SOMNATH SWABHIMAN PARV

A 1000 YEARS OF UNBROKEN FAITH (1026-2026)

- NARENDRA MODI

Somnath...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 “सौराष्ट्र सोमनाथं च..”, symbolising the civilisational and spiritual importance of Somnath as the first Jyotirling.

IT IS ALSO SAID

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.