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PM Modi Concludes Shaurya Yatra with Prayers at Historic Somnath Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple after concluding the Shaurya Yatra, a symbolic procession marking 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple. He paid floral tributes to statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil, who died defending the temple in 1299, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who vowed to rebuild it. The event is part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating the temple's resilience through centuries of adversity and destruction. The current temple was consecrated in 1951, and 2026 marks 75 years since that historic ceremony.

Key Points: PM Modi at Somnath Temple After Shaurya Yatra

  • PM Modi concludes Shaurya Yatra
  • Tribute to Veer Hamirji Gohil & Sardar Patel
  • Marks 1000 years since first Somnath attack
  • Temple's repeated destruction and revival
2 min read

PM Modi offers prayers at Somnath temple after concluding Shaurya Yatra

PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Somnath temple, concluding the Shaurya Yatra marking 1000 years since the first recorded attack on the shrine.

"its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel"

Somnath, January 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at the Somnath temple after concluding the Shaurya Yatra.

The Prime Minister also paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil sacrificed his life while defending the Somnath Temple in 1299 AD during the invasion led by Zafar Khan.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni.

During his visit, the Prime Minister was joined by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

During the procession, the Prime Minister played damru and acknowledged the greetings of the gathered crowd.

The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity.

Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event.

Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026.

The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and revival of the temple is seen as unique in world history, reflecting its continued spiritual and cultural significance.

On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad.

In 2026, the country marks 75 years since the historic consecration ceremony. Revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple stands along the Arabian Sea with a 150-foot shikhar, symbolising enduring faith and national resolve.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone interested in history, this is fascinating. The article mentions the temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over centuries. That's a powerful testament to the enduring faith of people. The 108 police horses must have been quite a sight!
P
Priya S
While respecting the historical and cultural importance, I hope such events also translate into concrete actions for all citizens' welfare. Commemorating our past is important, but our focus must equally be on building a secure and prosperous future for everyone.
V
Vikram M
The PM playing the conch at Somnath... what a powerful image! It's not just a religious event, it's about reclaiming our cultural confidence, just as Sardar Patel envisioned. This Swabhiman Parv is a reminder of who we are.
R
Rohit P
1000 years of unbroken faith! That's mind-blowing. Our ancestors protected this faith with their lives. Today's yatra honours that legacy. Feeling very proud as an Indian.
K
Kavya N
My family visited Somnath last year. The temple by the sea is breathtakingly peaceful. Reading about its turbulent history and then seeing it standing tall gives you goosebumps. More people should know this story.

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