Lucknow, 11 Jan (HS): Somnath

Temple in Gujarat is a Hindu pilgrimage destination among the 12 Jyotirlingas,

signifying cultural survival despite recurrent destruction and restoration,

with recent events showcasing its grandeur and historical significance,

frequently involving leaders such as Prime Minister Modi. The temple, located

in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, has a long, turbulent history and is a popular

religious and tourist site, with current initiatives stressing cleanliness and

devotion.

Yogi Adityanath's statements frequently connect the temple's history to

larger Hindu themes, sometimes juxtaposing prior political attitudes (such as

Nehru's claimed opposition to restoration) with present efforts to restore its

grandeur, as witnessed in previous social media conversations. He refers to the

temple's ongoing spiritual significance, its complicated history of destruction

and resurrection, and its contemporary popularity as a national symbol, which

is frequently brought up in conversations by leaders like him.

In a post on X, he mentioned, “The Shri Somnath Temple is a living symbol of

India's cultural nationalism. The past thousand years bear testimony to the

fact that the immortal power of our faith, courage, and creativity remained

steadfast in the face of the hatred, fanaticism, and destructive policies of

foreign invaders. The magnificent form of Baba Somnath that we see today is the

result of the devotion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the faith of Dr. Rajendra

Prasad, the will to live of K.M. Munshi, and the sacrifice of millions of

Sanatan Dharma followers. Respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi under your leadership, 'New India' is today

celebrating the cultural glory of the eternal faith in the form of the 'Somnath

Swabhiman Parv', and new shoots of joy, creativity, and splendor are sprouting

in the dusty destruction of tyrants like Ghazni. This festival symbolizes that

truth can never be defeated. Thank you, Prime Minister, for promoting the glorious

eternal culture.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi