Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday, 11 May said the Somnath Temple stands as a powerful symbol of India's Sanatan culture, national self-respect, and unwavering faith, as the country marked 75 years of the temple's reconstruction with large-scale celebrations across multiple states.

CM Sharma Joins Celebrations via Video Conference

Addressing the "Somnath Swabhiman Parv" programme at Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Jaipur, Chief Minister Sharma joined the "Somnath Amrit Mahotsav" celebrations at Somnath Temple in Gujarat through video conferencing, where he listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address delivered in the presence of dignitaries. Sharma said that despite repeated attacks and destruction by foreign invaders, the temple was rebuilt each time with even greater grandeur, reflecting the resilience and spirit of Indian civilisation.

He called upon the youth to embrace Indian cultural traditions and contribute towards building a strong and self-reliant India, adding that it is the collective responsibility of society to preserve India's rich heritage, culture, and values for future generations.

PM Modi Visits Somnath Temple in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Monday, where he was accorded a grand welcome with traditional conch shell and drum performances. He performed rituals and offered prayers for the nation's prosperity and well-being. The celebrations also featured a flypast by the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team over the temple.

Modi also paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and said the "Somnath Amrit Mahotsav" is not merely a remembrance of history but also an inspiration for India's future over the next thousand years. He noted that India's cultural continuity has become a major source of confidence and strength for the country.

Historical Significance of the Temple's Reconstruction

Chief Minister Sharma recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had resolved to rebuild the Somnath Temple after Independence, considering it a symbol of India's self-respect. The temple's consecration ceremony was performed in 1951 by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. Revered as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Somnath Temple is a major spiritual centre for millions of devotees across the country.

Sharma also noted that Prime Minister Modi, in his capacity as Chairman of the Somnath Trust, has played a significant role in the development and preservation of the temple. He further announced that special puja ceremonies would be conducted over the next 1,000 days.

Rajasthan's Push for Spiritual Tourism

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Rajasthan government has taken several decisions over the past two-and-a-half years to promote spiritual development and religious tourism in the state. Initiatives include heritage walkways in Pushkar, Khatushyamji, Nathdwara, Keshoraipatan, Deeg, and Chittorgarh; conservation of the Kiradu temple complex; and development of model access roads at major pilgrimage centres including Deshnok and Diggi. Thousands of senior citizens are also reportedly benefiting from pilgrimage tours under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme through air and AC train travel.

Sharma stated that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the vision of "Development as well as Heritage" is being implemented nationwide through projects such as the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Kedardham redevelopment, and Mahakal Lok. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister performed Jalabhishek and Panchamrit Abhishek at Jharkhand Mahadev Temple, praying for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the nation and the state.