Prime Minister’s Leadership Has Brought New Glory to Sanatan Culture: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Attends ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ Organised in Raipur

Event Marks 75 Years Since Reconstruction of Somnath Temple

Raipur, May 2026 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday attended the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organised at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple premises near Mahadev Ghat in the state capital Raipur.

During the programme, the Chief Minister, along with public representatives and devotees, virtually joined the ceremonies being held at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi perform special prayers and rituals. They also listened to the Prime Minister’s address delivered on the occasion.

In his speech, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the glorious history of the Somnath Temple, the repeated attacks carried out by foreign invaders, the journey of the temple’s reconstruction, and the efforts being undertaken by the present government for the preservation and promotion of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage sites.

Addressing the gathering in Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of “Somnath Swabhiman Parv.” He said that exactly 75 years ago on this day, the reconstruction work of the Somnath Temple was completed, and the historic occasion is now being celebrated across the country as a festival of pride and cultural self-respect.

The Chief Minister said that although the Somnath Temple had faced repeated attacks from foreign invaders over centuries, its spiritual significance and traditions could never be destroyed. He stated that during the first attack on the temple, priests and devotees refused to abandon the shrine and instead sacrificed their lives in its defence. Their sacrifice, he said, continues to be remembered in golden letters in history.

Mr. Sai further stated that after India gained Independence, then Home Minister and Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, resolved to rebuild the Somnath Temple. He recalled that despite opposition at the time, India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, attended the inauguration ceremony of the reconstructed temple.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that under his leadership, Sanatan culture and India’s spiritual traditions have gained renewed pride and recognition. He noted that major pilgrimage centres, temples, and religious sites across the country are witnessing rapid development. From Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Mahakal Temple in Ujjain to Somnath Temple in Gujarat, extensive development and beautification works are being undertaken.

Chief Minister Sai also highlighted the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government in promoting religious and cultural heritage within the state. He said that temples dedicated to Goddess Durga are being developed under the Shaktipeeth Scheme. Similarly, the Bhoramdeo Mahadev Temple in Kabirdham district has received approval of Rs 148 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for tourism development and beautification works.

He further said that Chhattisgarh is regarded as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. Referring to the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya after years of struggle by devotees, he said the state government’s Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana has already enabled more than 40,000 devotees to visit Ayodhya for darshan, and the scheme is continuing successfully.

At the end of his address, the Chief Minister urged people to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, social harmony, and national unity.

Speaking at the event, Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, continuous efforts are being made across the country for the protection and promotion of Sanatan culture and centres of faith. Revenue Minister Mr. Tank Ram Verma described Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s culture, pride, and heritage, while Agriculture Minister Mr. Ramvichar Netam said that despite centuries of invasions, the faith of Sanatan Dharma has remained unshaken.

Earlier, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple at Mahadev Ghat and offered prayers to Lord Shiva for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, Chhattisgarh Disabled Finance and Development Corporation Chairman Lokesh Kawadia, Mayor Mrs. Meenal Choubey, District Panchayat President Naveen Agrawal, and several public representatives were also present on the occasion.