PM Modi: Somnath’s glory and the sacred thought of Bharat: In a world marked by divisions, the spirit of unity is extra related than ever | India Information
At the beginning of 2026, I had gone to Somnath for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years because the first assault on the Somnath Temple. Now, I can be again in Somnath on Could 11 to mark 75 years because the inauguration of the restored temple by the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
In lower than half a 12 months, it’s a privilege to be attending two essential milestones regarding Somnath and its journey from smash to renewal, or what we describe as from “Vidhvans” to “Srijan”. Somnath provides us a civilisational message. The huge sea earlier than it evokes timelessness. The waves inform us… that irrespective of how fierce the storms are or how turbulent the tides are, one can at all times rise once more with dignity and energy. The waves return to the shore, as if reminding each technology that the spirit of the individuals can by no means be subdued for lengthy.
Our historic scriptures say: And circumambulating Prabhas, the order of the earth is feasible.
It means, a Pradakshina of the divine Prabhasa (Somnath) is the same as a Pradakshina of the entire earth itself. Whereas individuals have come right here to wish, they’ve additionally skilled the exceptional continuity of a civilisation whose flame might by no means be extinguished. Empires rose and fell, tides modified, historical past moved by way of conquest and upheaval, but Somnath continued to endure in our consciousness.
It’s time to keep in mind the numerous greats who stood agency within the face of tyranny. There have been Lakulisha and Soma Sarman, who remodeled Prabhasa into an excellent centre of philosophy. Chakravarti Maharaja Dharasena IV of Vallabhi constructed the Second Temple there centuries in the past. Bhima Deva, Jayapala and Anandapala will at all times be remembered for defending civilisational honour towards invasions. It’s stated that Raja Bhoja too helped with the reconstruction. Karna Deva and Siddharaja Jayasimha performed a significant function in restoring Gujarat’s political and cultural energy. Bhava Brihaspati, Kumarapala Solanki and the Pashupata Acharyas rebuilt and sustained the shrine as an excellent centre of worship and studying.
Vishaladeva Vaghela and Tripurantaka protected its mental and non secular traditions. Mahipaladeva and Ra Khangar had been instrumental in reviving worship after destruction. Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, whose three hundredth beginning centenary is being marked, ensured the continuity of devotion in essentially the most tough of instances. There have been the Gaekwads of Baroda, who safeguarded the rights of pilgrims. And naturally, our soil is blessed to have nurtured courageous personalities like Veer Hamirji Gohil and Veer Vegdaji Bhil, whose sacrifice and braveness have develop into part of Somnath’s dwelling reminiscence.
Within the Nineteen Forties, when the spirit of freedom swept throughout India and the foundations of a brand new republic had been being laid beneath the management of towering figures like Sardar Patel, one factor continued to hassle him deeply… the situation of Somnath. On November 13, 1947, throughout Diwali time, he stood subsequent to the dilapidated ruins of the temple with sea-water in his fingers and stated, “On this auspicious day of the (Gujarati) New Yr, we have now determined that Somnath must be reconstructed. You, individuals of Saurashtra, ought to do your greatest. It is a holy process by which all ought to take part.”
On one clarion name of Sardar Patel, it was not solely the individuals of Gujarat but additionally the individuals of the entire of India that responded enthusiastically. Sadly, destiny didn’t enable Sardar Patel to witness the fulfilment of the dream he had so passionately championed. Earlier than the restored Somnath Temple might open its doorways to devotees, he had departed from this world. But, his influence continued to be felt over the sacred shores of Prabhas Patan. His imaginative and prescient was championed by Shri KM Munshi, ably supported by the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar. In 1951, when the temple was full, it was determined to name the President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, for the ceremony. Overcoming sturdy objections from the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Prasad graced the ceremony, thus making it much more particular and historic.
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My thoughts additionally goes again to October 2001, after I had simply taken over as Chief Minister. On October 31, 2001, the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, the Gujarat Authorities had the honour of organising a programme to mark 50 years because the Somnath Temple opened its doorways. It additionally coincided with the a hundred and twenty fifth beginning anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel. The then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the then Dwelling Minister Shri LK Advani attended the programme.
Throughout his speech on Could 11, 1951, Dr Rajendra Prasad stated that the Somnath Temple proclaims to the world that something with unparalleled religion and love can’t be destroyed. He expressed hope that this temple will reside within the hearts of individuals. He additionally stated that the restoration of the temple was a fulfilment of Sardar Patel’s dream, however taking that spirit ahead, it will be important that we restore prosperity to the lives of individuals. These are essential and provoking messages he gave.
That is the trail we have now been strolling for over a decade. I contemplate it my luck that, impressed by the precept of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, our group has had the chance to equip our non secular centres with the newest services whereas on the similar time preserving their conventional character. This, together with efforts to enhance connectivity, ensures extra individuals can go to them. It boosts the native financial system, secures livelihoods and deepens the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
The struggles and sacrifices of those that laid down their lives to guard Somnath and people who rebuilt it again and again won’t ever be forgotten. Numerous people from totally different corners of India contributed to restoring its glory. They noticed each a part of Bharat as sacred, sure collectively by a way of oneness that transcended geography.
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In a world typically marked by divisions, this spirit of unity is extra related than ever.
Somnath will proceed to face tall in all its glory as a result of the sense of unity and shared civilisational consciousness lives on within the hearts of each Indian. As a tribute to this, remembering the extraordinary braveness of a thousand years, there can be particular pujas at Somnath for the subsequent thousand days. It’s gladdening to see a number of individuals donating for these pujas as effectively.
I urge my fellow Indians to journey to Somnath at this particular time. Whenever you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its historic echoes converse to you. You’ll not solely be overwhelmed by devotion however may even really feel the sturdy pulse of a civilisational spirit that refuses to fade, that’s unbroken and unyielding. You’ll expertise Bharat’s unconquerable spirit and perceive why, regardless of each effort, our tradition remained undefeated and you’ll have the chance to behold the imaginative and prescient of everlasting triumph.
It should certainly be unforgettable.
Jai Somnath.
