Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Somnath Temple on Monday as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple by India's first President, Rajendra Prasad. The event featured the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performing aerial manoeuvres over the temple premises.
Vishesh Maha Puja and Ceremonies
During the celebrations, PM Modi participated in the Vishesh Maha Puja, followed by the Kumbhabhishek and Dhvajarohan ceremonies, which marked the consecration rituals and the hoisting of the temple flag. The Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, holds immense religious significance for Hindus.
Roadshow and Tribute to Sardar Patel
Before entering the temple premises, the prime minister paid tribute to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during a roadshow in Somnath. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a roadshow on his way to the temple, drawing large crowds of supporters amid heightened security arrangements across key areas of the city.
Visit to Gujarat
PM Modi is on a visit to Gujarat to attend the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav and inaugurate Sardar Dham in Vadodara, as confirmed by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on May 9. The prime minister's visit underscores the cultural and historical significance of the Somnath Temple.
Op-Ed on Civilisational Significance
On Friday, PM Modi shared an op-ed ahead of his proposed visit, reflecting on the temple's civilisational significance and paying tribute to those who preserved and restored it through the centuries. In a post on X, Modi wrote, 'Wrote an OpEd about my forthcoming visit to Somnath on 11th May and why this day will always be important with respect to Somnath and the greatness of our civilisation. Also paid homage to every person who endured all sorts of challenges yet always protected Somnath and restored its glory.'
In the op-ed, the prime minister noted that the visit would mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple by India's first President, Rajendra Prasad. PM Modi also referred to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv held earlier this year to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, describing Somnath's history as a journey 'from ruin to renewal' or 'from Vidhvans to Srijan.'
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