From ruins to renewal: PM Modi reflects on Somnath's 75-year journey

In January, I visited Somnath to attend Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which marked 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple. On May 11, I'll return to Somnath to mark 75 years since the restored temple's inauguration by former president Rajendra Prasad. It's a privilege to be attending, in less than 6 months, two milestones related to Somnath and its journey from ruin to renewal.

Somnath gives us the civilisational message that no matter how fierce the storms are, one can always rise again with dignity and strength. Shiv Purana says, 'Prabhasam cha parikramya prithivikramsambhavam'--circling Prabhasa (Somnath Temple) is equal to circling the Earth itself. While people have come here to pray, they have also experienced the remarkable continuity of a civilisation.

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In the 1940s during the freedom movement, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was troubled by one thing--the condition of Somnath Temple. After Independence, on Diwali, November 13, 1947, he stood next to the dilapidated ruins of the temple with sea-water in his hands and announced, 'On this auspicious day of the [Gujarati] New Year, we have decided that Somnath should be reconstructed. You, people of Saurashtra, should do your best. This is a holy task in which all should participate.' That single clarion call from Patel was responded not only by the people of Gujarat but by the whole of India.

Unfortunately, Patel did not live to witness his dream being fulfilled. Yet, his impact continued to be felt over the sacred shores of Prabhas Patan, the site of the restored temple in Veraval, Gujarat. Overcoming objections from PM Nehru, Rajendra Prasad graced the inauguration ceremony on May 11, 1951. In his speech, the president said that the Somnath Temple proclaims to the world that anything with unparalleled faith and love cannot be destroyed. He expressed hope that the temple would live in the hearts of people.

In October 2001, I had just taken over as Gujarat CM. On October 31, Sardar Patel Jayanti, the state government organised a programme to mark 50 years since the restored Somnath Temple opened its doors. It also coincided with the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Patel. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister LK Advani attended the programme.

Inspired by the principle of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' (Progress, as well as Heritage), from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, we have had the opportunity to equip India's spiritual centres with the latest facilities, while preserving their traditional character. This, along with efforts to improve connectivity, ensures more people can visit them. It boosts the local economy, secures livelihoods, and deepens the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.'

Also Read: Reopening Somnath: Nehru hesitated, Patel & Rajendra Prasad didn't

Struggles and sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives to protect Somnath, and those who rebuilt it time and again, will never be forgotten. Countless individuals from different corners of India contributed to restoring its glory. In a world marked by divisions, this spirit of unity is more relevant than ever.

Somnath will continue to stand tall in all its glory. The sense of unity and shared civilisational consciousness lives on in the hearts of every Indian. As a tribute to this, there will be special pujas at Somnath for the next 1,000 days. I urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath during this special time, and let its ancient echoes speak to you. You will not only be overwhelmed by devotion, but you'll also feel the strong pulse of a unbroken, unyielding civilisational spirit, and understand why Bharat's culture remains triumphant. Jai Somnath.

The author is Prime Minister.