PM Modi Offers Prayers at Somnath Temple During ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ Celebrations

Somnath, Jan 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the historic Somnath Temple on Sunday as part of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ celebrations, paying homage to the shrine’s enduring legacy and cultural significance.

Amid the resonant chants of Vedic mantras, PM Modi performed the traditional rituals of Abhishek and Aarti, seeking the blessings of Lord Somnath. During his visit, he also engaged with the temple priests and administrative staff, inquiring about the functioning and preservation of the sacred site. The Prime Minister took time to meet children from local Gurukuls, highlighting the temple’s continued role in nurturing spiritual and cultural values.

Before entering the temple, PM Modi participated in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession organised to honour the warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath Temple over centuries. Cultural troupes from across India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, and Gujarat, performed during the yatra, bringing alive the temple’s rich heritage through music, dance, and traditional instruments. The rhythmic beats of the Damru, associated with Lord Shiva, resonated along the streets as the Prime Minister made his way through the crowd.

Thousands of devotees and local residents lined the roads to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister, showering him with flowers and chanting “Modi-Modi” in enthusiasm. At one point, PM Modi picked up the Damru and played it, raising his arms and flicking his wrists, symbolically joining in the celebration of India’s spiritual and martial traditions. He also greeted the artists performing along the yatra, exchanging pleasantries and acknowledging their contributions to the festivities. Many performers expressed their excitement at meeting the Prime Minister, calling the event a historic experience.

Following the temple visit, PM Modi is scheduled to address the public at Sadbhavna Maidan, further engaging with the local community. In the afternoon, he will travel to Rajkot to inaugurate a trade show and exhibition as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwari University at 1.35 p.m., followed by the opening of the Kutch and Saurashtra segment of the conference at 2.00 p.m.

Later, in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister will launch Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, connecting Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir Metro Station.

The ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is held to honour the temple’s centuries-long legacy of resilience, spiritual strength, and repeated reconstruction despite invasions. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the temple’s modern reconstruction, originally inaugurated in 1951 by President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after India’s independence. The celebrations highlight the devotion and sacrifices of countless devotees who ensured the revival and continuity of this iconic shrine.

This vibrant and culturally rich event underscores the significance of Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s civilisational courage and enduring faith.