New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reflected on the enduring spirit of the Somnath Temple and its importance in reinforcing India’s cultural unity, as he prepared for his visit to the shrine on January 11 for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
In a post on social platform X, the Prime Minister recalled the repeated assaults on Somnath over the centuries — beginning with the attack in **January 1026 — and highlighted how the temple’s continuous reconstruction symbolises the resilience and unity of India’s civilisational heritage.
Mr. Modi described the Swabhiman Parv as a festival of remembrance that honours generations of Indians who remained steadfast in their beliefs and cultural values despite adversity. “The temple endured hostile invasions and attempts to destroy it, but our faith was never shaken. Instead, these chapters strengthened our cultural solidarity and inspired repeated rebuilding,” he wrote.
The Prime Minister shared photographs from earlier visits to Somnath and encouraged the public to post their own moments from the shrine using the hashtag
The week-long Swabhiman Parv, observed from January 8 to January 11, will feature programmes celebrating India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride and social harmony. The main event on January 11 will see the Prime Minister participating in rituals and commemorative activities at the temple.
Mr. Modi also shared glimpses from the October 31, 2001 programme at Somnath, which marked the 50th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction and inauguration in 1951. He recalled that the ceremony was presided over by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in reviving the temple after its destruction.
“Back in 2001, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister L.K. Advani and many dignitaries had graced the occasion. Today, as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the grand 1951 ceremony, we remember their vision and contributions,” the Prime Minister said.
The visit on January 11 will be one of the central events of the Swabhiman Parv celebrations. The observance aims to showcase India’s historical resilience and reaffirm a collective commitment to cultural values and national unity.
Mr. Modi’s remarks have resonated widely among supporters and cultural commentators, who view the Somnath celebrations as an occasion to reflect on India’s long history of architectural revival, faith and civilisational continuity. The Swabhiman Parv culminates with the Prime Minister’s participation in key events that highlight spiritual and cultural pride intrinsic to India’s ethos.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a short social-media-ready version or an event summary timeline for the Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
