Forces opposing Somnath rebuilding still active: PM

Somnath (Gujarat), Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the forces that opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after independence “are still active among us,” urging India to remain alert, united, and strong to defeat them.

Addressing a large gathering at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Modi highlighted the temple’s history of resilience, noting that despite repeated attacks over a millennium, its spirit and faith were never defeated. “The hearts of people can never be won at the point of a sword,” he said.

Modi recalled how the historic Somnath temple, repeatedly attacked from Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 to Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in the 17th and 18th centuries, was often portrayed as merely looted, concealing the true religious motivation. He said fundamentalist invaders aimed to destroy faith, not just wealth, and that appeasement of such extremism was unacceptable.

After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took the initiative to rebuild Somnath, but faced opposition, including during the inauguration by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. “Unfortunately, those who opposed the reconstruction are still active, now conspiring in other ways,” Modi said, stressing the need for vigilance and unity.

He praised the devotion of Lord Shiva’s followers, including Malwa queen Ahilyabai Holkar, for repeatedly restoring the temple. “Civilisations that advance by destroying others ultimately destroy themselves. Pilgrimage sites like Somnath teach that creation, though slow, is lasting,” he said.

Modi also remembered brave defenders like Veer Hamirji Gohil and Vegdaji Bhil, who sacrificed their lives to protect the temple, lamenting that many such heroes were not given due recognition. He emphasized that neither Somnath nor India bowed to invaders, and today, the temple’s flag continues to fly high, symbolizing 1,000 years of resistance, faith, and valour.

Earlier, Modi led a ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession of 108 horses from Shankh Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, to honour those who defended the temple. He waved to devotees along the route, offered prayers, paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and even played the damru, a traditional instrument of Lord Shiva, alongside young priests.

The Prime Minister’s address reinforced the enduring legacy of Somnath as a symbol of India’s cultural resilience, faith, and unity in the face of historical and contemporary challenges.