Event aims to commemorate a 1,000 years of the first invasion of the temple in 1026
09 January, 2026 – New Delhi : At the start of year-long Somnath Swabhiman Parv to commemorate a 1,000 years of the first invasion of the temple in 1026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation and said the shrine had sustained in the collective consciousness of Indians for years on account of its enduring civilisational legacy.
Sharing glimpses on X from his previous visits to Somnath, PM invited citizens to join the celebrations by posting their own memories using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.
The Prime Minister reflected on the temple’s history, noting that despite repeated attacks over the centuries, the spirit of India’s cultural unity and faith remained unshaken.
He said, “Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering.”
The PM recalled the programme held on 31st October 2001, which marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple opened its doors in 1951 in the presence of the then President Rajendra Prasad and said the efforts of Sardar Patel, KM Munshi and others were highlighted as pivotal in the temple’s reconstruction.
The 2001 programme coincided with the 125th Jayanti of Sardar Patel, and was attended among others by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani and several other dignitaries.
PM Modi said the invasions only strengthened the nation’s resolve, with the Somnath Temple being rebuilt time and again as a symbol of resilience and eternal belief.
“The attack of 1026 and the many assaults that followed could not shake our eternal faith. Instead, they further strengthened the spirit of India’s cultural unity, and Somnath continued to be rebuilt time and again,” said the PM.
The Tribune