‘Somnath Mandir identity of India’s history and civilisational journey’

 

 

REFERRING to religious verses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that merely seeing the ‘Somnath Shivling’ (Shiva Lingam) frees a person from sins and fulfills their wishes. In 1026, the foreign invader Mahmud Ghazni attacked this sacred site and attempted to destroy it. The attack was a symbol of barbarity and destruction, which wounded not only a temple but also attempted to break the morale of our society. Despite repeated efforts to erase our legacy, to destroy the firstmost Somnath Jyotirlinga, in every period when an attack was made, the temple was rebuilt by our ancestors and still stands tall representing our self-respect. It has become a story of Reconstruction and Courage, not destruction.

 

The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering on the concluding day of ‘Somnath Parv’ on Sunday. In a veiled attack on the opposition, he said, “In the past, acts of barbarity and cruelty by invaders were diluted by being termed merely a ‘loot for economic purpose’, but the truth remained undercover. Agents of appeasement knelt before religious fundamentalists. We were taught the temple was destroyed only for wealth.” The Prime Minister recalled the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, Swami Vivekananda, and other great personalities who played a role in reviving Somnath in different periods. Its name is ‘Som’, meaning ‘Amrit’ - nothing can destroy it. PM Modi said that this is proof of the unwavering willpower and faith of crores of Indians. Conspiracies against India are being hatched through other means instead of swords. Forces that had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple are still active, now working through ill intentions and other means. He cautioned people to remain united and strong to defeat such actions.

 

Braving winter chills, thousands of devotees started coming to Somnath from Rajkot and nearby villages from Saturday night itself to have a glimpse of PM Narendra Modi and witness the Shourya Yatra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the grand Yatra during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv on Sunday. On this occasion, thousands of people present at Somnath’s Shankh Circle welcomed him with flowers amid divine chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Somnath’. The Prime Minister waved to and acknowledged the huge crowd lining the road from Shankh Circle to Hamirsinh Circle. During the Yatra, the PM also played the traditional Bhagwan Shiv instrument, Damru. A team of 54 horsemen before and after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vehicle represented the story of valour displayed by Indians to protect this temple from invaders’ attacks.

 

The convoy was led by around 2,500 Rishikumars chanting the ‘Omkar Mantra’. Horses and riders came from 15 districts of the Police Cavalry. This grandest-ever Shourya Yatra in Somnath’s history also stood as a symbol of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Along the route, artists from various states presented diverse cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of Indian culture, as local residents said. With the Prime Minister in the vehicle, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, and Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja were present. After this ceremonial procession, the PM performed puja at Shree Somnath Temple and addressed the gathering. Prime Minister said that in 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited Somnath and resolved to rebuild it, and on May 11, 1951, the temple was reopened for devotees. Mentioning the presence of the then-President Dr Rajendra Prasad at that programme, the then political leaders had reservations over his visit. But history has proven that this decision was correct.

 

The Prime Minister also remembered the contribution of K M Munshi, who worked with Sardar Patel to carry out this task. PM Modi also participated in Omkar chanting at Somnath Temple. The PMdescribed Somnath as a symbol of India’s civilisation that, despite being repeatedly broken, stood up even stronger. What is eternal cannot be destroyed. Somnath stands proudly today despite centuries of violence from invaders. India too has re-established itself on the world stage after invasions and colonial exploitation. Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the achievements of contemporary India. He said that today the world looks at India with hope and confidence. India is playing a crucial role in finding solutions to global problems. He said that Somnath has been connecting people of different faiths and ideologies for centuries and remains a center of spiritual awakening even today. It’s story is giving inspiration to us and guiding future generations.

 

The Prime Minister said that despite the attack a thousand years ago, the waves of Somnath still rise with the same force, conveying the message that while hatred and fanaticism may cause momentary destruction, faith and goodwill create for eternity. “Like Somnath, India too will regain its ancient glorious position and move forward with the resolve of a ‘developed India’. Our country will become the third-largest economy in the world.” PM concluded his speech with a ‘Har Har Mahadev’ chant. The PM paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil is remembered for sacrificing his life defending the Somnath Temple during an invasion.