he Prime Minister said Somnath stands as a living symbol of India’s resilience, noting that while invaders faded into history, the spirit of faith and revival continues to inspire generations.
BY PC Bureau
January 11, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the historic Shree Somnath Temple, where he offered prayers and led the Shaurya Yatra as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a four-day cultural and spiritual commemoration marking 1,000 years since the first invasion of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD.
The programme holds deep historical and emotional significance, as 2026 also marks the 75th anniversary of the temple’s post-Independence reconstruction. The restored shrine was inaugurated on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, following the vision and determination of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who saw Somnath as a symbol of national resurgence after centuries of destruction.
The Prime Minister began his day around 9:45 am by leading the Shaurya Yatra (Valour Procession), a ceremonial march honouring the countless warriors, devotees, and protectors who sacrificed their lives defending the sacred shrine across centuries. The procession featured 108 horses, symbolising courage, strength, and spiritual resolve. Thousands of devotees, saints, and locals lined the nearly one-kilometre route, showering petals and chanting slogans as the Prime Minister walked alongside participants.
During the yatra, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Veer Hamirji Gohil, the valiant ruler who laid down his life in 1299 AD while resisting invaders seeking to desecrate the temple. The tribute highlighted the enduring legacy of sacrifice associated with Somnath’s history.
At around 10:15 am, the Prime Minister entered the temple for darshan and performed a special puja at the revered Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Clad in traditional attire, he was seen offering prayers in silence, underscoring the spiritual solemnity of the occasion.
VIDEO | Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s (@narendramodi) ‘Shaurya Yatra’ is underway in Somnath as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Jan 8–11), with devotional chants, traditional rituals, and a spiritually charged procession honouring the sacred legacy of Shree Somnath Mandir.… pic.twitter.com/RdnxSbACKX
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 11, 2026
Addressing a public gathering later in the morning, PM Modi reflected on Somnath’s civilisational importance, describing the temple as “a living symbol of India’s eternal faith and resilience.” He said that while invaders and forces of destruction have vanished into the pages of history, “Somnath has stood tall, inspiring generations with the message that India’s soul can never be defeated.”
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The Prime Minister noted that Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not merely a remembrance of past suffering but a celebration of revival and self-respect. He said the festival reminds the nation that “India’s strength lies in its ability to rebuild, renew, and rise stronger after every attempt to break it.”
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VIDEO | Somnath, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) joins the Shaurya Yatra at Shree Somnath Mandir, with chants echoing through the grand procession.#Somnath #ShauryaYatra #PMModi
(Source – Third party)
(Full VIDEO available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/JCr9SqiEq4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 11, 2026
Located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s western coast, the Somnath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, becoming a powerful symbol of spiritual continuity and national pride. The ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to 11, features 72 hours of continuous Omkar mantra chanting, cultural programmes, a large-scale drone show, and fireworks, drawing devotees from across the country.
Reiterating the government’s focus on preserving India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Prime Minister said Somnath represents the “civilisational courage” of the nation and serves as a reminder that faith, unity, and cultural consciousness are central to India’s identity.
The day’s events witnessed massive participation, transforming Somnath into a vibrant centre of devotion and national pride. As chants of “Jai Somnath” echoed across the temple town, the occasion stood as a powerful reaffirmation of faith, history, and collective memory.
