Surat, May 8: The atmosphere in Gujarat is vibrant as the Somnath Temple marks its 75th anniversary of restoration. Anticipation is high, especially for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on May 11, which has generated excitement among saints and devotees alike.
Swami Ambrishanand, Joint Secretary of the Bharat Sevashram Sangh and President of its Surat branch, described Modi’s visit as a symbol of the nation’s cultural unity and spiritual awakening. He emphasized that the history of Somnath Temple proves that faith cannot be extinguished by any force.
Referencing Modi’s recent article, Swami Ambrishanand stated that Somnath is not just a religious site but a representation of India’s eternal culture and unwavering devotion. He highlighted that the temple has been looted and destroyed 17 times throughout history, yet the faith of its devotees has always restored it.
He noted that in ancient times, Somnath Temple was immensely prosperous and grand. Devotees from across the country offered valuable items, gold, silver, and gems to the deity, leading to its vast wealth and widespread fame. Swami Ambrishanand explained that the entire area from Dwarka to Prabhas Patan is linked to Lord Krishna’s kingdom, making Somnath a site of great historical significance.
He recounted how, during a period of weakened governance and increased foreign invasions, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath Temple from Ghazni, Afghanistan. He claimed that the temple was looted 17 times, with large quantities of gold, silver, and precious items taken away.
Swami Ambrishanand also remembered the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, after independence. He mentioned that after India’s freedom in 1947, Patel pledged to restore and reconstruct the Somnath Temple, which was realized based on that commitment.
He added that as per tradition, the Chief Minister of Gujarat remains associated with the Somnath Trust. When Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister, he served as the Trust’s president and continues to have a deep connection with the temple today.
Swami Ambrishanand referred to Modi as a “true patriot” and “cultural enthusiast,” stating that despite his busy schedule, his visit to Somnath sends a powerful message about the importance of India’s cultural identity and spiritual pride. He expressed that the ongoing ‘Cultural Festival’ from May 8 to May 11, featuring the Prime Minister’s participation, is a matter of pride for Gujarat and the entire nation.
He concluded by saying that Modi’s actions and love for culture will inspire the 1.4 billion people of India. The Prime Minister correctly noted in his article that no matter how many times symbols of faith and culture are attacked, strong devotion will always restore them.
Historian and conservative expert Chandrashekhar Patil from Vadodara also commented on Modi’s visit to Somnath. He stated that the temple symbolizes India’s eternal culture, renaissance, and national self-confidence. Patil expressed pride that the Prime Minister is visiting Somnath, highlighting the temple’s inspiring history that has maintained its identity and faith despite numerous invasions and challenges. He noted that approximately 1,029 years ago, Muhammad Ghazni looted Somnath Temple, yet its faith has never waned.
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