Somnath (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India’s ancestors had laid down their lives to protect the Somnath Temple a thousand years ago, as he addressed a gathering during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. “Our ancestors had staked their lives for Somnath temple 1,000 years ago,” PM Modi said while speaking at the event held in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district.

The Prime Minister also recalled the 1,000-year-old attack on the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni, emphasised that even though the invaders might have thought they had triumphed, even today, a thousand years later, the flag flying atop the Somnath Mahadev Temple stands as a testament to India's strength, power, and resilience.

Addressing a gathering after the Shaurya Yatra concluded here, PM Modi paid tribute to the ancestors of those present, saying they, like generations before, risked their lives for their faith, their beliefs, and for Lord Mahadev.

"As I speak to you today, the question keeps arising in my mind: exactly one thousand years ago, at this very place where you are sitting, what would the atmosphere have been like? The ancestors of those present here, your ancestors, our ancestors--risked their lives for their faith, for their beliefs, for Lord Mahadev. A thousand years ago, the attackers might have thought they had won, but even today, a thousand years later, the flag flying atop the Somnath Mahadev Temple proclaims to the entire universe the strength of India, its power, and its resilience," PM Modi said.

PM Modi also highlighted the grandeur of the ongoing festivities. He shared his experience from yesterday evening, which featured a remarkable display of 1,000 students from Vedic Gurukuls, presented through 1,000 drones, showcasing Somnath's thousand-year-old legacy.

"For 72 continuous hours, there has been uninterrupted chanting of Omkar, 72 continuous hours of mantra recitation, and I saw yesterday evening the presence of a thousand students from Vedic Gurukuls showcased through 1,000 drones, the depiction of Somnath's thousand-year-old legacy, and today, a heroic procession to the temple with 108 horses. The marvellous presentation of mantras and devotional songs is utterly enchanting," PM Modi said.

Describing the moment, he emphasised that the occasion was extraordinary, and that the presence of Lord Mahadev, the vast ocean waves, the sun's rays, the echoing mantras, and the devotion of thousands of attendees had made the celebration truly divine.

"This moment is extraordinary, this atmosphere is extraordinary, this celebration is extraordinary. On one hand, Lord Mahadev himself, and on the other, the vast waves of the ocean, the rays of the sun, the echo of the mantras, the surge of devotion--and in this divine environment, the presence of all of you, devotees of Somnath, is making this occasion truly divine. I consider it a great fortune that, as the President of the Somnath Temple Trust, I have the opportunity to actively serve in the Somnath Swabhimaan Festival," he said.

The Prime Minister made the remark after leading the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour the warriors who defended the historic shrine. The march featured a symbolic display of 108 horses, representing courage and sacrifice, and formed a key part of the Swabhiman Parv observances.

Large crowds lined the route as the Prime Minister took part in the yatra. The sound of the damru, the sacred instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air as people welcomed him by showering flowers and raising chants.

Following the yatra, PM Modi offered prayers at the Shree Somnath Mandir as part of the ongoing religious and cultural programme.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed from January 8 to January 11. The event marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026, an episode that led to repeated destruction and rebuilding of the shrine over centuries.

(with inputs from agencies)