Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invoked the history and spiritual importance of the Somnath Temple while addressing a gathering at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. He also participated in the ‘Shaurya Yatra” in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. The ceremonial procession was held to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives while protecting the Somnath temple. As per the official schedule, he participated in the Yatra around 9:45 am, followed by a darshan at 10:45 and a public event around 11 am.

PM Modi on the attacks to the shrine

Referring to the repeated attacks on the temple over the centuries, PM Modi stated that when “Ghazani to Aurangzeb attacked Somnath”, they thought “their sword was defeating Sanatan Somnath,” but added that “those religious extremists forget that Somnath itself has ‘Amrit’ in its name.”

He described the temple as “the source of the energy”. The Prime Minister also highlighted Lord Shiva’s form as “Mrityunjay” meaning one has conquered death. He further said that, “We believe that Shiva is everywhere…We are the ones who find Shiva in every being. Who can shake our faith?,” as quoted by PTI.

PM Modi’s Gujarat visit continues on January 12 with a high-profile diplomatic engagement, as he is scheduled to meet German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad at 9:30 am, as per the Prime Minister’s Office itinerary. The two leaders will join them to participate in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront around 10 am, before heading to Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar for bilateral engagements starting at 11:15 onwards. During these meetings, Modi and Merz are likely to review the development of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which completed 25 years.

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Somnath Swabhiman Parv

The diplomatic engagements follow a packed religious and public function in Somnath , where PM Modi participated in Somnath Swabhiman Parav. This event commemorated the sacrifices that were made to defend this historic temple. On the morning of January 11, PM Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession tributing warriors who laid down their lives protecting the shrine. The procession includes symbolic elements such as a mounted cavalry march. This is followed by darshan and puja at the Somnath Temple at 10:15 am , and a public function at 11 am marking the Swabhiman Parv.

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The celebration has attracted thousands of devotees to the temple complex, with crowds remaining well past midnight despite cold weather. Fireworks, decorations, and a large-scale drone show involving around 3,000 drones added scale to the grand event. The Prime Minister also took part in “Omkara Mantra” chanting, had darshan and witnessed the drone show, which showcased historical moments related to the temple. According to official statements, PM Modi also headed a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust as its chairman. He reviewed infrastructure project upgrades and plans for boosting the pilgrimage experience.

Metro inauguration, event at Rajkot and Vibrant Gujarat conference

After the Somnath programme, PM Modi will travel to Rajkot, where he will launch the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region around 1:30 pm. He will then address the gathering shortly thereafter. Later in the evening, at around 5:15 pm, he is scheduled to launch the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro, linking Sector 10A (Sachivalaya) to Mahatma Mandir.