New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand expressed his approval of Narendra Modi's recent statements regarding the Somnath Temple, noting that the Prime Minister’s message profoundly highlighted the resilience of faith in the face of historical devastation.

In response to the Prime Minister’s post on X commemorating 1,000 years since the assault on the Somnath Temple, the Shankaracharya remarked, “The Prime Minister’s message on X regarding the 1,000-year mark poignantly articulates the sorrow surrounding the attack on the Somnath temple. An individual named Mahmud Ghazni invaded with his forces and obliterated the temple. He also murdered the priests and worshippers present at that time.”

He further elaborated that the invader believed that by dismantling the temple and its idol, he could erase its legacy indefinitely. “He aimed to annihilate them. He presumed that by destroying the temple and the idol, Somnath would cease to exist. This effort was made 1,000 years ago,” stated the Shankaracharya.

Interpreting the Prime Minister’s message, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati clarified, “The Prime Minister’s post conveys a clear message: you may demolish the temple, you may obliterate the idol, but you cannot extinguish the essence of Somnath. Observe, a millennium has elapsed — Somnath endures. And where are you? You came and vanished.”

He characterized this statement as a cautionary note for the future, saying, “Somnath remains steadfast. Those who attempt such acts in the future should reconsider. This is the message that the Prime Minister intends to send.”

Regarding the Prime Minister’s remarks, the Shankaracharya deemed them fitting, stating, “This is indeed a commendable statement. Concerning Ghazni, he certainly did not perform a noble act. Any remnants of his name in India should be eradicated.”

These comments follow Prime Minister Modi’s assertion on Monday that the Somnath Temple stands as an eternal testament to the Indian spirit, emphasizing that while hatred and fanaticism may have the ability to cause temporary destruction, faith and conviction possess the power to create enduring legacies.

The Prime Minister highlighted that 2026 will mark a millennium since the initial assault on the Somnath Temple in January 1026. Reflecting on the temple’s repeated cycles of destruction and reconstruction over the ages, he stated that there is no better representation of India's unyielding civilizational spirit than Somnath, which continues to thrive despite significant challenges.

In a comprehensive post on X, PM Modi expressed, “Somnath… hearing this name fills our hearts and minds with pride. It is the eternal declaration of India’s spirit. This magnificent temple is located on the western coast of India in Gujarat, at a place called Prabhas Patan.”