New Delhi, Jan 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invoked the Somnath temple as a powerful symbol of India’s resilience and civilisational continuity, noting that 2026 will mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the historic shrine, which he said still “stands tall” despite repeated assaults over the centuries.

“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as the country prepares to commemorate a millennium since the first recorded attack on the Somnath temple in Gujarat, one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and among the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Over centuries, the temple was attacked and destroyed multiple times, most notably during medieval invasions, before being rebuilt repeatedly by devotees and rulers.

Somnath occupies a central place in India’s historical and political discourse, often cited as a symbol of cultural endurance. After Independence, the temple’s reconstruction was spearheaded by leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and it was inaugurated in its present form in 1951, a moment widely seen as emblematic of national resurgence.

Modi, who has frequently highlighted themes of heritage, faith and civilisational pride, has in recent years linked the revival of ancient temples and cultural sites to a broader narrative of India reclaiming its historical identity. His reference to “countless children of Bharat Mata” underscores the emphasis on collective sacrifice and continuity rather than any single ruler or era.

The 1,000-year milestone is expected to be marked by religious and cultural events at Somnath and elsewhere, with the temple trust and the Gujarat government likely to play a key role in commemorations.

For many devotees and supporters, PM Modi’s message reinforces Somnath’s enduring status not merely as a place of worship, but as a testament to what the Prime Minister has repeatedly described as the “unbreakable spirit” of Indian civilisation. UNI SKA AAB