnath’s restoration to his government’s broader focus on preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage alongside modern development.
“This is the path we have been walking for over a decade. I consider it my good fortune that, inspired by the principle of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, our team has had the opportunity to equip our spiritual centres with the latest facilities while at the same time preserving their traditional character,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that improved connectivity and infrastructure around pilgrimage centres have strengthened local economies while deepening the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
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