PM Modi offers prayers at Somnath, says temple is a ‘proud symbol of our civilisational courage’

PM Modi received a rousing welcome as he arrived at Somnath Temple to attend the Somnath Swabhiman parv, which is being organised from January 8-11, marking 1000 years of faith and India's history.

• PM Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple during 1,000-year commemoration event
• Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks a millennium since the first attack in 1026
• Modi to join Shaurya Yatra, honouring warriors who defended the temple

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath Temple, revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, as he took part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorating 1,000 years of faith and history.

The Prime Minister received a warm welcome on his arrival at the historic shrine, where celebrations are being held from January 8 to 11 to mark a millennium since the first attack on the temple in 1026. During his visit, Modi also attended the 72-hour-long ‘Aum’ chanting at the temple.

In a post on X, Modi said he felt deeply moved by his visit. “Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilisational courage. This visit comes during #SomnathSwabhimanParv, when the entire nation has come together to mark a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. Grateful to the people for the warm welcome,” he wrote.

In another post, the Prime Minister added, “Jai Somnath! Today’s welcome was very special.”

On Sunday morning, Modi is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honouring the warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath Temple. The procession will include a symbolic march of 108 horses, representing valour and sacrifice. He will later perform darshan and pooja at the temple and address a public gathering in Somnath.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks the 1,000th anniversary of Mahmud of Ghazni’s first attack on the temple, which began a long period during which the shrine was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath has remained a powerful symbol of faith and identity in India’s collective consciousness.

Today, Somnath continues to draw millions of devotees each year, with annual footfall ranging between 92 and 97 lakh. Major rituals and festivals such as Bilva Pooja and Maha Shivratri attract large numbers of pilgrims.

The modern reconstruction of Somnath began after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited its ruins in 1947 and resolved to rebuild it as a symbol of India’s cultural resurgence. The present temple was consecrated in 1951 in the presence of then-President Rajendra Prasad. This year marks 75 years since that historic ceremony.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, and as Chairperson of the Shri Somnath Trust, the temple has seen renewed focus on heritage preservation, infrastructure development and cultural initiatives, reinforcing its role as a major spiritual and cultural centre of the country.