PM Modi Calls Somnath Temple Reconstruction a Milestone in Bharat’s Civilisational Journey

Gir Somnath, May 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he felt blessed to participate in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district as the historic temple marked 75 years since its reconstruction and reopening in 1951.

Sharing glimpses of the celebrations on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Jai Somnath! Feeling blessed to be here, when we are marking 75 years since the rebuilt temple opened its doors for devotees.”

The accompanying video showed Modi walking with folded hands through a ceremonial pathway lined with devotees dressed in yellow attire, while traditional sounds of ‘Damru’ beats and ‘Shankhnad’ echoed through the temple complex.

In another post on X, the Prime Minister described the atmosphere at the shrine as deeply spiritual and emotional. “At Somnath, one can experience Bhakti in every corner. Countless people have come together to mark 75 years since the rebuilt Temple opened its doors to devotees. That day was indeed a milestone in the civilisational journey of Bharat,” he stated.

The Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan on the Arabian Sea coast, is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as one of the oldest and most sacred temples in India. Over centuries, the temple witnessed repeated destruction and reconstruction, eventually becoming a symbol of resilience, faith and cultural identity.

The present celebrations commemorate the reconstruction of the temple after Independence and its inauguration in 1951 by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad.

Ahead of the temple ceremonies, Prime Minister Modi held a roadshow in Somnath after arriving from Jamnagar, where he had stayed overnight following his visit to Gujarat on Sunday night. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi accompanied him during the roadshow.

Thousands of people lined the nearly 1.5-kilometre stretch from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle near the temple to welcome the Prime Minister. Supporters waved flags and chanted slogans as his convoy passed through the route.

Artists from different states, including West Bengal, also presented traditional folk performances and cultural dances at various points during the roadshow, adding colour and festivity to the celebrations.

At the temple complex, the Prime Minister participated in a series of religious rituals and ceremonies organised as part of the Amrut Mahotsav celebrations. A special Kumbhabhishek ceremony was performed using holy water collected from 11 sacred pilgrimage sites across the country.

Traditional Vedic chants, devotional hymns and ceremonial flag hoisting marked the occasion. Modi also performed rituals including jal abhishek, dhwaj puja and maha puja inside the temple premises.

Adding grandeur to the celebrations, flower petals were showered over the temple complex from helicopters as devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the event.

The temple premises were elaborately decorated for the occasion, while extensive security arrangements were put in place across the district in view of the Prime Minister’s visit and the huge public turnout expected during the celebrations.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground in Somnath.