Nayab Singh Saini: Chife Minister of Haryana
Somnath: A symbol of a thousand years of faith Indian society makes a remarkable confluence of our ancient civilization and culture. Our country is home to many revered sites that strengthen our faith and cement our cultural identity. The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is not merely a place of worship, it is a living symbol of India’s spiritual resolve. Ranking first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple occupies a unique position in India’s sacred geography. The reality is that the image of the Somnath Temple is inextricably woven into the very existence of every Indian. It is a moment of pride that I am sharing my thoughts today on the Somnath Temple. Under the leadership of the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre, the Haryana Government is lending its undiluted support to this sacred endeavour. The Government of India is observing the period from May 8 to May 11, 2026 as the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a celebration marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple, and as a testament to the temple’s eternal and indestructible nature. This temple has a unique history of attacks and reconstruction over centuries. After the attack in 1026, it was rebuilt which bears testimony to Indian society’s unshakeable faith and cultural consciousness. After Independence, the temple was reconstructed through the efforts made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and on May 11, 1951, its consecration ceremony was performed. The very purpose of celebrating this festival is to affirm that no matter how many upheavals come, Somnath was and will remain a symbol of our unwavering faith. It resides in the hearts of all Indians. This festival is also an occasion to remember the countless number of great souls who stood up to defend the temple from repeated attacks with unflinching resolve. In the 1940s, the cry for independence filled the air across India and, under the leadership of great leaders like Sardar Patel, the foundations of a free India were being laid. But the sorry state of the Somnath Temple deeply troubled him. On November 13, 1947, during the Diwali celebrations, Sardar Patel stood before the crumbling ruins of Somnath, took seawater in his hands, and made this solemn vow: “On this (Gujarati) New Year, it is our resolve that Somnath shall be rebuilt. The people of Saurashtra will have to contribute in a big way. This is a sacred task in which everyone must play a part.” His call echoed not only across Gujarat but the entire country, and attracted enthusiastic and overwhelming response. Sadly, Sardar Patel could not live to see his dream fulfilled. Before the restored Somnath Temple could open its doors to devotees, he bid farewell to this world. Our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has expressed his deep reverence for Somnath on this sacred occasion. For more than 75 years, this temple has emerged as a powerful centre of India’s cultural self-confidence and unbreakable faith. Shri Modi Ji, who is also Chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust, has taken the resolve to preserve this heritage and pass it on to the future generations. Today, the Somnath Temple stands as an unparalleled confluence of grand architecture, spiritual energy, and cultural heritage. It is not merely a temple, but a living pilgrimage site connected to the very soul of the nation, attracting millions of devotees every day. Modern amenities are being expanded on the Somnath Temple complex, better arrangements have been made for the pilgrims, and cultural activities are being stepped up, making this sacred site not only a centre of faith, but also a prominent destination for tourism and cultural enrichment. Shri Modi Ji has given Hinduism a bold and prominent representation by bringing religious and pilgrimage sites across the country to international renown. Inspired by his guiding principle of “Development as well as Heritage,” he has equipped spiritual centres, from Somnath to Kashi, Kamakhya to Kedarnath, Ayodhya to Ujjain, with modern facilities, while also preserving their traditional identity. The visible impact of this is that devotees from across India and abroad, including the younger generation, are flocking to these religious sites. Decidedly, Shri Modi Ji’s leadership has revitalised Hinduism, inspiring Indians around the world to return to their roots and rediscover the significance of their faith. The love for the nation Shri Modi Ji embodies keeps inspiring one and all. He maintains that visiting Somnath will give one the experience of that unconquered spirit which, despite every assault, kept its identity and culture intact. I am confident that the mere sight of this extraordinary spiritual force will leave one with an unforgettable experience.