Daijiworld Media Network - Somnath

Somnath, Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the forces which opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after Independence are still active, and asserted that India must remain alert, united and strong to defeat such elements.

Addressing the Somnath Swabhiman Parv here to mark 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the revered temple in 1026, the Prime Minister said the history of Somnath is not one of destruction or defeat, but of victory, renewal and resilience.

“The cycle of time has ensured that fundamentalist invaders are today confined to the pages of history, while the Somnath temple continues to stand tall,” Modi said, describing the shrine as a powerful symbol of faith, national pride and collective resolve.

Despite repeated attempts to destroy it over centuries, the temple has survived and been restored to its ancient glory due to the unwavering determination of the people, he said.

Modi remarked that the true history of hatred, atrocities and terror associated with the attacks on Somnath was concealed for long, and people were instead taught that the invasions were merely attempts to loot the temple.

Referring to the post-Independence period, the Prime Minister said that when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took a pledge to rebuild the Somnath temple, his efforts were obstructed. “Those driven by appeasement politics bowed before people with extremist mindsets. Such forces, which tried to obstruct the rebuilding of Somnath, are still present among us,” he said.

Emphasising the need for vigilance, Modi said the country must stay united and powerful to defeat these forces.

“Somnath’s story is the story of India. Just as this temple was attacked repeatedly, foreign invaders tried many times to destroy India. They believed they had won by demolishing the temple, but even after 1,000 years, the flag of Somnath continues to fly high,” he said.

Calling the temple’s survival and revival unparalleled, Modi said the 1,000-year-long struggle of Somnath has no parallel in world history and stands as a testament to India’s enduring civilisational strength.