What Did Shankaracharya Say About Modi's Tribute to Somnath Temple?

Shankaracharya's Response to Modi's Remarks

New Delhi: On Tuesday, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand expressed his approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comments regarding the Somnath Temple. He emphasized that the Prime Minister's message highlighted the resilience of faith in the face of historical destruction.

The Shankaracharya referred to Modi's post on X, which commemorated the 1,000-year anniversary of the Somnath Temple's attack, stating, “The Prime Minister’s message reflects the sorrow of the temple's past when it was assaulted. Mahmud Ghazni invaded with his forces and devastated the temple, killing both priests and worshippers.”

He further explained that the invader aimed to obliterate the temple's legacy by destroying its idol. “He believed that by demolishing the temple and its statue, he could erase Somnath forever. This attempt occurred 1,000 years ago,” the Shankaracharya remarked.

Interpreting the Prime Minister's message, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati stated, “The Prime Minister's post conveys a clear message: while you can demolish the temple and its idol, you cannot extinguish Somnath. A millennium has passed, and Somnath remains. Where are you now? You came and went.”

He described the statement as a caution for the future, asserting, “Somnath still stands tall. Those who contemplate such actions should refrain from doing so in the future. This is the essence of the Prime Minister's message.”

The Shankaracharya deemed the Prime Minister's remarks fitting, stating, “This is a commendable statement. Regarding Ghazni, he certainly did not perform a noble act. The name of Ghazni should be erased from Indian history.”

These comments followed Prime Minister Modi's assertion that the Somnath Temple symbolizes the eternal essence of the Indian spirit, emphasizing that while hatred and fanaticism can cause temporary destruction, faith and conviction have the power to create lasting legacies.

Modi noted that 2026 will mark a millennium since the temple was first attacked by invaders in January 1026. He reflected on the temple's history of destruction and reconstruction, stating that Somnath exemplifies India's unyielding civilizational spirit, standing resilient despite significant challenges.

In a comprehensive post on X, PM Modi expressed, “Somnath… this name evokes pride within us. It is the eternal declaration of India's soul. This magnificent temple is located on the western coast of India in Gujarat, at a site known as Prabhas Patan.”