Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Somnath

Gujurat:11/1/26:Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Somnath, Gujarat, today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that this time is extraordinary, this atmosphere is extraordinary, and this celebration is extraordinary. He highlighted that on one side stands Lord Mahadev himself, and on the other, the vast waves of the ocean, with the rays of the sun, the resonance of mantras, and the surge of devotion. He stated that in this divine environment, the presence of all devotees of Lord Somnath is making the occasion divine and grand. Shri Modi expressed that he considers it a great fortune that, as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust, he has received the opportunity to actively serve in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

He noted the uninterrupted chanting of Omkar for 72 hours and the continuous recitation of mantras for 72 hours. He highlighted that yesterday evening, a thousand drones, along with the presence of a thousand students from Vedic Gurukuls, presented the saga of Somnath’s thousand years, and today, the ‘Shourya Yatra’ with 108 horses reached the temple. He emphasized that the mesmerizing presentation of mantras and bhajans is beyond words, and only time can capture this experience. The Prime Minister underlined that this celebration embodies pride and honor, dignity and knowledge, grandeur and heritage, spirituality and realization, experience, joy, and intimacy. Above all, he stressed, it carries the blessings of Lord Mahadev.

The Prime Minister concluded by remarking that Somnath’s thousand-year saga gives this lesson to humanity, calling for a pledge to move towards development and the future while staying connected to our past and heritage, embracing modernity while preserving consciousness, and drawing inspiration from Somnath Swabhiman Parv to move swiftly on the path of progress, overcoming every challenge to reach our goals, extending heartfelt greetings once again to all citizens.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, was present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, being held from 8 to 11 January 2026, is organised at Somnath. It is being held to remember the countless citizens of India whose sacrifices to defend the Temple continue to inspire the cultural consciousness of future generations.

The programme marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath Temple in the year 1026. Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath Temple stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith,h and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.

After independence, the effort for the restoration of the Temple was undertaken by Sardar Patel. One of the most important milestones in this journey of revival was achieved in 1951, when the restored Somnath Temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The completion of 75 years of this historic restoration in 2026 adds special significance to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

The celebrations will witness the participation of hundreds of saints from across the country, along with 72 hours of continuous chanting of ‘Om’ within the temple premises.

Prime Minister’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv underscores the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reaffirms his commitment to preserve and celebrate India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.