Somnath Swabhiman Parv: 1,000 years of unbroken faith

Barbarians, like Mahmud of Ghazni, who attacked Somnath Temple are now dust in the wind, while the shrine stands bright as the wisdom of Indian civilisation

- NARENDRA MODI Prime Minister of India, and Chairman of Shree Somnath Trust

OMNATH ... hearing this word instils a sense of pride in our hearts and minds. It is the eternal proclamation of India's soul.

This majestic Temple is situated on the Western coast of India in Gujarat, at a place called Prabhas Patan. The Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotram mentions the 12 Jyotirlings across India. The Stotram begins with "सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च .. ", symbolising the civilisational and spiritual importance of Somnath as the first Jyotirling.

It is also said:

सोमलिङ्गं नरो दृष्टवा सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते। लभते फलं मनोवाञ्छितं मृतः स्वर्ग समाश्रयेत् ॥ It means: Just the sight of Somnath Shivling ensures that a person is freed of sins, achieves their righteous desires and attains heaven after death.

Tragically, this very Somnath, which drew the reverence and prayers of millions, was attacked by foreign invaders, whose agenda was demolition, not devotion.

The year 2026 is significant for the Somnath Temple. It has been 1,000 years since the first attack on this great shrine. It was in January of 1026 that Mahmud of Ghazni attacked this Temple, seeking to destroy a great symbol of faith and civilisation, through a violent and barbaric invasion.

Yet, one thousand years later, the Temple stands as glorious as ever because of numerous efforts to restore Somnath to its grandeur. One such milestone completes 75 years in 2026. It was during a ceremony on May 11th 1951, in the presence of the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, that the restored Temple opened its doors to devotees.

The first invasion of Somnath a thousand years ago in 1026, the cruelty that was unleashed upon the people of the town and the devastation that was inflicted upon the shrine have been documented in great detail in various historical accounts. When you read them, the heart trembles. Each line carries the weight of grief, cruelty and a sorrow that refuses to fade with time.