Somnath is Symbol of Our National Pride: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that Somnath is a symbol of India’s ancient heritage, faith and national pride. He said that Somnath stands as testimony to the fact that the power of creation is always greater than the power of destruction. Every brick of Somnath reflects the fervour of devotion and the glory of India’s resurgence. Throughout history, several attempts were made to destroy the temple, but every time, it rose again with even greater grandeur. Even after seventeen invasions, the eternal presence of Lord Shiva continues to reside at Somnath. Organised by the Culture Department, this prestigious journey is being conducted under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.

The year 2026 holds special significance in the temple’s history, as the first attack on the temple took place in 1026, exactly a thousand years ago. In January this year, exactly one thousand years after the invasion, a grand Swabhiman Parv was celebrated at Somnath under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The divinity and grandeur of Somnath continue to remain unparalleled and extraordinary even today.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the journey from heritage to development continues under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi. He was addressing a programme on Thursday after flagging off the first batch of the “Somnath Swabhiman Yatra” from Platform No. 1 of Rani Kamlapati Railway Station. The prestigious yatra, organised by the Culture Department, is being conducted under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.

Travellers presented Trishul to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav as Symbol of Valour

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav flagged off the train and inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Ritual worship of urns carrying water from 21 major rivers of the country was also performed. Upon the Chief Minister’s arrival at the venue, he was accorded a grand welcome amid the beats of drums and damru.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav handed over water urns and flags to the pilgrims for offering water from 21 rivers at the Somnath Jyotirlinga. The travellers presented a trishul to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav as a symbol of valour. MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Shri Ravindra Yati, Shri Rahul Kothari, other public representatives and devotees were present on the occasion.

Journey will be Memorable with chanting, satsang and Kirtan

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the train carrying pilgrims from Bhopal, Ujjain, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa and other districts will reach Somnath on May 8. He extended his best vishes and congratulations to all passengers of the train.

He said that the Indian Sanatan culture upholds the philosophy of “live and let live.” A journey undertaken with devotional chanting, satsang, kirtan, mutual affection, and harmony would remain unforgettable for all devotees. He added that human life should be devoted to welfare-oriented activities carried out with a spirit of brotherhood and by viewing the entire humanity as one family, a core value of Indian culture.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that the campaign of cultural awakening under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is continuously strengthening national unity. From Lord Shri Ram’s Ayodhya Dham and Lord Shri Krishna’s Mathura to Kalighat in Bengal, the flag of Sanatan culture is flying proudly in all directions. This spirit prevails from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.

Mahakal Mahalok Strengthening the Spirit of Unity

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government has started helicopter services for religious destinations. Helicopter services are available from Indore to Ujjain, Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar; from Bhopal to Orchha and Chanderi; and from Jabalpur to Maa Maihar, Kanha Kisli and Pench. He informed that the state government has developed 13 religious ‘Lok’ projects. Following the creation of Baba Mahakal Mahalok, Ujjain’s economy has witnessed a major transformation. At present, more than 1.5 lakh devotees visit Ujjain daily for darshan. As a result, businesses such as hotels, auto-rickshaws and street vendors are experiencing significant growth.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav added that Mahakal Mahalok is also strengthening the spirit of unity by facilitating cultural exchange among people from different parts of the country, and this feeling of unity is gradually transforming into a sense of oneness.

People from Different Regions of the State to Get Opportunity for Somnath Darshan

MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, religiously significant buildings and places in the state are being developed with grandeur. Under the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, people from different regions of the state will get the opportunity to visit the Somnath temple and participate in several cultural activities. He said the yatra is an effort to fulfil the resolve of strengthening cultural awakening and national unity.

Yatra Will Instil Feelings of Pride and Devotion Among the People

It is noteworthy that for the first time, a special pilgrimage from Madhya Pradesh is being organised with participation from 1,100 devotees from different regions of the state. During the yatra, devotees will participate in various cultural programmes, spiritual rituals and darshan at the sacred land of Somnath.

This unique confluence of devotion and faith will conclude on May 11, 2026, when the pilgrims return with the blessings of Somnath Mahadev and cherished memories of cultural pride. The yatra will inspire feelings of self-respect and devotion among the people. Organised by the Culture Department, this prestigious journey is being conducted under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.