1,000 Years On, Somnath Stands Tall: PM Modi Praises Temple’s Unbroken Legacy
1,000 Years On, Somnath Stands Tall: PM Modi Praises Temple’s Unbroken Legacy
New Delhi, January 5, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday marked 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD, describing the revered shrine as a powerful symbol of India’s unbroken spirit, faith and civilisational resilience. In an Op-Ed shared on the occasion, the Prime Minister said Somnath’s history represents the courage of generations who protected India’s culture despite repeated attempts at destruction.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Jai Somnath! 2026 marks 1000 years since the first attack on Somnath took place. Despite repeated attacks subsequently, Somnath stands tall.” He added that the temple’s story reflects the indomitable courage of countless Indians who safeguarded the nation’s civilisation through centuries of adversity. The Prime Minister also shared his article titled “Somnath Swabhiman Parv – A 1000 Years of Unbroken Faith (1026–2026).”
In his Op-Ed, PM Modi highlighted Somnath’s spiritual and historical importance as the first of the twelve Jyotirlings mentioned in the Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotram. Located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s western coast, the temple has historically been a centre of faith, culture and prosperity. He recalled that the shrine was first attacked in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni, beginning a series of invasions aimed at erasing symbols of Indian civilisation.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that Somnath’s legacy is defined by renewal rather than destruction. He noted that every time the temple was damaged, it was rebuilt by devoted generations, citing the contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar and, later, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. PM Modi recalled that Patel resolved to rebuild Somnath after visiting the site in 1947, a vision realised in 1951 with the inauguration of the restored temple by then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He also acknowledged the role of K.M. Munshi and referenced Swami Vivekananda’s reflections on Somnath as a symbol of India’s national consciousness.
Drawing parallels with present-day India, PM Modi said the same civilisational strength is visible as the country advances as a global growth engine while sharing its cultural heritage—from yoga and Ayurveda to art and festivals—with the world.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister said Somnath continues to inspire hope and resolve, standing as a timeless reminder that faith and conviction ultimately prevail over destruction. “Jai Somnath,” he said, affirming the nation’s commitment to building a Viksit Bharat guided by its civilisational wisdom.
