Somnath, Jan 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Somnath Swabhiman Parv as a powerful symbol of India’s eternal faith, resilience and civilisational self-pride, asserting that the historic Somnath Temple stands not for destruction or defeat but for “victory and renewal.”
Participating in the grand celebrations at the sacred Shri Somnath Temple, the Prime Minister said the festival reflected the unwavering resolve of “crores upon crores of Indians” and marked a journey spanning more than a thousand years. Calling the occasion deeply personal, Modi said becoming part of the Swabhiman Parv was an “unforgettable and invaluable moment” in his life.
“Even after a thousand years, the flag still flies atop the Somnath Temple. It reminds the world of India’s strength and spirit,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the enduring legacy of one of the country’s most revered ‘Jyotirlingas’.
Rejecting narratives that focus solely on repeated attacks on the temple in history, PM Modi said Somnath’s story was not one of destruction. “The history of Somnath is not a history of defeat. It is a history of victory and renewal,” he said, adding that those who came with the intent to destroy the temple “have today been reduced to a few pages of history.”
The Prime Minister noted that Somnath Swabhiman Parv symbolises India’s continued existence, cultural continuity and self-respect. “Somnath Temple still stands tall by the vast sea, its soaring flag of faith flying high,” he said, describing the shrine as a living testament to the nation’s civilisational endurance.
Located on the western coast of Gujarat, the Somnath Temple holds a unique place in India’s religious and cultural history. Believed to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple has been rebuilt several times over centuries after repeated invasions and destruction. Its modern reconstruction after Independence came to symbolise national resurgence and cultural revival.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to commemorate this long historical journey, celebrating the temple’s survival, reconstruction and its role as a beacon of faith for millions of devotees across generations.
