PM Modi to Attend Somnath Swabhiman Festival on May 11

New Delhi, May 9: The historic Somnath Temple, recognized as a symbol of faith, courage, and Indian civilization, is once again in the spotlight. This year marks the 1,000th anniversary of the temple’s first attack and the 75th anniversary of its reconstruction. To commemorate this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Somnath Temple on May 11.

Located in Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, Somnath Temple is considered the first and most sacred among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Described in the Shiva Purana, this temple serves as a major center for the worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Shakti. The Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotra also places Somnath at the forefront, reflecting its supreme status in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The history of Somnath Temple is a remarkable tale of struggle and reconstruction. The first major attack on the temple occurred in 1026. From the 11th to the 18th century, the temple faced multiple destructions and looting, yet devotees and kings continuously rebuilt it. In the 12th century, King Kumarapala initiated its reconstruction, followed by contributions from the Junagadh king and the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar from Indore.

After India’s independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, visited the ruins of Somnath in 1947 and vowed to restore it. He believed that the temple’s reconstruction would strengthen India’s cultural confidence. Subsequently, with public participation and national resolve, the current temple was built in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style.

On May 11, 1951, India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, re-inaugurated the temple. Today, 75 years later, Somnath remains a symbol of India’s faith, pride, and spiritual strength.

The story of Somnath extends beyond the temple; it also honors the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect it. Notably, Veer Hamirji Gohil is remembered for his valor during the attack by Zafar Khan in 1299.

The Somnath Swabhiman Festival celebrates India’s unwavering faith and cultural renaissance. It commemorates the first attack in 1026 while also symbolizing the cultural rebirth of India through the temple’s re-inauguration in 1951.

Prime Minister Modi, who is also the president of the Somnath Trust, has described the temple as a symbol of India’s “invincible spirit.” He announced a series of special prayers at Somnath over the next 1,000 days, urging people to visit the temple during this historic period.

In January 2026, PM Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, which featured 72 hours of chanting the Omkar mantra and special prayers for the nation’s prosperity. A grand valor procession with 108 horses was also held to honor the temple’s protectors.

On April 30, 2026, a special train departed from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi as part of the “Chalo Chalen Somnath” campaign, carrying over 1,300 devotees. The journey culminated in Somnath on May 1, featuring rituals, cultural programs, and a light and sound show.

This magnificent temple, adorned with a 150-foot high spire topped by a 10-ton kalash, boasts 1,666 golden kalash and 14,200 flags, enhancing its grandeur. Annually, 9 to 10 million devotees visit for darshan.

The Somnath Trust is not limited to religious activities; it plays a significant role in education, health, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. The Trust runs computer education, sewing, digital literacy, and employment training programs for rural youth and women. Initiatives like “School on Wheels” are bringing digital education to villages.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust contributed ₹8.73 crore during the first wave and ₹2.21 crore during the second wave, along with a ₹1 crore donation to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. They also facilitated oxygen plants, medical assistance, and food distribution to needy families.

In 2018, Somnath was declared a “Swachh Iconic Place.” The temple utilizes flowers for vermicomposting, converts plastic waste into power blocks, and recycles approximately 3 million liters of water monthly. A Miyawaki forest with 7,200 trees absorbs around 93,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually.

In women’s empowerment, Somnath has set an example. Among the 906 employees of the temple trust, 262 are women, playing vital roles from Bilva forest management to food service. A total of 363 women have secured direct employment, earning approximately ₹9 crore annually.