PM Modi Participates in Somnath Temple’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations in Gujarat

Gir Somnath, May 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in the grand ‘Somnath Amrut Mahotsav’ celebrations in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the reconstructed Somnath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The celebrations marked a significant milestone in the temple’s modern history, recalling its reconstruction after Independence and its inauguration in 1951 by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. The event witnessed large-scale religious ceremonies, cultural programmes and public participation at the historic temple town of Prabhas Patan.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Somnath after an overnight stay in Jamnagar following his arrival in Gujarat on Sunday evening. Before participating in the temple rituals, he held a roadshow from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle near the temple complex.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi accompanied the Prime Minister during the roadshow, which drew enthusiastic crowds along the nearly 1.5-kilometre route.

Thousands of devotees and BJP supporters lined the roads to welcome the Prime Minister. People waved flags, showered flower petals and raised slogans as the convoy passed through the area. Traditional folk artists from different states, including West Bengal, performed cultural dances and musical presentations at various points along the route, adding to the festive atmosphere.

At the Somnath Temple complex, special religious rituals and ceremonies were organised to mark the occasion. One of the major highlights of the programme was the Kumbhabhishek ceremony conducted using holy water collected from 11 sacred pilgrimage sites across the country.

The Prime Minister participated in several temple rituals, including jal abhishek, dhwaj puja and maha puja amid Vedic chants and devotional hymns. Priests performed elaborate traditional ceremonies as devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the historic event.

In a symbolic gesture during the celebrations, flower petals were showered on the temple premises from helicopters, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere around the shrine.

The temple complex was extensively decorated with flowers, lights and traditional ornaments for the occasion. Security arrangements across Gir Somnath district were significantly tightened in view of the Prime Minister’s visit and the expected turnout of devotees and dignitaries.

The Somnath Temple, situated along the Arabian Sea coast in Prabhas Patan, occupies a special place in Hindu religious tradition and Indian cultural history. Considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the temple has long been regarded as a symbol of faith, resilience and civilisational heritage.

The reconstruction of the temple after Independence became a major national project led by leaders including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi, symbolising India’s cultural resurgence.

The current ‘Somnath Amrut Mahotsav’ celebrations have been organised to commemorate the completion of 75 years since the reconstructed temple’s formal inauguration.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address a public gathering at the Sadbhavana Ground in Somnath as part of his Gujarat visit.

Team Maverick