Page 15 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

Somnath | HERITAGE
Somnath Temple: A Powerful Symbol
of Resilience, Faith, and National Pride
n The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held in Somnath
from January 8 to 11, 2026.
n This festival was celebrated in memory of the
countless citizens of India who sacrificed their lives
to protect the temple and who continue to inspire
the cultural consciousness of future generations.
n The festival commemorated the 1000th anniversary
of the attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of
Ghazni in 1026 CE.
n Despite numerous attempts to destroy it over the
centuries, the Somnath Temple stands today as a
powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and national
pride. This is a result of the collective resolve and
efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.
n After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
spearheaded the efforts to restore the temple.
n A significant milestone in this restoration journey
was achieved in 1951 when the renovated Somnath
Temple was formally opened to devotees in
the presence of the then President, Dr.
Rajendra Prasad.
n The completion of 75 years after this
historic restoration in 2026 added special
significance to Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
n Hundreds of saints from across
the country participated in the
celebrations, and continuous chanting
of ‘Om’ was performed for 72
hours in the temple complex.
n Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s presence at the Somnath
Swabhiman Parv underscored
the unwavering spirit of India’s
civilization. His presence reflects his
commitment to the preservation and
celebration of India’s rich cultural and
spiritual heritage.
“Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” is continuously being realized in
Somnath. Today, on one hand, the cultural expansion created in the Prabhas Patan area. The Keshod airport
of the Somnath temple, the establishment of Somnath is being expanded. PM Modi said that this will enable
Sanskrit University, and the popularity and vibrancy of
the Madhavpur Mela are strengthening the heritage, directly. Today’s India is not only remembering its faith
and the conservation of the Gir lions is increasing the
natural attraction of the region, while on the other
Even after a thousand years, Dhwaj
still flies over Somnath Temple
n In 1026, Mahmud of Ghazni first destroyed the
Somnath Temple. He thought he had erased
Somnath’s existence, but within a few years,
Somnath was rebuilt.
n At the end of the 13th century, Alauddin Khilji
attacked Somnath again. In the early 14th century,
the King of Junagadh restored the glory of
Somnath once more.
n In the last years of the 14th century, Muzaffar Khan
attacked Somnath again, but that attack also failed.
n In the 15th century, Sultan Ahmed Shah tried to
desecrate the Somnath Temple. In the same century,
his grandson, Sultan Mahmud Begada, attacked
Somnath and tried to convert the temple into a
mosque. But through the efforts of the devotees of
Lord Shiva, the temple was revived once again.
n The 17th and 18th centuries saw the reign of
Aurangzeb. He desecrated the Somnath Temple and
tried to convert it into a mosque again. Ahilyabai
Holkar established a new temple, bringing Somnath
back to life once more.
When we remain connected to our
faith, connected to our roots, and
protect our heritage with complete
self-respect and awareness, the
foundations of our civilization
also become strong. Therefore,
the journey of the last thousand
years inspires us to be prepared
for the next thousand years.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
hand, new dimensions of development are also being
devotees from India and abroad to reach Somnath
but also empowering it for the future through infra-
structure, connectivity, and technology. n
February 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 13