Delhi, January 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared an Op-Ed marking the historic milestone of 1000 years since the first attack on Somnath in 1026 AD.
The Prime Minister emphasised that despite repeated assaults over centuries, Somnath continues to stand tall as a symbol of India’s enduring spirit.
He noted that Somnath’s story is not merely about a temple, but about the unbreakable courage of countless children of Bharat Mata who safeguarded the nation’s culture and civilisation.
In separate posts on X, Modi wrote, “Jai Somnath! 2026 marks 1000 years since the first attack on Somnath took place. Despite repeated attacks subsequently, Somnath stands tall! This is because Somnath’s story is about the unbreakable courage of countless children of Bharat Mata who protected our culture and civilisation.”
He recalled that the temple was first attacked by Turkish ruler Mahmud Ghazni in 1024 AD and has been rebuilt several times after further attacks. Modi described the story of Somnath as one of the unbreakable courage of many Indians who defended the nation's culture and civilisation.
Modi wrote, “The first invasion of Somnath a thousand years ago in 1026, the cruelty that was unleashed upon the people of the town and the devastation that was inflicted upon the shrine have been documented in great detail in various historical accounts. When you read them, the heart trembles. Each line carries the weight of grief, cruelty and a sorrow that refuses to fade with time.”
Modi said the year 2026 is significant for the Somnath Temple. It has been 1,000 years since the first attack on this great shrine. It was in January of 1026 that Mahmud of Ghazni attacked this Temple, seeking to destroy a great symbol of faith and civilisation, through a violent and barbaric invasion.
“Yet, one thousand years later, the Temple stands as glorious as ever because of numerous efforts to restore Somnath to its grandeur. One such milestone completes 75 years in 2026. It was during a ceremony on May 11th 1951, in the presence of the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, that the restored Temple opened its doors to devotees,” said PM Modi.
