Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Somnath in Gujarat on 10-11 January 2026 for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The four-day Parv ran from 8 to 11 January 2026. Notably, it marked 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the temple in 1026. It also marked 75 years since the rebuilt temple opened to devotees in 1951. According to the PMO, the Parv honoured citizens who sacrificed their lives defending the temple.
Omkar Chanting and Drone Show
On 10 January, around 8 pm, the Prime Minister joined the Omkar Mantra chanting at the temple. Then, a drone show lit up the evening. In addition, the Parv featured 72 hours of continuous chanting of “Om”. Hundreds of saints from across the country also took part.
Shaurya Yatra with 108 Horses
On 11 January, the Prime Minister led the Shaurya Yatra at Prabhas Patan. It featured a symbolic procession of 108 horses. The yatra honoured the many warriors who died defending the Somnath Temple over the centuries. Also, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi joined him. Later, he performed darshan and pooja at Somnath Mahadev.
PM’s Message at the Public Function
After the pooja, the Prime Minister addressed a public function at Somnath. He presented the Parv as a celebration of resilience, not merely a memory of destruction. Moreover, he credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for leading the rebuilding after Independence. He also linked heritage with projects like the Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat train.
History of the Somnath Temple
Somnath stands at Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast. It is the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. After Ghazni’s raid in 1026, invaders attacked it several more times. As the PMO noted, “Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath Temple stands today.” After Independence, Sardar Patel led the restoration. Finally, the temple opened to devotees on 11 May 1951 in the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Key Facts for Revision
- Parv dates: 8-11 January 2026; PM’s visit on 10-11 January
- Place: Somnath, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat
- Ghazni’s raid: 1026 (1,000 years in 2026)
- Rebuilt temple opened: 11 May 1951, with President Rajendra Prasad present
- Shaurya Yatra: Procession of 108 horses on 11 January 2026
- Restoration leader: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Why Somnath Swabhiman Parv Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, Somnath links medieval history, temple heritage and post-Independence nation-building. So, remember the 1026 raid, the 1951 reopening and Sardar Patel’s role. Also, link Somnath with the other Jyotirlingas, including Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. For official updates, also visit PM India. Next, for a related heritage story, read about Sarnath as India’s 45th World Heritage Site.
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