Gandhinagar, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the history of Somnath temple is not one of destruction, but of victory, resilience and reconstruction while, as he addressed the Shaurya Sabha during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at the sacred land of Prabhas Patan.
The event marked a thousand years of remembrance of repeated attacks on the Somnath temple and celebrated India’s unbroken cultural and spiritual spirit.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv emerged as a powerful celebration of faith, fortitude and India’s timeless civilisational ethos. Held at Prabhas Patan, the event reflected the enduring legacy of Somnath — a symbol that has withstood centuries of invasions, sacrifices and rebuilding, yet continues to rise with renewed strength, dignity and self-respect.
The highlights of the day underscored the message that Somnath is far more than a temple; it is a living testimony to India’s resilience. Every stone of the shrine bears witness to countless sacrifices made to protect faith and culture. These sacrifices, far from being confined to history, continue to inspire generations to stand firm against adversity.
The grand Shaurya Yatra set the tone for the celebrations, showcasing courage and pride through a majestic procession marked by traditional attire, horses and devotional fervour. The air resonated with chants and collective devotion, reinforcing the idea that Somnath’s strength lies as much in shared faith as in divine grace.
At the heart of the Parv was the reaffirmation that Somnath represents both divinity and civilisational greatness. Embodying the Sanatan spirit — conscious, benevolent and indestructible — the temple stands as a symbol of victory through reconstruction rather than defeat through destruction. Despite repeated attempts across history to erase it, Somnath has always re-emerged stronger.
Participating in the Shaurya Yatra and Mahapuja, the Prime Minister said the lessons of the past thousand years would guide India’s journey for centuries to come.
He described Somnath not merely as a religious site, but as a symbol of faith, self-respect and the indestructible soul of India.
Despite repeated invasions, he said, neither Somnath nor India could be destroyed because the nation’s centres of faith are eternal.
The PM emphasised that no civilisation can survive by crushing others and that attempts to win hearts through force ultimately fail. He said the Swabhiman Parv is not about recalling devastation, but about celebrating courage, sacrifice and renewal. Paying tribute to warriors such as Veer Hamirji Gohil and visionaries like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he recalled Patel’s resolve to rebuild Somnath after Independence as a powerful symbol of national self-respect.
Referring to the Sanatan tradition, the Prime Minister said invaders failed to grasp its true essence. He described Somnath as ‘Mrityunjaya’, the conqueror of death, whose spiritual consciousness no invasion could ever erase.
He cautioned that divisive and anti-national forces still exist in new forms and urged citizens to remain united, vigilant and committed to protecting India’s heritage.
Highlighting development initiatives, the PM said Somnath reflects the vision of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’. He cited the development of the Somnath cultural precinct, the establishment of Somnath Sanskrit University, enhanced connectivity through Keshod Airport and the Ahmedabad–Veraval Vande Bharat train, and conservation efforts such as the Gir lion project as steps that strengthen both heritage and growth.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the Somnath temple, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, symbolises unwavering faith and self-respect.
He noted that the Swabhiman Parv honours the sacrifices of warriors who protected Somnath and reinforces the spirit of cultural nationalism. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other leaders echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a celebration of India’s unbroken resolve.
Concluding his address, the PM said India’s cultural resurgence is instilling new confidence among crores of citizens and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to building a Viksit Bharat.
He called upon devotees to join the celebration with the resounding chant of “Har Har Mahadev,” reaffirming that Somnath’s spirit continues to guide and strengthen India on its path ahead.