Prime Minister Modi Celebrates 1,000 Years of Somnath's Resilience

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in the 'Swabhimaan Parv' at Somnath Temple, commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of its first attack by Mahmud of Ghazni. He emphasized the temple's history of resilience and the significance of its modern reconstruction. Modi criticized past governments for their attempts to hinder the temple's revival and celebrated the event's grandeur, which included a stunning display of drones and a horse procession. This celebration not only honors the past but also highlights India's enduring spirit and cultural pride.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 14:48 IST

Historic Celebration at Somnath Temple

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a grand event called 'Swabhimaan Parv' at the Somnath Temple. During this occasion, he worshipped Lord Somnath and addressed a large gathering. This event is particularly significant as it marks the 1,000th anniversary of the first attack on the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.

A Legacy of Resilience

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that the history of Somnath is not solely one of destruction but also of resilience and triumph. He remarked that the flag flying over the temple today symbolizes India's strength and capabilities to the world.

A Thousand Years of Struggle

With deep emotion, PM Modi reflected on how, a millennium ago, our ancestors sacrificed their lives for their faith and devotion to Mahadev. He stated, 'While invaders from Ghazni to Aurangzeb sought to destroy Somnath, they believed their swords could conquer the eternal. However, they failed to realize that the essence of Somnath is 'Amrit,' which cannot be erased.'

He also noted that while we commemorate the 1,000 years since the attack, we are simultaneously celebrating 75 years since the temple's modern reconstruction.

Critique of Political Opportunism

During his address, PM Modi took a strong stance against previous governments and those with a colonial mindset. He pointed out that even after independence, some individuals attempted to hinder the reconstruction of Somnath. He recalled the challenges faced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel when he committed to building the temple.

Referring to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the Prime Minister mentioned that when the then-President visited the temple in 1951, objections were raised against him. He criticized those who have consistently tried to suppress India's cultural heritage.

A Spectacular 'Swabhimaan Parv'

Describing the grandeur of the celebration, the Prime Minister highlighted the mesmerizing display of Somnath's history through 1,000 drones, the valorous procession of 108 horses, and continuous chanting of mantras for 72 hours. He stated that this festival is not just a remembrance of the past but a celebration of India's existence and pride.