Somnath (Gujarat), January 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Somnath Temple on Saturday as part of a three-day trip to Gujarat, engaging in significant events tied to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

The four-day national celebration (January 8-11) commemorates 1,000 years of unwavering faith and resilience since the initial recorded assault on the revered Somnath Temple in January 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Expressing his profound sense of gratitude, the Prime Minister referred to Somnath as a proud emblem of civilizational bravery. He underscored the heartfelt welcome received from devotees and the nation's unity in honoring this significant milestone.

"Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilizational courage. This visit coincides with SomnathSwabhimanParv, where the entire nation has united to commemorate a thousand years since the initial assault on the Somnath Temple in 1026. I am thankful to the people for their warm reception," he shared on his X account.

“In Somnath this evening, I chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust. We evaluated various facets concerning infrastructure enhancements within the temple complex and strategies to make the pilgrimage to Somnath even more unforgettable,” PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister has been serving as the Chairman of the trust since 2021.

The board includes prominent figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior leader LK Advani, businessman Harshvardhan Neotia, and scholar JD Parmar. The trust was established post-Independence to manage the temple's reconstruction, a movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and KM Munshi.

The day's events featured participation in spiritual rituals such as Omkar Mantra chanting and a dazzling drone show showcasing historical events related to the temple. On Sunday, the Prime Minister is expected to partake in the Shaurya Yatra—a ceremonial procession honoring those who sacrificed for the temple—perform darshan and puja, and address a public gathering on the significance of the Swabhiman Parv.

The ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ stands as a tribute to the temple's lasting legacy as a beacon of India's civilizational bravery, spiritual resilience, and continual reconstruction despite centuries of invasions. The event emphasizes the sacrifices of numerous devotees who defended the shrine, ensuring its revival time and again.

This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence.

In the evening, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust, focusing on reviewing ongoing and proposed infrastructure enhancements within the temple complex.

The discussions aimed to improve the pilgrimage experience, ensuring visits to the sacred Jyotirlinga are even more memorable for devotees. He shared insights on social media, highlighting the productive review of developments aimed at enhancing facilities and accessibility.