Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the revered Somnath Temple in Gujarat has been at the centre of national attention, as the country comes together to commemorate a remarkable milestone in the history of one of India’s oldest and most venerated shrines. From solemn prayers to grand public ceremonies, the three‑day Gujarat visit by the prime minister has drawn widespread interest for its blend of religious observance, cultural remembrance, and national pride.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a four‑day celebration observed from January 8 to January 11, 2026, is dedicated to marking 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni, a historic event that initiated centuries of conflict, destruction, restoration, and revival of the temple. Despite repeated attempts at its destruction over myriad invasions through the medieval period, the temple’s enduring presence today stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, spiritual continuity, and India’s civilisational heritage. 

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Somnath, located in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on the state’s western coast, to participate in the concluding events of this Parv. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of devotion, cultural remembrance, and historical reflection as thousands of devotees, locals, and visitors gathered to witness the proceedings and pay homage at the sacred site. The temple grounds, especially the inner sanctum of this ancient shrine, were elaborately decorated and prepared to welcome the prime minister and countless pilgrims who had journeyed from across the region and beyond. 

A Spiritual Beginning: Chanting and Prayers at the Temple

On Sunday morning, January 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his day with spiritual observances at the temple, joining the traditional chanting rituals that are central to the religious life of Somnath. He participated actively in the chanting of the Omkar Mantra, a powerful invocation of divine sound and consciousness that resonates deeply in Hindu spiritual practice, symbolising unity of the cosmic vibration and devotion. 

Amid Vedic chants and the sacred ambience of the temple precincts, Modi offered prayers to the divine, seeking blessings for the nation and paying homage to the centuries‑old lineage of faith that has sustained this historic shrine. His participation in these rituals underscored the spiritual significance of Somnath as not just an architectural marvel but also as a living centre of devotion that continues to inspire millions. 

Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, among other dignitaries, the prime minister observed the solemnity of these rites with reverence. The presence of local religious leaders and temple priests added deeper cultural resonance to the proceedings, as each element of prayer and ritual was performed with a sense of historical continuity. 

Shaurya Yatra: A Procession of Courage and Remembrance

One of the most visually striking and symbolically rich moments of the day was the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession led by Prime Minister Modi. Organised specifically to honour the countless defenders of the Somnath Temple—heroes from history who sacrificed their lives in the face of repeated invasions—this event drew massive crowds and widespread acclaim. 

The yatra featured a procession of 108 horses, a number deeply symbolic in Indian spiritual and cultural traditions, representing completeness, cosmic order, and the infinite dimensions of devotion. These horses were part of a ceremonial march that traced a route from the Shankh Circle to the Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, with crowds lining both sides of the pathway to greet and cheer the prime minister as he moved forward, paying homage to the historical resilience of the temple and its defenders. 

During the yatra, Modi actively engaged with the ceremonial traditions—at one point playing the damru, a traditional percussion instrument associated with Lord Shiva, which further connected the procession to timeless devotional symbols that draw devotees from across India’s spiritual spectrum. Performers from different regions contributed traditional dances and cultural elements, adding layers of diversity and vibrancy to the march. 

Tributes to Heroes of the Past

The route of the Shaurya Yatra culminated at the Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, named after one of the historic warriors who laid down his life defending Somnath in the late 13th century against invasions. Prime Minister Modi paused to pay floral tributes to the statue of Veer Hamirji Gohil, honouring his bravery and sacrifice, which have become emblematic of the temple’s legacy of resistance and steadfastness. 

In addition to these poignant tributes, the prime minister also acknowledged the monumental role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the modern history of the Somnath Temple. After India gained independence in 1947, Patel, then the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, championed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, culminating in the restoration and reconsecration of the shrine in 1951—a milestone that revived the temple as a national emblem of cultural pride and unity. Modi offered floral tributes near the statue of Patel, bridging the centuries between ancient sacrifices and modern contributions to the temple’s revival. 

Public Function and National Reflections

Following the Shaurya Yatra and ceremonial observances, Prime Minister Modi participated in a public function marking the conclusion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Speaking to the gathered audience and devotees, he reflected on the enduring spirit of Somnath—a beacon of faith and determination that has withstood adversity for an entire millennium. 

His remarks highlighted the temple not merely as a historic monument but as a living symbol of India’s civilisational courage. Modi underscored how Somnath’s story mirrors the broader narrative of India—where diverse cultural streams, spiritual strength, and collective resolve have continually reinforced the nation’s identity and unity. 

The prime minister praised the spirit of sacrifice among those who defended the shrine and reaffirmed the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage as a source of collective inspiration and national strength. Throughout his address, he reiterated respect for the sacrifices of the past while also emphasizing renewed energy and confidence in the country’s future. 

Symbolism of the Millennium Celebration

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv itself represents more than a religious festival—it symbolizes a milestone of historical remembrance, cultural continuity, and societal reflection. By marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, Indians from various walks of life have had the opportunity to engage with their shared heritage, understand the layers of meaning embedded in Somnath’s story, and celebrate the achievements of resilience and restoration that resonate across generations. 

In addition to the ceremonies, the Parv has included cultural programs, exhibitions, and public discourses that contribute to a wider national dialogue about history, identity, and values. Special displays—such as a mega drone show featuring thousands of drones depicting historical episodes and divine images associated with the shrine—have added modern technological grandeur to the age‑old narratives surrounding the temple, attracting attention from across the country. 

Beyond Somnath: The Gujarat Visit Continues

Prime Minister Modi’s engagement in Somnath was part of a three‑day visit to Gujarat that also included other major engagements beyond the temple celebrations. After concluding his participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, the prime minister was scheduled to travel to Rajkot to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and Exhibition—a forum for industry leaders, innovators, investors, and stakeholders aimed at furthering economic development and regional cooperation. 

Throughout his visit, Modi’s itinerary blended spiritual observance, historical reflection, and contemporary development initiatives—mirroring a vision that ties India’s rich past with its dynamic present and future ambitions.

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