Bhubaneswar, 15 June (H.S.): A new chapter was added to Odisha’s cultural and spiritual history on Monday as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally inaugurated the historic ‘Somnath Swabhiman Yatra-2026’ in Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Minister flagged off a special pilgrimage train carrying more than 1,100 devotees from across Odisha to the revered Somnath Temple at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, marking the commencement of the sacred journey.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi described the initiative as more than just a train journey, calling it a grand pilgrimage symbolizing faith, devotion, and cultural pride. He said that Lord Jagannath in the East and Lord Somnath in the West represent two powerful spiritual centres that bind India together through a shared legacy of faith, unity, and eternal consciousness.

The Chief Minister noted that the pilgrimage forms an integral part of the nationwide ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parva’, a commemorative initiative marking two significant milestones in Indian history. The first is the completion of 1,000 years since the initial invasion of the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026, and the second is the Platinum Jubilee of the temple’s reconstruction and re-consecration, undertaken after Independence under the inspiration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He further informed that the year-long cultural celebration, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, includes large-scale pilgrimage programmes from different parts of the country. Besides Odisha’s special train, more than 1,008 devotees from Lucknow and nearly 1,300 devotees from Delhi have also embarked on similar journeys to Prabhas Patan.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development as well as Heritage), Majhi highlighted the transformation of Somnath into a world-class pilgrimage destination through the development of modern exhibition galleries, museums, a sea-view promenade, and enhanced pilgrim infrastructure under the PRASHAD scheme.

Emphasising the spiritual bond between Odisha and Somnath, the Chief Minister announced that sacred water from the historic Bindusagar tank in Ekamra Kshetra and holy soil from the ancient Kedar Gouri Temple have been sent aboard the special train for ceremonial offering at the feet of Lord Somnath.

Each pilgrim participating in the yatra has been provided with an “Om Namah Shivaya” booklet. During their visit, devotees will have the opportunity to witness temple rituals, grand aartis, Rudrabhishek ceremonies, continuous Omkar chanting, and a state-of-the-art light and sound show depicting the glorious history of the Somnath Temple.

Speaking on the occasion, Odisha Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, said that Odisha is also sending sacred symbols of its spiritual heritage to Somnath through the yatra. He noted that the holy waters of Bindusagar carry with them Odisha’s message of devotion and cultural unity.

The leaders expressed confidence that the Somnath Swabhiman Yatra would further strengthen the bonds of national integration, cultural pride, and spiritual consciousness across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda