Gandhinagar, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Somnath Temple, recognized as one of the primary Jyotirlingas in India, draws nearly 1 crore devotees each year due to its profound civilizational and spiritual importance.

This ancient temple, having faced numerous assaults from foreign invaders, has reclaimed its esteemed status over the years.

In the last two decades, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also chairs the Shri Somnath Trust, it has entered a phase known as 'A Suvarna Yug' (a golden age).

The temple's modern revival is deeply intertwined with a rich and tumultuous past, as the year 2026 marks a millennium since Mahmud of Ghazni's assault on the temple in January 1026.

Now, a thousand years later, the Somnath temple stands resplendently, preparing to celebrate 75 years since its inauguration with the 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv', beginning today.

Among India's Top 10 Most Searched Destinations

Currently, Somnath ranks among the top 10 most searched locations in India. Its expanding digital presence complements its physical attendance, with social media impressions surpassing 1.37 billion in 2025, showcasing the temple's growing influence among devotees worldwide.

Over the last two decades, Somnath has epitomized a living testament of faith, striking a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, where the first Jyotirling remains integral to the daily lives of millions.

Somnath: Faith, Footfall, and Grandeur

The Somnath Temple gleams with devotion and magnificence, featuring 1,666 gold-plated kalash at the 'Shikhar' and 14,200 dhwajas, showcasing the dedication, faith, and craftsmanship of three generations.

In 2020, approximately 98 lakh pilgrims visited the temple, with annual footfall maintaining a range of 92-97 lakhs through 2024. Rituals like the Bilva Pooja attracted 13.77 lakh devotees, and Maha Shivratri 2025 alone saw around 3.56 lakh worshippers. Furthermore, online bookings and postal prasad ensure that Somnath's sanctity reaches devotees far beyond its physical location.

The Light and Sound Show, introduced in 2003, has captivated over 10 lakh visitors in just three years, transforming history into an evening spectacle. The 2025 Vande Somnath Kala Mahotsav revitalized dance traditions that date back 1,500 years.

Enhanced Connectivity: A Global Gateway

To facilitate easier and more comfortable journeys for pilgrims, connectivity has been greatly improved. The Jetpur–Somnath four-lane highway, a Rs 828 crore project, now provides expressway-like efficiency, while the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express has reduced travel time from Ahmedabad to Somnath to a semi-high-speed journey.

Keshod Airport, once considered a relic as of 2000, reopened in 2022, and the Rajkot International Airport, inaugurated in 2023, has established Somnath as a global gateway.