‘Be alert, united to defeat forces trying to divide us

Modi urges caution, says the forces which had opposed temple reconstruction after Independence are 'still active among us'

- FPJ News Service

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the forces which had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after Independence are "still active among us", and that India must remain alert, united and strong to defeat them.

Referring to the repeated attacks on the historic temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district and its rebuilding each time, Modi said that hearts can never be won at the point of a sword.

He noted that Somnath's history spanning 1,000 years is not one of destruction and defeat, but of victory and reconstruction.

The PM was addressing a large gathering at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, organised to mark the resilience of Indian civilisation, symbolised by the rebuilding of the Somnath temple, which was repeatedly ravaged by foreign invaders beginning with Mahmud of Ghazni's attack in 1026.

Despite multiple attempts to destroy it over centuries, the Somnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.

Earlier in the day, Modi led the 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple. The yatra featured a procession of 108 horses.