“Somnath Is a Saga of Victory and Renewal”: PM Modi

• PM Modi addresses Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat
• Calls Somnath a symbol of victory, renewal and civilisational pride
• Pays tribute to generations who defended and rebuilt the shrine
• Links heritage with India’s future development vision

GG News Bureau
Somnath, 11th Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the history of Somnath Temple is not a story of destruction or defeat, but a saga of victory, renewal and enduring faith, as he addressed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat.

Calling the occasion extraordinary, Modi said Somnath stands as a celebration of India’s existence, self-pride and civilisational strength. “Even after a thousand years, the flag still flies atop Somnath. It reminds the world of India’s strength and spirit,” he said, adding that those who came with the intent to destroy Somnath have today been reduced to a few pages of history, while the temple continues to stand tall by the vast sea with its soaring flag of faith.

The Prime Minister said the thousand-year journey of Somnath mirrors India’s own civilisational journey — one marked by repeated attempts at destruction, followed by reconstruction, resilience and renewal. He traced the shrine’s long history of rebuilding after multiple attacks across centuries, underlining that Somnath has been re-established again and again through the courage and devotion of its defenders and devotees.

“Somnath shows that while creation takes time, it alone endures,” Modi said, paying tribute to the countless brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect and rebuild the shrine. He called upon citizens to remember the valour of their ancestors and draw inspiration from their courage.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of Prabhas Patan, the Prime Minister said Somnath is sanctified not only by Lord Shiva but also by Lord Shri Krishna and the Pandavas, making it a sacred centre of multiple dimensions of India’s heritage.

He said the Swabhiman Parv is not merely a remembrance of events of the past, but a celebration of India’s enduring existence and pride. He also noted the special significance of 2026, which marks 75 years since the temple’s formal reopening in 1951 after its post-Independence reconstruction led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Linking heritage with development, Modi said today’s India is moving forward with inspiration from its ancient roots while embracing modern infrastructure, connectivity and technology. He cited initiatives such as the expansion of Keshod airport, the Ahmedabad–Veraval Vande Bharat train and the development of pilgrimage circuits to strengthen access to Somnath and surrounding heritage centres.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said India’s civilisational message has always been about balance, creation and winning hearts, not destruction. “Civilisations that seek to erase others are themselves lost in time,” he said, urging citizens to draw inspiration from Somnath’s thousand-year saga as India marches towards a developed future.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.