Somnath symbolises Bharat’s unbroken spirit and unity: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said every part of Bharat is sacred and bound together by a spirit of oneness that transcends geography, asserting that this civilisational unity remains deeply relevant in a world increasingly marked by divisions.In a signed article commemorating 75 years since the restored Somnath Temple reopened to devotees, Modi paid tribute to the countless individuals who protected, rebuilt and preserved the temple across centuries despite repeated invasions and destruction.
“Countless individuals from different corners of India contributed to restoring its glory. They saw every part of Bharat as sacred, bound together by a sense of oneness that transcended geography. In a world often marked by divisions, this spirit of unity is more relevant than ever,” the Prime Minister said.He said Somnath continues to stand tall as a symbol of India’s enduring civilisational consciousness and unconquerable spirit.“Somnath will continue to stand tall in all its glory because the sense of unity and shared civilisational consciousness lives on in the hearts of every Indian,” he added.

Wrote an OpEd about my forthcoming visit to Somnath on 11th May and why this day will always be important with respect to Somnath and the greatness of our civilisation. Also paid homage to each and every person who endured all sorts of challenges yet always protected Somnath and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 8, 2026

As part of the commemoration, Modi announced that special pujas would be conducted at Somnath for the next 1,000 days in memory of the courage and sacrifices made over centuries to protect the shrine.“It is gladdening to see several people donating for these pujas as well,” he said, urging people across the country to visit Somnath during this period.
“I urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath in this special time. When you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its ancient echoes speak to you. You will not only be overwhelmed by devotion but will also feel the strong pulse of a civilisational spirit that refuses to fade, that is unbroken and unyielding,” Modi wrote.
PM said devotees visiting the temple would experience Bharat’s “unconquerable spirit” and understand why Indian culture remained undefeated despite repeated attempts to destroy it.Recalling his visit earlier this year for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, Modi said he would return to Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad.Calling it a journey “from Vidhvans to Srijan”  destruction to creation  Modi said Somnath symbolises resilience, dignity and renewal.“The waves return to the shore, as though reminding every generation that the spirit of the people can never be subdued for long,” he said.
PM also recalled the contributions of several rulers, saints and warriors associated with the temple’s restoration and protection, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K. M. Munshi, Ahilyabai Holkar and brave figures such as Veer Hamirji Gohil and Veer Vegdaji Bhil.He highlighted Sardar Patel’s resolve to rebuild Somnath after Independence and recalled how Patel, during a visit to the temple ruins in November 1947, called upon the people of India to participate in the reconstruction effort.“On this auspicious day of the Gujarati New Year, we have decided that Somnath should be reconstructed,” Modi quoted Patel as saying.
The Prime Minister noted that although Patel did not live to witness the temple’s restoration, his vision was carried forward by K. M. Munshi and supported by the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar.He also referred to the inauguration ceremony in 1951, attended by President Rajendra Prasad despite objections from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.Modi further recalled participating in events marking 50 years of the temple’s reopening in 2001 during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister, alongside former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and veteran BJP leader L. K. Advani.
Referring to President Rajendra Prasad’s remarks at the 1951 inauguration, Modi said the former President had described Somnath as proof that “anything with unparalleled faith and love cannot be destroyed.”The Prime Minister said his government has followed the principle of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” by modernising spiritual centres while preserving their traditional identity.“From Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, our team has had the opportunity to equip our spiritual centres with the latest facilities while at the same time preserving their traditional character,” he said.He added that improved connectivity and infrastructure around pilgrimage centres are not only strengthening cultural unity but also boosting local economies and livelihoods under the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”

(State Correspondent)