Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of the restoration and consecration of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
Addressing a gathering at the temple complex, Modi described Somnath as a symbol of India’s eternal faith, cultural pride and civilisational resilience. He said the temple had survived repeated invasions and attacks over centuries and continued to stand as a beacon of devotion and strength.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in rebuilding the temple after Independence, stating that Patel’s vision helped restore Somnath as a symbol of India’s spiritual continuity.
Modi said the 1951 restoration of the temple represented the spirit of an independent India reclaiming its heritage. He also linked the occasion with the anniversary of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, saying both moments reflected India’s resolve and self-confidence.
Highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Modi said development and tradition must progress together. He noted that pilgrimage centres such as Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakal Mahalok have been transformed in recent years, strengthening both spirituality and local economies.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister shared a photograph of the Somnath Temple on social media while travelling from Somnath to Vadodara and described the temple as a source of strength, courage and hope for every Indian.
