Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Somnath Temple marked the commencement of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a four-day celebration from January 8 to 11, commemorating 1,000 years since the first desecration of the sacred shrine in 1026 and honouring its extraordinary history of 17 reconstructions despite repeated invasions.
The Prime Minister participated in a 72-hour ‘Aum’ chanting, symbolising spiritual continuity and collective resolve. He also chaired a meeting of the Shri Somnath Trust, reviewing ongoing and proposed initiatives aimed at enhancing pilgrim amenities, infrastructure, and the overall spiritual experience for devotees visiting one of India’s most revered Jyotirlingas.
A major highlight of the celebrations was a spectacular drone show featuring 3,000 drones, which illuminated the night sky with visual depictions of the Somnath Temple and Lord Shiva. The show drew widespread appreciation and served as a powerful artistic tribute to the temple’s enduring legacy.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi underscored Somnath’s significance as a symbol of India’s cultural resilience, civilisational continuity, and spiritual strength. He recalled the historic role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the temple’s modern reconstruction in the early 1950s, describing it as a defining moment in independent India’s cultural revival.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being echoed across the country, with temples and cultural institutions organising special prayers, discussions, and events to reflect on the shrine’s journey through destruction and renewal. Officials noted that the celebrations are not merely commemorative but also forward-looking, reinforcing the temple’s role as a living symbol of faith, unity, and national self-confidence.
The event stands as a reminder that Somnath is not just a monument of stone, but a testament to India’s ability to rebuild, remember, and reaffirm its civilisational ethos across centuries.
-OdishaAge
