Gujarat’s Somnath Temple complex echoed with PM Narendra Modi’s clarion call on Sunday: the Swabhiman Parv is a grand ode to a thousand years of spiritual voyage, far beyond the shadows of historical demolitions. The Prime Minister’s words set the tone for a week-long extravaganza blending devotion, history, and nationalistic fervor.
Nestled on Veraval’s coast, Somnath has been a pilgrimage epicenter since time immemorial. PM Modi painted its saga – built in gold, razed repeatedly, yet reborn through collective will. ‘Destruction tested us, but our ancestors’ blood turned trials into triumphs,’ he reflected, invoking the temple’s role in resisting foreign onslaughts.
Key historical anchors included the 1026 AD invasion and the 1951 reconstruction, spearheaded by India’s Iron Man. The PM highlighted how Somnath embodies ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ – self-reliant India – mirroring post-2014 heritage restorations nationwide. The festival boasts immersive exhibits, VR temple tours, and scholarly discourses on Vedic architecture.
Connecting dots to the present, Modi spoke of railway links, airport upgrades, and wellness centers enhancing visitor experience. ‘Somnath teaches resilience; it’s our guru for the Amrit Kaal,’ he emphasized. Special guests included saints, historians, and international delegates, fostering global Hindu unity.
Rituals peaked with PM Modi’s aarti and foundation stone-laying for museum expansions. Cultural troupes reenacted historical episodes, captivating families and youth alike. The event concludes with a resolve: to immortalize Somnath’s legacy in every Indian heart, propelling the nation towards unparalleled progress.
Amid rising pilgrim footfall – over 50 lakh annually – the Swabhiman Parv positions Somnath as a model for heritage-led development, blending tradition with modernity.