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Category — GS Paper 1 - Indian Heritage and Culture ///Published — 2026-05-12 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Culture and Heritage, Temple Architecture, GS Paper 1 ///Category — GS Paper 1 - Indian Heritage and Culture ///Published — 2026-05-12 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Indian Culture and Heritage, Temple Architecture, GS Paper 1 ///

News · GS Paper 1 - Indian Heritage and Culture

PM Visits Somnath Temple on 75th Anniversary of Reopening

The Prime Minister visited Somnath Temple on May 11, 2026, to mark the 75th anniversary of its 1951 reopening. The visit coincides with Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating 1,000 years since the 1026 attack and symbolizing India's spiritual resilience and civilizational confidence. The PM highlighted the 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' approach of balancing development with heritage preservation.

2026-05-12

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Prime Minister's Visit to Somnath Temple

Key Highlights

Date of Visit: 11th May 2026
Occasion: 75th anniversary of Somnath Temple's reopening (1951)
Significance: Coincides with Somnath Swabhiman Parv

Somnath Swabhiman Parv

The year 2026 marks the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating:

1,000 years since the 1026 attack on Somnath Temple
75th anniversary of its 1951 reopening by first President Rajendra Prasad

This dual commemoration symbolizes India's:

Spiritual resilience
Civilizational confidence
Triumph over destruction

About Somnath Temple

Location:

Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat
At confluence of Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers with Arabian Sea

Religious Importance:

First among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
Mentioned in Shiva Purana and Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram

Historical Legacy:

According to tradition, successively built in:
Gold by Somraj (Moon God)
Silver by Ravana
Wood by Lord Krishna
Stone by King Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty
Temple witnessed repeated invasions beginning in 1026 CE
Rebuilt multiple times by rulers and devotees

Architectural Features:

Built in Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style
Components: Garbhagriha, Sabha Mandap, Nritya Mandap
150-foot-high Shikhar overlooking Arabian Sea

Geographical Significance:

Baan Stambh (Arrow Pillar) signifies no landmass between temple and South Pole
Reflects ancient Indian geographical understanding

"Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" Approach

The Prime Minister described Somnath as a symbol of India's unconquerable spirit, highlighting the approach of balancing development with heritage preservation.