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Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the grand Shaurya Yatra in the context of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv on Sunday. On this occasion, thousands of people present at Somnath's Shankh Circle welcomed him with flowers amid divine chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Somnath."
The Prime Minister waved to and acknowledged the huge crowd lining the road from Shankh Circle to Hamirsinh Circle. According to the official press release, "This grandest-ever Shaurya Yatra in Somnath's history also stood as a symbol of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'." Along the route, artists from various states presented diverse cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of Indian culture. On this occasion, the Prime Minister was joined by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani, and Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja. The occasion further highlighted the importance of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and filled the gathered crowd with pride. Meanwhile, PM Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple. He also paid floral tributes to the statues of Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Veer Hamirji Gohil sacrificed his life while defending the Somnath Temple in 1299 AD during the invasion led by Zafar Khan. PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at Somnath as part of a four-day national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. Ahead of the yatra, 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit arrived to take part in the event. Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to January 11, 2026, marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The attack marked the start of a long period during which the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, Somnath remained deeply rooted in the collective memory of the people. The repeated destruction and restoration of the temple is unique in world history, reflecting its enduring spiritual and cultural significance. On Kartak Sud 1, Diwali day, November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins of Somnath and expressed his resolve to rebuild the temple, calling its restoration vital for restoring India's cultural confidence. The reconstruction, carried out with public support, was completed with the consecration of the present temple on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. (ANI)
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