Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8 reflected on his previous visits to the Somnath Mandir in Gujarat, highlighting the enduring strength of faith despite the shrine’s repeated destruction and reconstruction over the centuries.
His remarks came ahead of his upcoming visit to Somnath on January 11, where he will participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
जय सोमनाथ !
सोमनाथ स्वाभिमान पर्व का आज से शुभारंभ हो रहा है। एक हजार वर्ष पूर्व, जनवरी 1026 में सोमनाथ मंदिर ने अपने इतिहास का पहला आक्रमण झेला था। साल 1026 का आक्रमण और उसके बाद हुए अनेक हमले भी हमारी शाश्वत आस्था को डिगा नहीं सके। बल्कि इनसे भारत की सांस्कृतिक एकता की भावना… pic.twitter.com/dDXCPf1TMM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2026
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi noted that the attack on the Somnath Mandir in January 1026, along with several subsequent assaults, did not diminish the spiritual resilience of the people. The Prime Minister added that, rather than weakening the nation, these events reinforced India’s cultural unity and inspired the Mandir’s repeated rebuilding.
“The Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins auspiciously today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, the Somnath Mandir faced the first attack in its long history,” Prime Minister Modi wrote in the post.
Prime Minister Modi said that the attack in 1026, along with the many assaults that followed, could not weaken the nation’s enduring faith. “On the contrary, these strengthened the sentiment of India’s cultural unity, and the Somnath Mandir was repeatedly revived and rebuilt. I am sharing some pictures from my previous visits to Somnath. If you have also been to Somnath, please do share your pictures with #SomnathSwabhimanParv,” PM Modi wrote on X.
#SomnathSwabhimanParv का ये अवसर, भारत माता के उन असंख्य सपूतों को स्मरण करने का पर्व है, जिन्होंने कभी अपने सिद्धांतों और मूल्यों से समझौता नहीं किया। समय कितना ही कठिन और भयावह क्यों ना रहा हो, उनका संकल्प हमेशा अडिग रहा। हमारी सभ्यता और सांस्कृतिक चेतना के प्रति उनकी निष्ठा…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2026
Prime Minister Modi described the event as a festival of remembrance, noting that the Swabhiman Parv honors countless Indians who never compromised their values and principles, no matter how difficult or daunting the times. He emphasized that their steadfast resolve and commitment to India’s civilisation and cultural heritage remain a source of inspiration, encouraging ongoing dedication to national unity.
“This occasion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is a festival to honor those countless sons of Mother India who never compromised on their principles and values,” Prime Minister Modi said.
He added that, regardless of how difficult or frightening the times were, their resolve remained unwavering. “Their loyalty to our civilization and cultural heritage endured. This millennium-long faith inspires us to stay committed to the unity of the nation,” he said.
मैं 31 अक्टूबर 2001 को सोमनाथ में आयोजित एक कार्यक्रम की कुछ झलकियां भी आपसे साझा कर रहा हूं। यह वो साल था, जब हमने 1951 में पुनर्निर्मित सोमनाथ मंदिर के उद्घाटन के 50 वर्ष पूर्ण होने का उत्सव मनाया था। 1951 में वो ऐतिहासिक समारोह तत्कालीन राष्ट्रपति डॉ. राजेन्द्र प्रसाद जी की… pic.twitter.com/pA8ob5jgE5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2026
PM Modi also shared glimpses from a programme held at Somnath on October 31, 2001, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Mandir’s reconstruction and inauguration in 1951. Recalling the historic 1951 ceremony, he noted that it was attended by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in rebuilding the Mandir.
Prime Minister Modi is set to visit the Somnath Mandir on January 11 to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
The festival will be observed from January 8 to 11, featuring a series of programmes that showcase India’s spiritual heritage, cultural pride, and social values.
The year-long celebrations are being organised at the Somnath Mandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the Arabian Sea coast in Veraval, Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.
Officials said that a variety of spiritual and social activities will be held in Somnath from January 8 to 11. On January 5, Prime Minister Modi wrote a blog post commemorating the historic milestone of 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Mandir. Over the centuries, the Mandir was attacked and plundered multiple times, including by the Turkish ruler Mahmud Ghazni in 1024 AD. The Prime Minister highlighted that despite these repeated assaults, Somnath continues to stand as a powerful symbol of India’s enduring spirit.
