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

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (January 11, 2026) participated in the Shaurya Yatra organized at the holy Somnath temple located in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. This yatra was taken out in honor of those brave warriors who sacrificed their lives while protecting the Somnath temple centuries ago. In this Shaurya Yatra organized under the Somnath Swabhiman festival, a symbolic procession of 108 horses was taken out, which is considered a symbol of bravery, renunciation and sacrifice in Indian tradition. It was as if this scene was bringing the pages of history alive in the present.

Prime Minister Modi along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel passed through a kilometer long route in a specially decorated carriage. Thousands of devotees and local citizens were gathered on both sides of the road, who were welcoming the Prime Minister with flower showers and greetings.

Somnath Swabhiman festival is a living reflection of the eternal faith, spiritual practice and unwavering resolve of millions of Indians. Being a participant of this great festival in the holy Shri Somnath temple is an unforgettable and priceless moment of my life.#SomnathSwabhimanParv
https://t.co/q3UHrNzTzt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2026

Crowd gathered in Somnath

A record crowd was seen in the Somnath temple complex on Saturday night (January 10, 2026). Despite the cold, the devotees remained in the temple premises till after midnight. The crowd reached its peak after the Prime Minister’s visit. Devotees from different parts of the country—elderly, youth, women and children. Be a witness to this historic occasion. Along with local residents, travelers from far off places also made this festival special. Prime Minister Modi collectively chanted Omkar Mantra on Saturday evening, had darshan of Somnath Baba and watched the grand drone show organized after it. Nearly 3,000 drones were flying together in the sky creating divine figures, matching the enthusiasm of the huge crowd present on the ground.

Amazing confluence of light, tradition and technology

The drone show, which lasted for about 15 minutes, mesmerized the devotees. The drone displayed a three-dimensional (3D) view of Lord Shiva, Shivalinga, the Somnath temple, and scenes of destruction and reconstruction over the history of the temple. The fireworks that followed filled the sky of the beach with light. This was not just a visual event, but was a symbol of the story of Somnath, which despite being broken, stood stronger every time. The drone formations depicted the attacks on the temple and its subsequent resurrection, underlining the essence of the festival.

faith that bridges distances

Preeti Karelia, who came from Mumbai, was part of an all-female bhajan group along with 24 other women. Sharing his sentiments he said, ‘We have come today to see the Somnath temple and our Prime Minister. The event is a celebration of the temple’s traditions and its amazing patience. The decorations, fireworks and drone show further strengthened the divinity that drew so many people here in a single day. Religious saints, local leaders and common citizens also described this occasion as historic. Remembering warriors like Veer Hamirji Gohil, Bhardwaj Giri, who came from Bhavnagar, said that they “dedicated their lives to protect the glory of our Hindu pilgrimages.”

Whole city decorated in Swabhiman festival

The city of Somnath itself became a part of the festival. The main road from Shankha Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle was decorated with flowers, theme based decorations and lights. Trishul, Om and Damru shaped lights, Shivlinga made of flowers and posters of Somnath Swabhiman festival put up at various places were filling the entire route with a spiritual atmosphere. In the evening, folk dance artists from Karnataka performed in traditional costumes, which attracted the attention of the audience.

Restoration of Somnath from history to present

Somnath Swabhiman Parv was organized on the occasion of completion of 1,000 years of the attack on Somnath by Mahmud Ghaznavi. After independence, the initiative of reconstruction of this temple was taken up by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In 1951, the renovated Somnath temple was opened to devotees in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Even today, the statue of Sardar Patel installed in front of the main gate of the temple reminds of that national resolve. Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and has been a symbol of reverence, struggle and self-confidence for centuries.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Saturday (January 10, 2026). During this, he also participated in the rituals organized under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ ceremony at the ancient pilgrimage site.

On this occasion, PM Modi also saw a grand drone show, in which huge images of Lord Shiva and Shivalinga were created through figures based on various themes. Along with this, a wonderful 3D depiction of Somnath temple was also done.

PM Modi participated in collective Omkar mantra chanting

#WATCH Gujarat , PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Somnath Temple. Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being organized from 8-11 January, marking 1000 years of faith and India’s history.

Source: DD pic.twitter.com/ef9BX8Dbb8

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2026

PM Modi took part in the collective chanting of Omkar Mantra organized at Somnath temple. Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being celebrated to commemorate 1,000 years of the first attack on the historic Somnath temple, which started on January 8 and will conclude on Sunday (January 11, 2025).

PM Modi given grand welcome in Somnath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Gujarat to participate in the function organized under Somnath Swabhiman Parv, was given a grand and warm welcome by the local people of Somnath. When PM Modi left for Somnath Temple, people gathered on the roadside and rooftops to see him. When the PM’s convoy moved ahead, he also greeted him by shaking hands.

PM Modi posted on X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of his departure towards Somnath Temple on Saturday (January 10, 2026) evening on social media platform X. In the video, a crowd of people is seen on both sides of the road to welcome PM Modi. People are seen warmly welcoming PM Modi from the streets to the rooftops of houses. Meanwhile, PM Modi wrote in the caption of his video post, ‘Jai Somnath! Today’s welcome was very special.

Jai Somnath!

Today’s welcome was very special. pic.twitter.com/Uc7GJdvPVI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026

Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilizational courage.

This visit comes during #SomnathSwabhimanParvwhen the entire nation has come together to mark a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026.

Grateful to the people for… pic.twitter.com/jwTSF0uMOS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026

At the same time, in another X post, PM Modi said, ‘I feel blessed to be in Somnath, which is a glorious symbol of our civilizational courage. My visit is taking place during the Somnath Swabhiman festival, when the entire country has come together for celebrations to mark 1,000 years of the first attack on the Somnath temple in 1026. I am grateful to the people of Somnath for their warm welcome.

PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his three-day visit to Gujarat, where he will participate in the Swabhiman Parv of Somnath Temple and programs organized under Vibrant Gujarat.

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