Somnath’s history is not one of defeat, but of reconstruction : PM Modi

Somnath (Gujarat) – 1,000 years ago, the invaders thought they had won. Ghazni thought he had destroyed Somnath. However, the temple was rebuilt soon after. Then Khilji demolished the temple. However, the kings of Junagadh rebuilt the temple. Even today, the flag flying over the Somnath Temple reveals the strength and capability of India. The history of Somnath is not one of destruction and defeat, but of development and reconstruction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here. Prime Minister Modi reached Somnath on the evening of January 10th. ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is being celebrated here on the occasion of the completion of 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. On the morning of January 11th, Prime Minister Modi also led a Shaurya Yatra at Shankh Circle. After that, he offered prayers at the Temple. Then he also addressed a meeting.

https://twitter.com/SanatanPrabhat/status/2010340725133804017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

PM Modi stated 

We must be wary of divisive forces

Even today, we must remain vigilant and united. We must be wary of the forces that seek to divide us. Today, every citizen has faith in a developed India. India will take its pride to new heights. We will win our battle against poverty.

Opposition to the reconstruction of the Temple by some forces in the country

A country that has a heritage is proud of it. However, after the independence of our country, the people with slave mentality forgot that heritage. When Sardar Patel promised to rebuild the Somnath Temple, there were attempts to stop him. The then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad was also stopped from visiting the Temple.

Neither Somnath nor India was destroyed

It is a coincidence that today marks 1,000 years since the attack on the Somnath Temple and 75 years since its reconstruction. There have been not one but many attempts to destroy Somnath. Foreign invaders have tried to destroy India for centuries; but neither Somnath nor India have been destroyed. As I speak to you today, the question comes to my mind, what would have been the situation here 1,000 years ago ? Our ancestors risked their lives for their faith.

The story of Somnath cannot be described in words

The sound of Omkar and the chanting of mantras continued for 72 hours. The description of the 1,000-year-old story of Somnath and the heroic journey is mesmerizing. This experience cannot be expressed in words. This time is wonderful. This atmosphere is wonderful. This festival is wonderful. On one hand, there is the Supreme God, Mahadev himself and on the other hand there are the waves of the sea, the rays of the sun, the echo of mantras and the surge of faith.

The presence of all the devotees in this Divine atmosphere is making this moment Divine and magnificent. As the President of the Somnath Temple Trust, I consider it my great fortune that I got the opportunity to serve during the Somnath Swabhiman Parva.