Ahead of his visit to Gujarat’s Somnath temple on May 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to generations who protected and rebuilt the shrine despite repeated destruction, describing Somnath as a symbol of “Bharat’s unconquerable spirit”.
In an OpEd shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister linked the temple’s history to India’s civilisational continuity, saying Somnath’s journey reflected the country’s ability to rise “from ruin to renewal”. The visit will mark 75 years since the restored temple was inaugurated by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.
“Somnath gives us a civilisational message,” PM Modi wrote, adding that the temple stood as a reminder that “the spirit of the people can never be subdued for long”.
The Prime Minister said his upcoming visit carried personal and historical significance, coming just months after he attended the Somnath Swabhiman Parv earlier this year to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple.
“At the start of 2026, I had gone to Somnath for the Somnath Swabhiman Parv… Now, I will be back in Somnath on 11th May to mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored Temple,” he wrote.
PM Modi recalls leaders who rebuilt and defended Somnath
In the article titled Somnath and Bharat’s unconquerable spirit, PM Modi remembered rulers, saints and warriors associated with protecting and restoring the temple across centuries.
He mentioned figures including Lakulisha, Raja Bhoja, Siddharaja Jayasimha, Kumarapala Solanki and Ahilyabai Holkar, saying their efforts ensured that Somnath remained spiritually and culturally alive despite invasions and destruction.
The Prime Minister also referred to Veer Hamirji Gohil and Veer Vegdaji Bhil, describing their sacrifices as part of Somnath’s “living memory”.
“Empires rose and fell, tides changed, history moved through conquest and upheaval, yet Somnath continued to endure in our consciousness,” he wrote.
Sardar Patel’s vision and Rajendra Prasad’s visit
A significant section of the OpEd focused on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his role in rebuilding the temple after Independence.
PM Modi recalled Patel’s visit to the temple ruins in November 1947, when he publicly declared that Somnath should be reconstructed. According to the Prime Minister, the appeal triggered support from people across the country.
He also highlighted how Rajendra Prasad attended the inauguration ceremony in 1951 despite opposition from then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“Anything with unparalleled faith and love cannot be destroyed,” PM Modi quoted Rajendra Prasad as saying during the inauguration speech.
The Prime Minister further recalled attending the temple’s 50th anniversary event as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 alongside former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani.
‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’: PM Modi links heritage with development
The Prime Minister also used the OpEd to underline his government’s “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” approach, saying several major pilgrimage centres across the country had been modernised while preserving their traditional identity.
From Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kedarnath Temple to Ram Mandir and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Modi said efforts had been made to improve infrastructure and connectivity around spiritual centres.
He said these projects not only strengthened faith tourism but also boosted local economies and livelihoods.
PM Modi urges people to visit Somnath
The Prime Minister announced that special pujas would be organised at Somnath over the next 1,000 days to honour “a thousand years of courage”.
He also appealed to citizens to visit the temple during this period.
“When you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its ancient echoes speak to you,” PM Modi wrote, adding that visitors would experience “a civilisational spirit that refuses to fade”.