Kurukshetra, May 11 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that the Somnath temple is not merely a place of worship but a timeless symbol of India’s ‘Sanatan’ consciousness, unwavering faith and national self-respect that has inspired the nation to rise stronger after every invasion, struggle and adversity.
Addressing the state-level ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ organised at the sacred Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev temple Arunai in Pehowa here, Saini said the year-long national celebration marking 75 years of the reconstruction of Somnath temple in Gujarat reflects the spiritual awakening, cultural resurgence and civilisational continuity of India.
During the event, the chief minister and the dignitaries present also watched the live telecast from Somnath temple, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered special prayers and addressed the gathering.
Notably, Somnath is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centres and the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ marks two significant milestones in India’s historical journey: one thousand years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath temple in 1026, and seventy-five years since the reopening of the reconstructed temple in 1951 following Independence.
The Parv highlights the historic significance of the temple and celebrates its enduring legacy. To commemorate this event, Modi visited the Somnath temple on May 11.
In Kurukshetra, beginning his address with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, Saini said that celebrating the Parv at the holy confluence of the Vedic rivers Arunai and Saraswati further enhanced the spiritual significance of the occasion.
He said the ancient Sangameshwar temple has, for centuries, remained a sacred reminder of this divine confluence and India’s rich spiritual heritage.
During the programme, he flagged off a grand ‘Kalash Yatra’ comprising 101 women. A large number of devotees participated in the procession held amidst a devotional atmosphere.
On the occasion, the chief minister welcomed and felicitated the saints and sages who had specially come from various pilgrimage sites of the Kurukshetra region.
He also sought their blessings.
Extending greetings to devotees on the occasion of the Parv, Saini said the celebration, which commenced on January 11 this year, will continue till January 11, 2027.
He said that devotees from across the country are visiting the Somnath temple during the commemorative year, and a special pilgrimage train carrying devotees from Haryana will depart on June 8 under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana’ for economically weaker senior citizens.
Saini said that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, India’s spiritual and cultural heritage has received renewed global recognition and respect.
He said the grand construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya after centuries of waiting and the consecration of ‘Ram Lalla’ became the greatest symbol of the resurgence of Indian civilisation and cultural pride.
Referring to the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok and Kedarnath Dham, Saini said these initiatives have restored the glory of India’s ancient pilgrimage centres and connected modern India with its civilisational roots.
He further said that through initiatives such as the ‘Char Dham’ project, PRASAD scheme and preservation of cultural heritage sites, India is reconnecting with its spiritual foundations.
“This is a defining era of New India where development and heritage are progressing together,” he added.
Saini said the history of the Somnath temple is the history of India’s endurance and spiritual resilience. The temple was attacked, looted and destroyed several times by foreign invaders, yet every time it rose again with greater strength, courage and faith, he said.
Saini said that foreign invaders attempted not only to destroy a temple, but also India’s faith, culture and identity. However, they failed to understand that ‘Sanatan’ does not exist merely in temples; it lives in the hearts of the people of India, he said.
Recalling the reconstruction of Somnath after Independence, the chief minister said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had viewed the rebuilding of the temple as the restoration of national honour and cultural pride.
Saini further said that India’s first president, Dr Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the reconstructed Somnath temple in May 1951 and said that the completion of 75 years of the reconstruction is a matter of pride for every Indian.
He further said that this year also marks 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath in 1026, making the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ a symbol of a thousand years of endurance and unbroken faith.
Saini called upon the younger generation to reconnect with India’s spiritual and cultural roots.
He said that India is not merely a geographical entity; India is a civilisation, a culture and a spiritual consciousness.
He said the Parv is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a national campaign for cultural awakening and civilisational consciousness.
He urged parents and society to ensure that future generations remain connected to India’s glorious heritage, traditions and spiritual values. PTI SUN APL APL
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.