Somnath Temple: 2026 is special for Somnath Temple of Gujarat for two reasons. In the year 1026, Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked and destroyed the temple, whose 1000th anniversary is being completed. Recently the Prime Minister had written an emotional article regarding the temple. Now after this the PM visited Jyotirlinga in Somnath temple and performed Shiva meditation.
Somnath stands as a beacon of eternal divinity. Its sacred presence continues to guide people across generations. Here are highlights from yesterday’s programmes, including the Omkar Mantra chanting and drone show.#SomnathSwabhimanParv pic.twitter.com/lCZxiaauMp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2026
The second reason is that it has been 75 years since the consecration of the Somnath temple, rebuilt in independent India on 11 May 1951, on this occasion, Somnath Swabhiman festival is being celebrated from 8 January to 11 January.
Glimpse of ancient faith seen in drone show
As part of the Somnath Swabhiman festival, a grand drone show was organized on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the Somnath temple complex. Sanatan’s grandeur was shown in the drone show. Through about 3000 drones, the scene of attack on Somnath temple, Trishul, Om, Tandav of Lord Shiva and the figure of PM were shown in the sky.
PM Narendra Modi has shared a video on social media platform X in which a glimpse of the grandeur and divinity of Somnath temple was shown even after 1000 years. The Somnath Temple standing in front of the waves of the sea is not just an architecture, but a symbol of the living tradition of India which has preserved its identity for centuries.
Lord Shri Somnath resides in every particle of the universe. His unbroken faith has been flowing continuously since eternity. He will always be a symbol of the spiritual energy of India. pic.twitter.com/XounUARIFb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2026
Why were there attacks on Somnath temple?
The biggest reason for the attack on Somnath temple was its property. The temple received huge donations from kings, traders and foreign travelers. The Somnath Temple treasure, a symbol of India’s prosperity for centuries, was looted by Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1026 AD, which included huge quantities of gold, silver and precious gems.
The Mughals targeted the temple for its historical fame. The attackers knew that the attack on the temple would be recorded in history. Attack on a famous place gave a message of power and fear of the attacker.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv: PM Modi worshiped in Somnath temple, offered flowers and played Damru, thousands of Shiva devotees participated in Shaurya Yatra
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.

