PM Modi marks 1,000 years of Somnath’s resilience, hails temple as symbol of India’s unbroken spirit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commemorated 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD, describing the iconic shrine as a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational resilience and unbreakable spirit. Sharing an Op-Ed on the occasion, the Prime Minister said Somnath’s legacy goes beyond a temple, reflecting the courage and faith of generations who safeguarded India’s culture and civilisation despite repeated assaults.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Jai Somnath! 2026 marks 1000 years since the first attack on Somnath took place. Despite repeated attacks subsequently, Somnath stands tall! This is because Somnath’s story is about the unbreakable courage of countless children of Bharat Mata who protected our culture and civilisation.” He also shared the link of his article titled “Somnath Swabhiman Parv – A 1000 Years of Unbroken Faith (1026-2026).”
In the Op-Ed, the Prime Minister highlighted Somnath’s spiritual and civilisational significance as the first of the 12 Jyotirlings mentioned in the Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotram. Located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s western coast, the temple has long been a centre of faith, culture and maritime prosperity. PM Modi recalled that the shrine was first attacked in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni, marking the beginning of a series of invasions aimed at destroying symbols of Indian civilisation.
He noted that despite the brutality and devastation documented in historical accounts, Somnath’s history is ultimately defined not by destruction but by renewal. “Each time the temple was attacked, it was rebuilt by generations who refused to surrender their faith,” he wrote, recalling the contributions of figures such as Ahilyabai Holkar and later, after Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Prime Minister recalled that Sardar Patel resolved to rebuild the temple after visiting Somnath in 1947, a vision realised in 1951 when the restored temple was inaugurated in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He also acknowledged the role of K.M. Munshi in championing the reconstruction, and cited Swami Vivekananda’s reflections on Somnath as a testament to India’s national spirit that continually regenerates despite adversity.
Drawing parallels between Somnath’s revival and modern India’s journey, PM Modi said the same civilisational spirit is visible today as India emerges as a global growth engine and a source of solutions to worldwide challenges. He said India’s cultural heritage -from yoga and Ayurveda to art and festivals – is gaining global recognition, while the country’s youth and innovation are attracting international attention.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister said Somnath remains a beacon of hope, symbolising the eternal triumph of faith and conviction over destruction and fanaticism. Invoking the blessings of Somnath Mahadev, he said the nation is moving forward with renewed resolve to build a Viksit Bharat, guided by civilisational wisdom and committed to the welfare of the world.
“Jai Somnath,” the Prime Minister concluded, reaffirming that while the aggressors of the past have faded into history, Somnath continues to shine as a living symbol of India’s enduring soul.
