PM Modi reflects on Somnath’s legacy ahead of temple visit on May 11, plans special poojas for for 1,000 days

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared an oped ahead of his proposed visit to the Somnath Temple on May 11 reflecting on the temples civilisational significance and paying tribute to those who protected and restored it over centuriesIn a post on X the Prime Minister said Wrote an OpEd about my forthcoming visit to Somnath on 11th May and why this day will always be important with respect to Somnath and the greatness of our civilisation Also paid homage to each and every person who endured all sorts of challenges yet always protected Somnath and restored its gloryIn the oped the Prime Minister said the upcoming visit would mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple by Indias first President Dr Rajendra Prasad Modi recalled attending the Somnath Swabhiman Parv earlier this year marking 1000 years since the first attack on the temple and described Somnaths journey as one from ruin to renewal or from Vidhvans to SrijanSomnath gives us a civilisational message Modi wrote adding that the temple symbolises resilience and continuity despite repeated invasions and destructionThe Prime Minister also remembered several historical figures associated with the protection and restoration of the temple including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel KM Munshi Ahilyabai Holkar and Dr Rajendra PrasadEmpires rose and fell tides changed history moved through conquest and upheaval yet Somnath continued to endure in our consciousness It is time to remember the countless greats who stood firm in the face of tyranny There were Lakulisha and Soma Sarman who transformed Prabhasa into a great centre of philosophy Chakravarti Maharaja Dharasena IV of Vallabhi built the Second Temple there centuries ago Bhima Deva Jayapala and Anandapala will always be remembered for defending civilisational honour against invasions he statedReferring to Sardar Patels role in rebuilding the temple after Independence Modi noted that Patel had described the reconstruction as a holy task during a visit to Somnath in 1947In the 1940s when the spirit of freedom swept across India and the foundations of a new republic were being laid under the leadership of towering figures like Sardar Patel one thing continued to trouble him deeplythe condition of Somnath On 13th November 1947 he stood next to the dilapidated ruins of the temple with seawater in his hands and said On this auspicious day of the Gujarati New Year we have decided that Somnath should be reconstructed You people of Saurashtra should do your best This is a holy task in which all should participate he wroteUnfortunately fate did not allow Sardar Patel to witness the fulfilment of the dream he had so passionately championed Before the restored Somnath Temple could open its doors to devotees he had departed from this world His vision was championed by Shri KM Munshi ably supported by the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar he addedThe Prime Minister further said that the restoration of Somnath represented not only a spiritual revival but also the spirit of national unity and cultural continuityHighlighting the governments focus on preserving spiritual heritage Modi said efforts under the vision of Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi have aimed at modernising pilgrimage centres while preserving their traditional characterInspired by the principle of Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi from Somnath to Kashi Kamakhya to Kedarnath Ayodhya to Ujjain Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam our team has had the opportunity to equip our spiritual centres with the latest facilities while at the same time preserving their traditional character he wroteThe Prime Minister also announced that special pujas would be organised at Somnath for the next 1000 days in tribute to those who sacrificed for the temple over centuriesThe struggles and sacrifices of those who laid down their lives to protect Somnath and those who rebuilt it time and again will never be forgotten As a tribute to this remembering the extraordinary courage of a thousand years there will be special Pujas at Somnath for the next thousand days It is gladdening to see several people donating for these Pujas as well he saidI urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath in this special time You will experience Bharats unconquerable spirit and understand why despite every effort our culture remained undefeated and you will have the opportunity to behold the vision of eternal triumph It will surely be unforgettable Modi said highlighting that the temple reflects Bharats unconquerable spirit