Forces That Opposed Somnath Temple Reconstruction Still Active, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that forces which opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after India’s independence continue to exist and must be countered through unity, vigilance, and national strength.

Addressing a gathering at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said the history of the Somnath temple is not one of defeat but of resilience, renewal, and victory. He described the temple as a living symbol of India’s civilisational endurance, noting that despite repeated attempts at destruction over centuries, Somnath continues to stand tall.

The event marked 1,000 years since the 1026 invasion of the Somnath temple. Recalling the period following Independence, the Prime Minister said efforts to rebuild the shrine faced resistance despite the resolve shown by leaders committed to restoring it. He added that appeasement-driven opposition at the time obstructed the rebuilding process, and similar mindsets remain active even today.

Highlighting the broader national context, the Prime Minister said Somnath’s journey mirrors India’s own historical experience, where foreign invasions attempted to weaken the country’s cultural and spiritual foundations. He added that while invaders have been relegated to history, Somnath remains a powerful emblem of faith, identity, and national pride.

The Prime Minister also asserted that historical narratives surrounding the temple were selectively presented for decades, downplaying the scale of destruction and resistance. He called upon citizens to remain united and confident, stating that India’s strength lies in acknowledging its past while drawing inspiration from its resilience. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv witnessed large public participation and was marked by devotional events and cultural displays celebrating the temple’s legacy and its significance in India’s civilisational history.