Ahmedabad Times

At the beginning of 2026, I had gone to Somnath for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years for the reason that first assault on the Somnath Temple. Now, I will likely be again in Somnath on eleventh Could to mark 75 years for the reason that 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 necessary milestones referring to Somnath and its journey from destroy to renewal or what we describe as from Vidhvans to Srijan.

Somnath offers 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 all the time 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 historical scriptures say: प्रभासं च परिक्रम्य पृथिवीक्रमसंभवम्. 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 hope, 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 means 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 reworked Prabhasa into an incredible centre of philosophy. Chakravarti Maharaja Dharasena IV of Vallabhi constructed the Second Temple there centuries in the past. Bhima Deva, Jayapala and Anandapala will all the time be remembered for defending civilisational honour in opposition to invasions. It’s stated that Raja Bhoja too helped with the reconstruction. Karna Deva and Siddharaja Jayasimha performed an important function in restoring Gujarat’s political and cultural energy. Bhava Brihaspati, Kumarapala Solanki and the Pashupata Acharyas rebuilt and sustained the shrine as an incredible 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 start centenary is being marked, ensured the continuity of devotion in probably the most troublesome of occasions. 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 change into part of Somnath’s dwelling reminiscence.

Within the Forties, when the spirit of freedom swept throughout India and the foundations of a brand new republic had been being laid underneath the management of towering figures like Sardar Patel, one factor continued to hassle him deeply…the situation of Somnath. On thirteenth November 1947, throughout Diwali time, he stood subsequent to the dilapidated ruins of the temple with sea-water in his arms and stated, “On this auspicious day of the (Gujarati) New 12 months, we have now determined that Somnath needs to be reconstructed. You, individuals of Saurashtra, ought to do your greatest. It is a holy process wherein all ought to take part.” On one clarion name of Sardar Patel, it was not solely the individuals of Gujarat but in addition the individuals of the entire of India that responded enthusiastically.

Sadly, destiny didn’t permit 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 Nehru, Dr. Prasad graced the ceremony, thus making it much more particular and historic.

My thoughts additionally goes again to October 2001, after I had simply taken over as Chief Minister. On thirty first October 2001, the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, the Gujarat Authorities had the honour of organising a programme to mark 50 years for the reason that Somnath Temple opened its doorways. It additionally coincided with the a hundred and twenty fifth start 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 eleventh Could 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 dwell 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 is vital that we restore prosperity to the lives of individuals. These are necessary and provoking messages he gave.

That is the trail we have now been strolling for over a decade. I think about it my luck that, impressed by the precept of ‘You might be creating, you’re inheriting.’, from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, our workforce has had the chance to equip our non secular centres with the most recent services whereas on the identical 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 ‘One India, Finest India.’

The struggles and sacrifices of those that laid down their lives to guard Somnath and those that rebuilt it repeatedly 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, certain collectively by a way of oneness that transcended geography. In a world usually 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 will likely be particular Pujas at Somnath for the following thousand days. It’s gladdening to see a number of individuals donating for these Pujas as properly.

I urge my fellow Indians to journey to Somnath on this particular time. If you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its historical echoes communicate to you. You’ll not solely be overwhelmed by devotion however will 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 should have the chance to behold the imaginative and prescient of everlasting triumph. It would absolutely be unforgettable.

Jai Somnath.

(Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India and can also be the Chairman of the Shree Somnath Belief)