Somnath Temple will hold a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, officials confirmed. Spiritual and social programs will take place at the temple from January 8 to 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit on January 11 to take part in the celebrations.
PM Modi Launches 1000-Year Somnath Temple Commemoration
The Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since the first major attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026. It celebrates the shrine’s resilience and India’s lasting cultural spirit. Invaders destroyed the temple multiple times, but people rebuilt it over the years.
This effort culminated in its restoration in the 1950s, turning it into a symbol of national pride and cultural continuity.
‘Unbroken Faith’ is the central theme of the festival. It highlights Somnath Temple as a beacon of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Prime Minister Modi described the shrine as ‘the eternal proclamation of the Indian soul’. He noted that while hate and fanaticism can cause temporary destruction, faith and goodness can create lasting strength.
About Swabhiman Parv
The Swabhiman Parv also marks another milestone: 75 years since the restored temple reopened to devotees in 1951. This underscores the temple’s historical and spiritual significance. In a recent blog post, PM Modi shared the temple’s history and resilience. He emphasized that foreign invaders attacked Somnath with the aim of destroying it, not to show devotion.
“There can be no better illustration of India’s indomitable civilisational spirit than Somnath, which continues to stand tall despite immense adversity,” he said. He initiated the observance of the Swabhiman Parv as a symbol of faith, destruction, and rebuilding. It reflects India’s civilisational strength and the temple’s role as a unifying spiritual landmark.
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