‘Many tried to destroy Somnath Temple, India, but did not succeed’, PM Modi hails centuries of resilience

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled repeated attacks by foreign invaders on the Somnath Temple and said the sacred shrine’s story should not be remembered only for destruction, but for the courage, sacrifice and determination that ensured its reconstruction every time it was attacked.

Addressing a large gathering at Sadbhavna Maidan after offering prayers at the temple, the Prime Minister said Somnath’s journey symbolises 1,000 years of resilience and self-respect, while also marking 75 years of its modern reconstruction in 1951.

“This festival is not meant only to remember the destruction that took place a thousand years ago. It is a celebration of a 1,000-year journey. It is also a festival of India’s existence and pride,” PM Modi said.

Drawing parallels between the nation’s history and the temple’s legacy, he added, “The way many efforts were made to destroy Somnath, similarly, foreign invaders made continuous efforts to destroy our country. But neither Somnath nor India was destroyed. This is because India and the core of India’s faith are deeply intertwined.”

Recalling historical events, PM Modi said, “A thousand years ago, in 1026, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the Somnath Temple, believing he had destroyed it. But within a few years, it was rebuilt. In the 12th century, King Kumarapala made the temple grand. In the 13th century, Alauddin Khilji attacked again, but Rana Kumbha of Jalore resisted fiercely. Later, the kings of Junagadh restored Somnath.”

He further said, “In the late 15th century, Sultan Ahmed Shah attempted to desecrate the temple, followed by his grandson Sultan Mahmud Begda, who tried to convert it into a mosque. Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, Aurangzeb also attempted to damage Somnath, but Ahilyabai Holkar reconstructed the temple once again.”

The Prime Minister stressed that Somnath’s history should be associated not with loss, but with strength and resolve. “This shows that the history of Somnath is not of destruction and defeat, but of victory and reconstruction, of the valour, sacrifice and selflessness of our ancestors,” he said.

“Religious and other attacks came again and again, but in every era Somnath was rebuilt. Centuries of struggle, resistance, patience and creativity kept it alive. Such resilience is rare in world history,” PM Modi added.

Explaining the deeper meaning of the name Somnath, he said, “From Mahmud of Ghazni to later invaders, all believed their swords could defeat Sanatani Somnath. They did not realise that ‘Som’ means immortality. Within it resides the eternal power of Lord Shiva.”

Referring to Lord Mahadev as ‘Mrityunjaya’, the Prime Minister said Shiva represents the power that conquers death and exists in every particle of creation. “How much can anyone destroy it? We see Shiva in every living being. How could anyone shake such devotion?” he asked.

PM Modi concluded by saying that those who attacked Somnath with destructive intent have faded into history, while the temple continues to stand tall on the seashore, symbolising dharma, faith and India’s enduring civilisational strength.

He added that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not merely a remembrance of the past, but an effort to keep this timeless journey alive for future generations and strengthen India’s identity on the global stage.

(This story was taken from syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)