NewKerala.com

Somnath Trust Donates ₹1.08 Crore for Pilgrim Meals, CM Patel Presides

The Somnath Trust presented a cheque for ₹1.08 crore to the Gir-Somnath district administration to cover ration expenses for community kitchens that fed pilgrims. The donation was made during Mahashivratri celebrations in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This initiative fulfills the trust's resolve, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's chairmanship, that no devotee goes hungry while visiting the temple. The funds supported kitchens that operated continuously during the recent Somnath Swabhiman Parv festival, which commemorated 75 years of the temple's reconstruction.

Key Points: Somnath Trust Gives ₹1.08 Crore for Devotee Kitchens

  • ₹1.08 crore cheque for ration expenses
  • Donation made on Mahashivratri
  • Funds for round-the-clock community kitchens
  • Part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations
2 min read

Somnath Trust presents Rs 1.08 crore cheque to Gir-Somnath district administration in presence of Gujarat CM

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel oversees ₹1.08 crore cheque from Somnath Trust to district admin for Mahashivratri community kitchen expenses.

"no devotee visiting Somnath for darshan should go hungry - Somnath Trust release"

Gandhinagar, February 16

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Mahashivratri following the grand celebration of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, witnessed a rare and sacred confluence of devotion and service.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a festival celebrating the nation's identity, pride, and its thousand-year journey, was held in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. A large number of pilgrims and devotees from across the country participated in the celebration. Devotees arrived in Somnath from every corner of the country, many travelling through special trains and buses arranged for the occasion.

The Somnath Trust arranged transportation from the railway station to the temple and provided food (prasad) for the pilgrims, a release said.

When the Somnath Temple was reconstructed in 1951, arranging meals for devotees at the newly built shrine was a major challenge. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv also commemorated 75 years of the temple's reconstruction. Guided by the work culture provided by the Prime Minister of transforming challenges into opportunities, the Somnath Trust has turned challenges into success through the generous donations, dedicated service, and active participation of Shiva devotees until now, the release added.

Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi, the Somnath Trust has fulfilled its resolve that no devotee visiting Somnath for darshan should go hungry by providing free meals during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

On the occasion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the Somnath Trust assured the district administration that, regardless of the number of devotees, there would be no shortage of food. Accordingly, the administration operated round-the-clock community kitchens (Bhandaras), serving meals to devotees from across the country and ensuring uninterrupted service for pilgrims.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Somnath Trust Trustee JD Parmar, Secretary Yogendra Desai, and General Manager Chavda presented a cheque of Rs 1.08 crore to the Gir-Somnath District Administration towards the ration expenses of the community kitchens.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
It's heartening to see temple trusts contributing to public welfare like this. The community kitchen model is excellent. Hope other major temples across India can also adopt similar practices for large festivals.
A
Aman W
A cheque of 1.08 crores is a significant amount. While the service is commendable, I hope there is full transparency in how these funds are utilized by the district administration. Public trust is important.
S
Sarah B
The logistics of feeding so many pilgrims must be immense. Arranging transport and round-the-clock kitchens is a massive undertaking. Kudos to the trust and the local administration for pulling it off.
V
Vikram M
Somnath temple's history is a symbol of our resilience. Celebrating 75 years of its reconstruction and combining it with service to devotees is a perfect tribute. Feeling proud as an Indian.
K
Kavya N
My family attended the parv this year! The arrangements were truly seamless. The prasad was simple but delicious, and the volunteers were so helpful. It was a spiritually fulfilling experience.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50