New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visited the historic Somnath Temple and participated in the ‘Somnath Amrut Mahotsav’, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the reconstructed temple in 1951.
Calling the occasion a “milestone in Bharat’s civilisational journey”, the Prime Minister said the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of unwavering faith, resilience and India’s eternal spiritual consciousness.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Jai Somnath! Feeling blessed to be here, when we are marking 75 years since the rebuilt Temple opened its doors for devotees.”
The Prime Minister said the atmosphere at Somnath was filled with devotion and emotion, adding that witnessing the enthusiasm of devotees reminded him of the historic moment when India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the reconstructed temple on May 11, 1951.
“Today, I am reliving that moment which Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji must have experienced during the consecration of the reconstructed temple,” PM Modi said, describing the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav as a celebration infused with “extraordinary spiritual energy”.
Grand Welcome and Roadshow in Somnath
PM Modi, who arrived in Gujarat on Sunday night and stayed in Jamnagar, received a rousing welcome upon reaching Somnath on Monday morning.
Thousands of people lined the nearly 1.5-km route from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle near the temple, waving the Tricolour and BJP flags while chanting patriotic and religious slogans. Artists from different states, including West Bengal, performed traditional cultural dances during the roadshow.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior state leaders accompanied the Prime Minister during the procession.
The temple town was decorated with flags, lights and floral arrangements, while elaborate security arrangements were put in place in view of the Prime Minister’s visit and the large turnout of devotees.
PM Modi Participates in Religious Ceremonies
At the temple complex, the Prime Minister participated in a series of religious rituals, including Vishesh Maha Puja, Jal Abhishek, Dhwaj Puja and Maha Puja.
A Kumbhabhishek ceremony was also conducted using holy water brought from 11 sacred pilgrimage sites across the country. Ceremonial flag hoisting and Vedic rituals were performed amid devotional chants and prayers.
Flower petals were showered over the temple premises from helicopters during the celebrations, adding to the grandeur of the event.
As part of the commemorative programme, PM Modi also released a special postage stamp and a commemorative ₹75 coin dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the reconstructed Somnath Temple.
Symbol of Faith and Civilisational Resilience
Located on the Arabian Sea coast at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, the Somnath Temple is regarded as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple has historically symbolised India’s resilience and cultural continuity, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over centuries. Its post-Independence reconstruction was spearheaded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who resolved to rebuild the shrine after visiting its ruins in 1947.
The reconstructed temple was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951, an event widely regarded as a significant moment in India’s post-Independence cultural resurgence.
Exhibition and Air Show Mark Celebrations
An exhibition showcasing the history of the Somnath Temple, from repeated invasions to its reconstruction after Independence, was organised within the temple complex. The display featured archival photographs, historical documents and LED presentations tracing the temple’s journey “from destruction to development”.
The exhibition also highlighted the contributions of historical figures associated with Somnath’s defence and reconstruction, including Veer Hamirji Gohil, Kanhaddev and Bhimdev Solanki.
Adding to the celebrations, the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team conducted a special aerial display above the temple complex using Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. The aircraft released saffron, white and green smoke representing the Indian Tricolour during synchronised manoeuvres over Somnath.
A Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals over the temple premises as part of the ceremonial tribute.
(DD News)