Gir Somnath, 11 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also serves as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust, arrived at Prabhas Patan to attend the historic inauguration of “Somnath Amrit Parv‑2026”, held to mark the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. On the occasion, the Prime Minister offered darshan and performed a grand worship (Mahapuja) of Lord Somnath Mahadev, the first Jyotirlinga of India.

Throughout the entire temple complex, Monday was marked by a deeply spiritual and celebratory atmosphere as “Somnath Amrit Parv‑2026” unfolded. The precincts echoed with the sound of conch shells, damarus and repeated chants of “Har‑Har Mahadev”, underscoring the temple’s enduring role as a symbol of India’s culture, faith and national pride.

Grand Welcome And Ritualised Entry

A grand ceremonial welcome awaited Prime Minister Modi from the main temple gate all the way to the inner courtyard. Cultural performances highlighting India’s diverse regional traditions were presented in his honour along the route. The Prime Minister also paused to view an elaborate sand‑sculpture installation dedicated to the Somnath Temple, crafted to visually narrate the shrine’s rich history.

Approximately 100 young girls and women, dressed in traditional Indian attire and carrying golden Amrit Kalashes (sacred water pots) on their heads, welcomed the Prime Minister amid the resonant drumming of 75 percussionists and trumpeters, heightening the sense of occasion and sacred celebration.

Tribute To Sardar Patel And Sacred Mahapuja

Before entering the main sanctum, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of a unified India and a key visionary behind the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.

After this homage, he proceeded along a special ceremonial pathway into the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), accompanied by the auspicious sounds of conch shells and damarus played by Rishikumar priests. Inside the garbhagriha, Prime Minister Modi conducted a Mahapuja of Lord Somnath, chanting Vedic mantras and invoking divine blessings for the progress of the nation and the peace, happiness and prosperity of every citizen.

Kumbhabhishek, Flag Hoisting And Aerial Salute

Later in the programme, the Prime Minister performed Kumbhabhishek (ritual anointing) and flag hoisting at the temple spire, marking the spiritual and symbolic high point of the Amrit Parv ceremonies.

Two Chetak helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flowers over the temple tower, transforming the seashore and the surrounding complex into a sea of petals and amplifying the devotional fervour. Overhead, the IAF’s ‘Suryakiran’ aerobatic team staged a dramatic aerial display, captivating the gathered devotees with precision‑flying formations against the backdrop of the ancient shrine.

The Prime Minister also visited a special exhibition mounted within the temple complex, tracing the glorious heritage and layered history of Somnath through artefacts, paintings and visual narratives that mapped the temple’s repeated destruction and reconstruction across centuries.

Present at the landmark Somnath Amrit Parv‑2026 celebrations were Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, several saints, mahants, public representatives and a large crowd of devotees, all of whom turned out to witness the historic pooja and ceremonial events led by the Prime Minister at one of India’s holiest Shiva shrines.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar