Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Senior Citizens from Rajasthan Offered Divine Darshan of Somnath Jyotirlinga Under Special Pilgrimage Tour

Jaipur, June 2026: As part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorating the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, 1,008 senior citizen pilgrims from Rajasthan had the opportunity to offer prayers and seek the divine blessings of the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga on Saturday under the Rajasthan Government’s Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme.

During their visit to the revered temple, the pilgrims participated in the evening aarti and witnessed the spectacular Light and Sound Show, which vividly narrated the mythological and historical significance of the Somnath Temple.

The presentation highlighted that Somnath is regarded as the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of India. It recounted how the temple endured repeated invasions, plunder, and destruction over centuries, yet was rebuilt time and again through the determination and devotion of protectors of faith. The narrative emphasized that the temple stands as a symbol of India’s enduring, indestructible, and unique cultural heritage.

The show also described how, despite numerous attacks, the temple was repeatedly restored with renewed strength, pride, and dignity. Following India’s Independence, the reconstruction of the temple was undertaken through the efforts of then Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The presentation underscored that faith ultimately triumphed over destruction, and today the spiritual flag of India continues to fly proudly over the shores of the Arabian Sea, representing honour, self-respect, and cultural pride.

The celebrations form part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv initiative launched by Narendra Modi to mark 75 years of the temple’s reconstruction. The initiative is aimed at strengthening cultural consciousness and celebrating India’s spiritual legacy.

Reflecting this spirit, the group of 1,008 senior citizens from Rajasthan received a grand welcome from the Government of Gujarat upon their arrival at Veraval Railway Station on June 6. The pilgrims were greeted with bouquets and treated to colourful cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of Gujarat, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and celebration.

The senior citizens were transported from Veraval to Gir Somnath in air-conditioned buses and accommodated in a three-star hotel. Arrangements were made for quality refreshments, lunch, dinner, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage experience.

The pilgrimage, organised by Rajasthan’s Devasthan Department with support from the Gujarat Government, included visits to several prominent religious and cultural sites in Gir Somnath over Saturday and Sunday. Pilgrims were taken to Golokdham, the Ram Mandir, Ban Ganga, and Bhalka Tirth. They also toured the Somnath Swabhiman Parv Gallery and local cultural marketplace, besides enjoying a visit to Somnath Beach.

Providing details of the itinerary, pilgrimage coordinator Ashutosh Gupta said that the senior citizens departed Jaipur by a special train on June 5 and travelled to Veraval before proceeding to Somnath by air-conditioned buses. After completing their visits to various religious sites in Somnath on June 6 and 7, the pilgrims are scheduled to leave by a special train on Sunday night for darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. The group is expected to return to Jaipur by special train on June 9.

Officials said the Rajasthan Government remains committed to enabling a larger number of senior citizens to undertake spiritual journeys by providing well-organised travel, accommodation, food, and transportation facilities under the pilgrimage programme.