The Journey from Destruction to Creation at Somnath Comes Alive Once Again

Narendra Modi Prime Minister

Jai Somnath! In the beginning of 2026, I had the privilege of participating in the Somnath Swabhiman festival. This was the festival of the temple becoming eternal and indestructible even after a thousand years of the first attack on the Somnath temple. Now on 11th May, I am once again getting the opportunity to visit Somnath. This time the yatra is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of the renovated Somnath temple.

I am going to relive that moment when the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the temple. On that day, the journey from destruction to creation will come alive again at Somnath. It is a great privilege for me to witness these two very important milestones in the history of Somnath within a span of six months. This is also the time to remember those innumerable great personalities who remained steadfast in the face of cruel invaders. Sages like Lakulish and Som Sharma made Prabhas a great center of Shaiva philosophy.

Chakravarti Maharaj Dharsen IV had built a second temple there centuries ago. Amidst the difficult test of time, rulers like Bhima I, Jaipal and Anandpal protected the temple by becoming a shield of their civilization against attacks. It is believed that the great king Bhoj also made his invaluable contribution in the reconstruction of this holy site. Karnadev Solanki and Jai Singh Siddharaj played an important role in restoring the political and cultural power of Gujarat.

Bhava Brihaspati, Kumarpal Solanki and Pashupatacharyas made invaluable contributions in establishing this pilgrimage as a center of worship and knowledge. Vishaldev Vaghela and Tripurantaka protected its intellectual and spiritual traditions. Mahipal Chudasama and Rao Khangar Chudasama revived the tradition of worship after the destruction. Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, whose 300th birth anniversary is being celebrated, kept the tradition of Bhakti alive even in the most challenging times. The Gaekwads of Baroda protected the rights of pilgrims.

Along with this, our land has been blessed with brave men like Veer Hamirji Gohil, Veer Vegdaji Bhil. In the 1940s, the spirit of independence was spreading across India. The foundation of independent India was being laid under the leadership of great leaders like Sardar Patel. In such a situation, one thing which distressed him a lot was the plight of Somnath. On 13 November 1947, at the time of Diwali, he stood in front of the ruined remains of Somnath, holding sea water in his hand and pledged, ‘On this (Gujarati) New Year, we resolve that Somnath will be rebuilt.

The people of Saurashtra will have to contribute in every way for this. This is a sacred work, in which everyone will have to participate. Unfortunately, Sardar Patel could not see the realization of his dream to which he had dedicated himself. Before the Somnath temple could open for devotees after renovation, he said goodbye to this world.

Despite this, his influence continues to be felt on the sacred land of Prabhas Patan. His vision was fulfilled by K.M. Munshi took the lead, who was supported by Jamsaheb of Nawanagar. When the reconstruction of the temple was completed in 1951, President Dr. Prasad was invited to inaugurate it. Despite Pt. Nehru’s opposition, Dr. Prasad made the ceremony historic by participating in it.

I still remember well that time of October 2001, when I took charge as the Chief Minister. On October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Gujarat government organized a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath temple. At the same time, the 125th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel was also being celebrated. The presence of Prime Minister Atal ji and Home Minister Advani ji in the program made it more dignified.

I urge all the countrymen to visit the holy Somnath Dham on this auspicious occasion and see its grandeur in person. When you stand on the banks of Somnath, you will feel its ancient echoes within you. There you will not only experience devotion, but will also hear the powerful heartbeat of that civilizational consciousness, which has never stopped, whose intensity has never diminished. There you will experience the undefeated soul of India, which has kept its identity and its culture intact despite every blow.

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