Prime Minister Modi Commemorates 1000 Years of Somnath Temple's Resilience

Prime Minister Modi Joins 'Shaurya Yatra' in Somnath

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' held in Somnath. This event marks the 1,000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath temple by the foreign invader Mahmud of Ghazni in January 1026. The celebration is dedicated to the unwavering faith in the Somnath temple and its repeated reconstruction over the past millennium.

Tribute to Sardar Patel and Brave Warriors

During the event, the Prime Minister paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was instrumental in the temple's reconstruction after independence. He also honored the warriors who sacrificed their lives to protect the temple centuries ago.

Grand Procession Highlights

Riding in a flower-adorned open vehicle, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Throughout the procession, PM Modi energized the crowd by blowing a conch shell.

108-Horse Cavalcade Leads the Way

The procession was led by a mounted unit of the Gujarat police, featuring 108 horses. These local Kathiawadi and Marwari breeds underwent eight months of training for this special occasion.

Echoes of Conch and Damaru

Around 350 students from Kheda district's Brahmarshi Sanskrit College led the parade, creating a devotional atmosphere by playing conch shells and damarus.

Engagement with Young Scholars

PM Modi also took part in prayers at the Somnath temple and interacted with young scholars (Rishikumars) and artists present at the site.

Message of Somnath Self-Respect Festival

The entire 'Shaurya Yatra' is part of the 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv', aimed at conveying to the world that Somnath is not just a temple but a symbol of courage and sacrifice in Indian culture, which has emerged even more magnificently after every destruction.