Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini declared that the Somnath Temple is far more than a religious landmark, describing it as an immortal symbol of India’s eternal consciousness, unwavering faith, and national self-respect. Speaking as the chief guest at the state-level “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” held at the Sri Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple in Arunay, Pehowa, the Chief Minister emphasized that the temple represents a resilient spirit that has empowered the nation to rise again after every conflict and adversity. During the event, Saini joined devotees in watching a live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the Somnath Temple, where the Prime Minister performed special prayers. The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to honour gathered saints and religious leaders with traditional shawls, marking the spiritual significance of the occasion at the confluence of the ancient Arunay and Saraswati rivers.
The “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” is a year-long national celebration marking 75 years since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, running from January 11, 2026, until early 2027. Chief Minister Saini announced that as part of the Chief Minister’s Tirth Yatra Yojana, a special train will depart from Haryana on June 8, 2026, to carry senior citizens and economically disadvantaged residents to the Somnath Temple for a pilgrimage. He noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s spiritual and cultural heritage has gained a new global identity, citing the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Kedarnath as primary examples of a modern cultural renaissance. He remarked that this is an era where development and heritage move forward together, strengthening the nation’s spiritual roots.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the site, Saini noted that Somnath holds the distinction of being the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. He reminded the audience that while foreign invaders repeatedly attempted to loot and destroy the temple to erase India’s identity, the structure rose with greater courage each time because the essence of “Sanatan” resides in the hearts of the people rather than just physical buildings. He credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the post-independence vow to rebuild the temple as a restoration of national honour and recalled that India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the reconstructed temple in May 1951. The Chief Minister urged the younger generation to connect with this civilizational legacy, asserting that India is not merely a geographic boundary but a profound spiritual consciousness.
The Haryana government remains committed to the preservation and development of the state’s own religious and historical landmarks. Saini highlighted that there are 367 pilgrimage sites within the 48-kos Kurukshetra region, and the state is actively working to restore those that have faded over time. Following a detailed survey in 2023, 18 new sites were added to the official documentation list, bringing the total to 182. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, Kurukshetra was included in the Krishna Circuit in 2015, and plans are underway to develop 134 locations within the 48-kos area as major centres for tourism and spirituality. The recently inaugurated Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, which uses modern technology to bring the history of the Mahabharata to life, was cited as a key achievement in this ongoing effort.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj also addressed the gathering, stating that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv serves as a reminder of the patience and resilience inherent in Indian history. He remarked that those who sought to destroy the temple have been relegated to the corners of history, while the flag of Somnath continues to fly high as a message of strength. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri, Sant Bansi Puri, and former Minister Subhash Sudha, alongside a large number of devotees who gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Somnath Temple and its role in defining the national character of India.
