At the start of 2026, I attended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple. Now, on 11th May, I will return to mark 75 years since the restored temple was inaugurated by then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. It is a privilege to witness two milestones in Somnath's journey from ruin to renewal—what we call from Vidhvans to Srijan.
A Civilisational Message
Somnath conveys a timeless civilisational message. The vast sea before it evokes eternity; the waves remind us that no matter how fierce the storms or turbulent the tides, one can always rise again with dignity and strength. The waves return to the shore, reminding every generation that the people's spirit can never be subdued for long. Our ancient scriptures say a Pradakshina of divine Prabhasa (Somnath) equals a Pradakshina of the entire earth. People have come here to pray and experience the remarkable continuity of a civilisation whose flame could never be extinguished.
Remembering the Greats
Empires rose and fell, tides changed, history moved through conquest and upheaval, yet Somnath endured. It is time to remember countless greats who stood firm against tyranny. Lakulisha and Soma Sarman transformed Prabhasa into a great philosophical centre. Chakravarti Maharaja Dharasena IV of Vallabhi built the Second Temple centuries ago. Bhima Deva, Jayapala, and Anandapala defended civilisational honour against invasions. Raja Bhoja helped with reconstruction. Karna Deva and Siddharaja Jayasimha restored Gujarat's political and cultural strength. Bhava Brihaspati, Kumarapala Solanki, and the Pashupata Acharyas rebuilt and sustained the shrine as a centre of worship and learning. Vishaladeva Vaghela and Tripurantaka protected its intellectual and spiritual traditions. Mahipaladeva and Ra Khangar revived worship after destruction. Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, whose 300th birth centenary is being marked, ensured devotion in difficult times. The Gaekwads of Baroda safeguarded pilgrims' rights. Our soil nurtured brave souls like Veer Hamirji Gohil and Veer Vegdaji Bhil, whose sacrifice and courage are part of Somnath's living memory.
Sardar Patel's Dream
In the 1940s, as freedom swept India and a new republic was being built under leaders like Sardar Patel, the condition of Somnath troubled him deeply. On 13th November 1947, during Diwali, he stood by the dilapidated ruins with seawater in his hands and declared, '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.' At his clarion call, people from Gujarat and all over India responded enthusiastically. Fate did not allow Sardar Patel to witness the dream fulfilled; he departed before the restored temple opened. Yet his impact continued. His vision was championed by Shri K. M. Munshi, supported by the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar. In 1951, when the temple was complete, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad was invited for the ceremony. Overcoming strong objections from Prime Minister Pandit Nehru, Dr. Prasad graced the event, making it historic.
Personal Reflections
My mind goes back to October 2001, when I had just taken over as Chief Minister. On 31st October, Sardar Patel's Jayanti, the Gujarat government organised a programme marking 50 years since the temple opened, also coinciding with Patel's 125th birth anniversary. Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L. K. Advani attended. During his speech on 11th May 1951, Dr. Rajendra Prasad said that 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 people's hearts. He also said that restoration fulfilled Sardar Patel's dream, but taking that spirit forward, we must restore prosperity to people's lives. These are inspiring messages. This is the path we have walked for over a decade. Inspired by the principle of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar to Srisailam, our team has equipped spiritual centres with modern facilities while preserving traditional character. Improving connectivity ensures more people can visit, boosting local economies, securing livelihoods, and deepening the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
A Call to Unity
The struggles and sacrifices of those who protected Somnath and rebuilt it time and again will never be forgotten. Countless individuals from different corners of India contributed to restoring its glory. They saw every part of Bharat as sacred, bound together by a sense of oneness that transcends geography. In a world often marked by divisions, this spirit of unity is more relevant than ever. Somnath will continue to stand tall because the sense of unity and shared civilisational consciousness lives on in every Indian's heart. As a tribute, remembering the extraordinary courage of a thousand years, special Pujas will be held at Somnath for the next thousand days. It is heartening to see many people donating for these Pujas. I urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath during this special time. When you stand on its shores, let its ancient echoes speak to you. You will be overwhelmed by devotion and feel the strong pulse of a civilisational spirit that refuses to fade—unbroken and unyielding. You will experience Bharat's unconquerable spirit and understand why, despite every effort, our culture remained undefeated. You will behold the vision of eternal triumph. It will surely be unforgettable. Jai Somnath.
