PM Modi at Somnath Temple: ₹150 crore Sardar Dham complex inaugurated in Vadodara
Synopsis
Modi's Gujarat visit combined devotion and development — a ₹150 crore Sardar Dham complex inauguration in Vadodara and a landmark 75th-anniversary celebration at Somnath Temple, capped by the 'Sardar Ratna' honour from the Patidar community. The trip underlines the BJP's Gujarat focus ahead of Mission 2026.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple on 12 May 2025 , marking 75 years of the restored temple's inauguration.
He participated in Vishesh Maha Puja , Kumbhabhishek , and Dhvajarohan ceremonies and released a commemorative stamp and coin.
The Sardar Dham Bhavan-3 in Vadodara was inaugurated — built at ₹150 crore across 4.75 lakh sq ft with 278 rooms and capacity for around 2,000 students .
Modi was conferred the 'Sardar Ratna' award by leading Patidar community organisations.
The visit follows the BJP 's recent electoral victories in local self-government elections in Gujarat and West Bengal .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 12 May 2025, offered prayers at the iconic Somnath Temple in Gujarat and inaugurated the Sardar Dham Bhavan-3 complex in Vadodara, as part of a packed two-day visit to the state covering religious, administrative, and community engagements across Gir Somnath and Vadodara.
Somnath Amrut Mahotsav: Marking 75 Years
The Prime Minister participated in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav at Somnath Temple on Monday morning, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple. He took part in the Vishesh Maha Puja, Kumbhabhishek, and Dhvajarohan ceremonies — sacred rituals marking the occasion — and also released a commemorative stamp and coin during the event. Modi had arrived in Jamnagar on Sunday night at the start of the visit, with extensive security arrangements and welcome programmes organised across Jamnagar, Somnath, and Vadodara.
Sardar Dham Complex: Key Details
In Vadodara, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Sardar Dham Bhavan-3, officially named the Shri Dushyant and Daksha Patel Complex, constructed near Vaghodia Crossing on NH-8A, adjacent to L&T Knowledge City. The complex has been built at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore and spans approximately 4.75 lakh square feet. It houses 278 accommodation rooms, an NRI guest house, an e-library, a career guidance centre, training facilities, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of approximately 1,000.
Sardar Dham Trust president Gajji Sutaria, who had invited the Prime Minister during a recent meeting in New Delhi, described the inauguration as part of
Point of View
While the Sardar Dham inauguration cements outreach to the influential Patidar community ahead of the 2026 Gujarat local body cycle. The 'Sardar Ratna' award from Patidar organisations is a reciprocal signal in a community relationship that has had its tensions. What the visit does not address is whether the ₹150 crore Sardar Dham complex — impressive in scale — will deliver measurable outcomes in youth employment and education, the metrics that ultimately matter beyond inauguration optics.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi visit Somnath Temple on 12 May 2025?
PM Modi visited Somnath Temple to participate in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, marking 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple. He took part in the Vishesh Maha Puja, Kumbhabhishek, and Dhvajarohan ceremonies and released a commemorative stamp and coin.
What is the Sardar Dham Bhavan-3 inaugurated by PM Modi in Vadodara?
Sardar Dham Bhavan-3, also known as the Shri Dushyant and Daksha Patel Complex, is a ₹150 crore community and educational facility spanning 4.75 lakh square feet near Vaghodia Crossing on NH-8A in Vadodara. It includes 278 accommodation rooms, an NRI guest house, an e-library, a career guidance centre, and an auditorium for around 1,000 people.
What is Mission 2026 referenced by the Sardar Dham Trust?
Mission 2026 is an initiative by the Sardar Dham Trust to develop three phases of the Sardar Dham complex — Bhavan One, Two, and Three — aimed at expanding educational and residential infrastructure for Patidar youth. The inauguration of Bhavan-3 is described as a key milestone in this mission.
What is the 'Sardar Ratna' award conferred on PM Modi?
The 'Sardar Ratna' award was conferred on PM Modi by leading organisations of the Patidar community in recognition of his contributions to social reforms. The event was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Deputy Chief Minister, and state cabinet members.
Who is expected to attend the Sardar Dham inauguration event?
The event was expected to be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, members of the state cabinet, and representatives from various sectors, alongside large public crowds across Vadodara.
