Sanatan faith remains unshaken even after centuries of invasions: CM Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurates “Somnath Swabhiman Yatra Uttar Pradesh” in Lucknow under Somnath Swabhiman Parv

Just as the soul is eternal, Sanatan faith too symbolizes this eternal path: Chief Minister

Invaders could neither break nor bend India’s faith: Yogi

Sardar Patel’s firm resolve prevailed despite Nehru’s opposition: CM

On one hand Congress imposed Article 370 in Kashmir, on the other it opposed reconstruction of Somnath Mandir: Yogi Adityanath

Today Uttar Pradesh reflects the vibrancy of Kashi, the dignity of Ayodhya, the devotion of Mathura Vrindavan and the harmony of Prayagraj: Chief Minister

Lucknow, April 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inaugurated the “Somnath Swabhiman Yatra Uttar Pradesh” organized in Lucknow under the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. On this occasion, he said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is progressing simultaneously towards a new era of its glorious Sanatan heritage and modern development.

He said that despite centuries of invasions, Sanatan faith has remained unshaken and today, with the spirit of “Yato Dharmastato Jayah,” it is once again being established at the pinnacle of self-respect.

Referring to the historic revival of the Somnath mandir, the Chief Minister remembered the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, stating that the same campaign of cultural renaissance has now reached new heights.
Flagging off the Somnath Swabhiman Yatra, he described it as a symbol of India’s faith, unity and cultural consciousness.

Chief Minister added, “It is a matter of pride that today the entire country, under the guidance and strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is moving forward with its glorious heritage along with a new era of modern development.”
He said that today’s event is a reflection of the belief in Indian scriptures that just as the soul is eternal, Sanatan faith too represents this eternal path.

He informed, “India’s Sanatan culture has faced attacks for centuries, yet the invaders could neither break nor bend India’s faith. Around 1000 years ago, the Somnath temple, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, was attacked by the foreign invader Mahmud of Ghazni. The invaders looted India’s wealth, desecrated temples and attacked Sanatan faith. However, the unshakable belief of Sanatan Dharma stood firm with the saffron flag.”

Today, after 1000 years, Sanatan faith is moving forward with full strength alongside the world, while the invaders have vanished without a trace. This is the proclamation of “Yato Dharmastato Jayah.” The faith which could not be stopped, broken or bent by the brutality of invaders is today being celebrated as Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

Chief Minister said, “After independence, every Indian desired not only political freedom but also cultural freedom. Continuous efforts were made in this direction and many voices were raised. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of India’s unity and the Iron Man, resolved to rebuild the Somnath Mandir after witnessing its condition and restore its dignity as the first Jyotirlinga.”

However, he said, the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru opposed this effort. Despite this, Sardar Patel’s firm resolve prevailed and the construction of the temple was completed. For the consecration ceremony, the organizing committee invited the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Once again, the Congress government and Pandit Nehru opposed it, even writing that the President should not attend as it would be against secular principles.

He added by saying, “While on one hand the Congress government was imposing Article 370 in Kashmir and laying the foundation for appeasement and terrorism, on the other hand it was opposing the reconstruction and consecration of the Somnath Mandir, a symbol of Sanatan faith.”
Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Dr. Rajendra Prasad for ignoring the opposition and performing the consecration ceremony.

Chief Minister said, the work initiated by Sardar Patel and Dr. Rajendra Prasad in independent India is now being taken to new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said this is a movement to strengthen India’s self-respect, the glory of Sanatan faith and the country’s cultural heritage.

He added, 10 to 11 years ago, no one could have imagined that a Ram Mandir would be built in Ayodhya. Today, wherever an Indian goes, whether in India or abroad, one chant resonates everywhere, Jai Shri Ram. Whenever Ayodhya is mentioned, people spontaneously say “Jai Shri Ram” and express a desire to visit Ayodhya.

He said, “The invaders who desecrated the Ram temple in Ayodhya 500 years ago and attacked Hindu faith have now been forgotten, while Sanatan faith continues to rise to great heights. Today, a grand Ram Mandir stands in Ayodhya with the saffron flag flying high. Similarly, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and its grand corridor have been developed in Kashi. The grand corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini temple has also been constructed.”

Referring to Prayagraj, he said, whether it was the Mahakumbh held recently or the Kumbh of 2019, the world has witnessed how cultural events can be organized on such a grand and harmonious scale.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also informed, “Today Uttar Pradesh reflects the vibrancy of Kashi, the dignity of Ayodhya, the devotion of Mathura Vrindavan and the harmony of Prayagraj. These sacred places are attracting people from across the country.”

He said, whether one visits Mahakaleshwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath or Rameshwaram, each place reflects India’s spiritual grandeur. This is the strength of Sanatan India, which continues its journey without pause, without fear and without deviation. This is the pride of the nation.

He also added, to witness this pride, more than 1000 devotees from Uttar Pradesh are departing for Somnath Dham in Gujarat. When they offer their prayers, the spiritual merit will be shared by all.

Chief Minister said, “He is grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting at least 11 devotees from different regions and districts for this journey, including entrepreneurs, youth, women entrepreneurs, students and teachers. The Railways is providing free train travel, while other expenses are being borne by the Tourism and Culture Department.”

These devotees will carry sacred water from Kashi and their respective Jyotirlingas and pilgrimage sites to perform abhishek of Bhagwan Somnath, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” throughout the journey.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad, MLA Dr. Neeraj Bora, OP Srivastava, Legislative Council members Pawan Chauhan, Mukesh Sharma, Lal Ji Prasad Nirmal and Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Amit Abhijat were present.