The Prime Minister shared his reflections through official posts on X and an Op-Ed published on his website, drawing attention to the historic milestone being observed in 2026. He emphasised that Somnath’s story goes far beyond the physical structure of a temple.
Somnath as a Symbol of Enduring Faith
In his message, the Prime Minister noted that despite repeated attacks over centuries, the Somnath temple continues to stand tall. He said this endurance reflects the unwavering courage of countless Indians who protected the nation’s culture and civilisation even during the most challenging periods of history.
“Somnath’s story is not merely about a temple,” the Prime Minister observed, adding that it represents the indomitable spirit of Bharat Mata’s children who placed cultural values and civilisational identity above all else.
Historical Milestone of 1026–2026
The year 2026 marks a millennium since the first attack on Somnath in 1026 AD. Over the centuries, the temple faced multiple assaults and destruction, yet it was rebuilt time and again, symbolising resistance, renewal and continuity.
Historians often describe Somnath as a living testament to India’s civilisational memory, where reconstruction became an act of cultural assertion rather than merely architectural restoration.
Message Shared in English and Hindi
The Prime Minister shared his thoughts in both English and Hindi, beginning his message with “Jai Somnath” and “जय सोमनाथ”, reflecting the emotional and cultural connect the temple holds across generations.
In his Hindi post, Shri Modi highlighted Somnath as a sacred pilgrimage site and described it as a saga of self-respect and unmatched courage of millions who safeguarded India’s cultural soul.
#SomnathSwabhimanParv
The Prime Minister also used the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv, framing the millennium as a moment of collective reflection on India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The term “Swabhiman” underscores dignity, self-respect and civilisational pride.
The Op-Ed calls upon citizens to view Somnath not only as a historical site but as a continuous source of inspiration for preserving India’s heritage and values.
Civilisational Narrative and National Consciousness
Observers note that the Prime Minister’s reflections place Somnath within a broader civilisational narrative, linking history, faith and national consciousness. The emphasis is on resilience rather than victimhood, and continuity rather than disruption.
Such reflections are seen as part of a wider effort to reconnect contemporary India with its historical experiences and cultural roots.
Public Access to the Op-Ed
The Op-Ed has been made publicly accessible through the Prime Minister’s official website in both English and Hindi versions. Readers are encouraged to engage with the text to understand the historical and cultural significance highlighted in the piece.
