The history of the Somnath temple, regarded as an eternal symbol of faith, courage, and Indian civilization, is once again in the spotlight. The 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv' is being organized this year to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple and the 75th anniversary of its reopening after reconstruction.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at the Somnath temple on May 11. Located in Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, the Somnath temple is considered the first and most sacred among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple, described in the Shiva Purana, is a major center for the worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Shakti.

The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra also places Somnath at the top, reflecting its supreme identity in India's spiritual and cultural heritage. The history of the Somnath temple is a remarkable tale of struggle and reconstruction. The first major attack on this temple occurred in 1026.

Subsequently, from the 11th to the 18th century, the temple was destroyed and looted multiple times, but each time devotees and kings rebuilt it. In the 12th century, King Kumarpal oversaw the temple's reconstruction. Later, the king of Junagadh and the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore also gave the Somnath temple a new identity.

After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, visited the ruins of Somnath in 1947 and resolved to reconstruct it, believing that its rebuilding would restore India's cultural confidence. Following this, the current temple was constructed in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style with public participation and national resolve. On May 11, 1951, India's first President, Rajendra Prasad, reopened the temple.

Today, 75 years later, Somnath remains a symbol of India's faith, pride, and spiritual strength. The story of Somnath is not limited to the temple itself but also includes the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect it, notably Veer Hamirji Gohil, who is believed to have died defending the temple during the attack by Zafar Khan in 1299. The 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv' is a celebration of India's unwavering faith and cultural renaissance.

This event serves as a reminder of the first attack in 1026 while also conveying the message of India's cultural rebirth through the reopening of the temple in 1951. Prime Minister Modi, who is also the president of the Somnath Trust, has described the temple as a symbol of India's 'invincible spirit.' He announced that special prayers will be held at Somnath for the next 1,000 days under the mantra of 'both development and heritage.' The Prime Minister has also urged people to visit Somnath during this historic period. In January 2026, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv, during which the Omkar mantra was chanted for 72 hours, and special prayers were conducted for the prosperity of the nation.

A grand valor procession with 108 horses was also held in Prabhas Patan, dedicated to the warriors who protected the temple. A special train was launched on April 30, 2026, under the 'Chalo Chalen Somnath' campaign from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi, with over 1,300 devotees participating. The journey reached Somnath on May 1, where rituals, cultural programs, and a light and sound show were organized.

This magnificent temple, located by the Arabian Sea, is adorned with a 150-foot high spire topped with a 10-ton kalash. The temple complex features 1,666 golden kalash and 14,200 flags, enhancing its grandeur. Every year, 9.2 to 9.7 million devotees visit for darshan.

The Somnath Trust is not limited to religious activities but also plays a significant role in education, health, women's empowerment, and environmental conservation. The Trust runs computer education, sewing, digital literacy, and employment training programs for rural youth and women. Initiatives like 'School on Wheels' are bringing digital education to villages.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust provided assistance of ₹8.73 crore during the first wave and ₹2.21 crore during the second wave, along with a contribution of ₹1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. It also worked on establishing oxygen plants, providing medical assistance, and delivering rations to needy families. Somnath was declared a 'Clean Iconic Place' in 2018.

Here, vermicompost is made from temple flowers, power blocks are created from plastic waste, and approximately 3 million liters of water are recycled each month. A Miyawaki forest with 7,200 trees absorbs about 93,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. In the field of women's empowerment, Somnath has become a model, with 262 women among the 906 employees of the temple trust.

Women play significant roles in everything from Bilva forest management to prasad distribution and food service. A total of 363 women have been directly employed, earning an annual income of approximately ₹9 crore.

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Rajkot, April 14, 2025 — A concerning trend is emerging from the outskirts of Gujarat's Gir Forest, where rising temperatures and unregulated resort development are forcing Asiatic lions to seek shelter in nearby villages and farmlands. As per media report, a recent incident in Bamangadh village, situated near the Rajkot-Junagadh district border in Bhensan Taluka, has intensified local fears after two lionesses and their three cubs were spotted in a fenced agricultural plot.

According to Priyavadan Korat, a local landowner and former board member, the lion family entered the farm enclosure during the night, possibly through a gate that had been left open. Trapped inside the seven-foot-high boundary, the lions have been unable to leave, creating panic among farmers who are now afraid to tend to their crops. The forest department has been alerted and is monitoring the situation.

This is not the first time lions have taken refuge near human settlements in the region. A pride of ten lions had previously been sighted in the area and remained there throughout the monsoon season. However, villagers report that leopards, which are more commonly seen year-round and often prey on pet dogs, pose a greater nuisance than lions.

Wildlife experts and locals point to a growing concern over the diminishing natural habitat of the Gir lions. The increasing construction of resorts and influx of tourists in and around the forest have significantly restricted the movement of wildlife. During summer months, the drying up of natural water sources forces animals like lions and leopards to venture beyond forest boundaries in search of water and food.

Farmers are now urging the forest department to implement a long-term solution that protects both human lives and wildlife. They stress the importance of preserving natural habitats to prevent such dangerous encounters. As incidents like these become more frequent, the call for better forest management and responsible eco-tourism practices is growing louder among residents and environmentalists alike.

Gir/New Delhi, March 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a positive update on India’s wildlife conservation efforts on the occasion of World Wildlife Day, emphasizing the significant rise in the population of various wild animals over the past decade. Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister posted a series of updates, including a glimpse of his own wildlife photography.

As per agency report, Modi highlighted that the population of tigers, leopards, and rhinoceroses has grown significantly in the past decade, reflecting India’s commitment to preserving its wildlife and creating sustainable habitats for these species. He also shared images from his visit to Gir, where he captured a pride of lions resting in their natural habitat, expressing his enthusiasm for photography.

During his visit to Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district, the Prime Minister enjoyed a jungle safari and observed Asiatic lions up close. He recalled his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, stating that collective conservation efforts have contributed to the steady rise in the population of Asiatic lions. He also acknowledged the vital role of tribal communities and local women in protecting lion habitats, praising their dedication to conservation.

Before embarking on the safari, Modi shared a video on social media, urging people to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and preserving the planet’s biodiversity. He emphasized that every species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and called for continued efforts to secure their future for generations to come.

The Prime Minister also reflected on India’s deep-rooted cultural connection to biodiversity, citing a 2023 speech from Mysuru during the 50-year celebration of Project Tiger, where he had highlighted India's longstanding tradition of wildlife conservation. His visit and remarks reinforced India’s dedication to safeguarding its rich biodiversity and ensuring the protection of its wildlife heritage.

Jamnagar, March 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Vantara Animal Rescue, Conservation, and Rehabilitation Center in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district on Sunday morning. Spread across 3,000 acres within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex, Vantara is dedicated to wildlife welfare, providing sanctuary, rehabilitation, and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.

As per agency report, following his visit to Vantara, Prime Minister Modi will head to the renowned Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district to offer prayers. He will also chair a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust, which oversees the management of this historic religious site. The Prime Minister serves as the chairman of the trust.

During his Gujarat tour, Modi arrived on Saturday evening to participate in several key programs, including chairing a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary headquarters in Sasan.

After an overnight stay in Sasan, Modi is scheduled to enjoy a jungle safari on Monday. Upon returning to Sinh Sadan, he will preside over the NBWL meeting in his capacity as its ex-officio chairman. The board consists of 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, representatives from various states, NGOs working in the wildlife sector, Chief Wildlife Wardens, and state secretaries. Officials have confirmed that following the meeting, the Prime Minister will also engage in discussions with female forest officers in Sasan.

Gir Somnath, Gujarat - Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday addressed the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. He urged all Indians to join hands in building a developed and self-reliant India.

"Only 130 crore Indians can make India developed, first and self-reliant in every field," Shah said. "To achieve this goal, this journey will go to every area of the country."

He emphasized the importance of collective effort in realizing the vision of a developed India. "The resolution that we all have taken for a developed India is not just a word, but a sacred thought of bringing crores of poor people of the country equal to everyone else. In this we have to add the strength of everyone's resolve," he stated.

Key Points of Amit Shah's Address:

• Remembering and honoring the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
• Taking pride in India's achievements over the past 75 years.
• Preserving India's rich cultural heritage.
• Working towards a developed India in the next 25 years.

Shah highlighted the Prime Minister's vision of the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, which aims to reach every Panchayat in the country and spread awareness about the Modi government's public welfare schemes. He commended the Gujarat government's efforts in implementing these schemes effectively.

Key Achievements of the Modi Government:

• Providing basic facilities like housing, gas connections, toilets, drinking water, and electricity to millions of people.
• Introducing Ayushman Bharat health cards, providing free health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh.
• Initiating the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, ensuring universal access to banking services.
• Implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana, providing annual financial assistance to farmers.

Amit Shah's call for collective action underscores the importance of citizen participation in nation-building. By working together, Indians can overcome challenges and achieve the shared goal of a prosperous and developed India.

Veraval, Gujarat - Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his wife arrived in Veraval, Gujarat on Saturday morning to visit the Somnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines. After offering prayers to Lord Shiva, the Home Minister performed Someshwar Mahapuja, Dhwaja Puja, and Padya Puja. He also hoisted the flag at the temple and resolved to perform Homactic Laghurudra Yagya on the monthly Shivratri of every month.

The Home Minister's visit to the Somnath Temple was a significant occasion for the local community. He was accompanied by a large entourage of officials, including Somnath Trust Secretary Yogendra Desai, General Manager Vijaysingh Chavda, Collector HK Wadhwania, District Development Officer Ravindra Khatale, District Superintendent of Police Manoharsingh Jadeja, Provincial Officer KV Bati, District BJP Chief Mahendra Peethiya, and General Secretary Dilip Barad.

Amit Shah's visit to the Somnath Temple is the latest in a series of visits by high-ranking officials to the Hindu pilgrimage site. In recent years, the temple has been visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and several other dignitaries.

The Somnath Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gujarat. It is believed to be one of the first Jyotirlinga shrines to be established in India. The temple is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday participated in the ongoing 'Somnath to Ayodhya Ram Naam Mantra Lekhan Yagya' at the Somnath Trust's Shri Ram Temple in Prabhas Patan. The yagya was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Gujarat.

During his visit, Patel also performed devotional worship and Jalabhishek of the first Jyotirlinga of Somnath Mahadev. He praised the unique similarities between Somnath and Ram temple, saying that the yagya will help to strengthen the unity of the nation.

The Ram Naam mantras written in Somnath will be dedicated at the time of consecration of the grand Ram temple being built in Ayodhya. Patel said that the yagya is a bridge that is being built in the form of writing, and that the more than 1.51 lakh names of Ram being written on the first day is a proof of the devotees' devotion.

The Chief Minister also congratulated the Somnath Trust for connecting devotees from India and abroad with the yagya. He said that the yagya is a blessed opportunity for everyone to participate in.

On this occasion, Trustee of Somnath Trust Shri J. D. Parmar and Secretary Shri Yogendrabhai Desai welcomed and honored the Chief Minister.

Gir Somnath, Oct 17 (IANS) A fisherman from Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district was reported dead in a jail in Pakistan earlier this month.

This is the second such death in the last three months, said Samudra Shramik Sangh (SSS), an NGO dedicated to the welfare of the state's fishermen, on Tuesday.

The deceased, identified as Bhupatbhai Jeevabhai Vala, 55, of Dudana village in the Kodinar block, died on October 9 as informed by fellow fishermen detained in the same Karachi prison. 

Vala was arrested by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) on October 12, 2021. He was allegedly found fishing aboard the trawler Raj Trishul in the Arabian Sea, an act purported by Pakistani authorities to be a breach of their territorial waters. Consequently, he was incarcerated in Karachi.

Vala leaves behind a bereaved family consisting of his wife, three daughters and a son.

Adding to the community's anguish, this incident closely follows the death of another local fisherman, Jagdish Mangal Bamaniya, from Nanavada village of the same block. Bamaniya's life was cut short in Malir jail, Karachi, on August 6 of this year. After a wait of 42 days, his family was finally handed his remains, which they laid to rest on September 17.

Gir, Aug 16 (IANS) Gir Somnath district, Gujarat, has recorded a surge in wildlife attacks on humans, and the latest man-animal conflict was reported when a two-year-old boy lost his life in a leopard attack.

The incident occurred on August 14 in Matana village, situated within the Veraval range forest, which is known to be home to several leopards. 

The infant was playing near his house when the leopard pounced, dragging him away.

The villagers recounted how the leopard had swiftly snatched the child and vanished into the wilderness.

In response to this devastating occurrence and the presence of leopards in the vicinity, authorities installed three traps to capture the elusive feline, and plans to set up three more soon.

It has been disclosed that within the past six months, at least six people have fallen victim to leopard attacks in the area.

This unsettling pattern of human-wildlife conflict is not unique to leopards. The region has also seen a considerable number of lion attacks resulting in fatalities and injuries. The statistics reveal that, on average, one human death per 100 lions and two deaths per 100 leopards have occurred over the past two years.

The alarming surge in lion attacks is concerning given the saturated population within the sanctuary and the increasing number of lions venturing into unprotected areas beyond its boundaries.

Data shows that human deaths caused by lions witnessed a dramatic 150 per cent increase from two in 2021 to five in 2022. However, the number of injuries slightly decreased by 9.5 per cent, going from 21 in 2021 to 19 in 2022.

Leopard-related human deaths, on the other hand, experienced a decline of 20 per cent, dropping from 15 in 2021 to 12 in 2022.

Similarly, injuries from leopard attacks also decreased by 20 per cent, with 105 injuries in 2021 compared to 84 in 2022.

Earlier, the government responded to these tragedies with financial compensation for the victims and their families. Compensation of Rs 33 lakh was provided for lion-related deaths and Rs 2.27 lakh for injuries. In the case of leopards, the state government allocated Rs 1.20 crore for compensation and Rs 12.33 lakh for the injured.

Ahmedabad - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Gujarat on April 17th has been canceled due to a meeting with a foreign delegation and the upcoming Karnataka elections. PM Modi was slated to inaugurate the Saurashtra Tamil Sangam event at Gir Somnath.

The Saurashtra Tamil Sangam was announced on March 19th in Chennai, where its logo, theme song, and registration portal were unveiled. The event garnered a significant response, with more than 10,000 people registering within 24 hours of the portal's launch.

Despite PM Modi's absence, the Tamil Sangam program on April 17th will proceed as planned. The event, which includes a roadshow, aims to honor individuals who migrated from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and settled in Tamil Nadu. The cultural program seeks to foster cultural exchange between the two states.

In the context of preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gujarat was considered significant for planning purposes. With his visit canceled, it remains to be seen how the BJP will adjust its strategy in the lead-up to the elections.

Sri Somnath Sanskrit University holds 15th graduation ceremony, Governor stresses on importance of Sanskrit In the 15th graduation ceremony of Sri Somnath Sanskrit University, degrees were conferred on Sanskrit literature, Veda-Vedang, grammar, philosophy, Purana, and modern science by Chancellor and Governor Sri Acharya Devvratji. In his address, the Governor stressed on the role of Sanskrit in Indian culture, as it instills socially orderly virtues and creates an environment of peace and harmony. The Governor called for Sanskrit to be restored as a vernacular language, as it has the potential to spread rapidly around the world and benefit India. Education Minister Shri Prafullabhai Pansheria also attended the ceremony virtually and emphasized that the efforts to spread the language and knowledge of Sanskrit on a wide scale are started by the Sanskrit universities.

The ceremony saw a total of 785 degree certificates being awarded, including 18 gold medals and four silver medals, with a total of 22 medals being awarded to students. Sri Gopalkrishna Trust, Junagadh, and the MoU between the University and the Sanskrit scholar Dr. Ram Kishore Kedar Prasad Tripathi were conferred with the Shrimati Saraswati Ben Jayanthilal Bhatta Sanskrit Vidwan-2023 Award. The Vice Chancellor of Delhi Central Sanskrit University Prof. Srinivasawarkhedi and other distinguished guests were also present at the ceremony. The event was a wonderful synthesis of culture and science, celebrating the rich history and modern importance of the Sanskrit language.

Mumbai: Reliance Industries Ltd. Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his son Akash visited and prayed at the famed Somnath Temple in Gujarat on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Saturday, officials said here.

Mukesh Ambani and Akash -- who is the Chairman of Reliance Jio, were welcomed by the Somnath Temple Trust Chairman P.K. Lahiri and Secretary Yogendra Desai.

The father-son duo offered prayers and 'abhishek', while the temple pujari presented them with a stole and sandal paste.

To mark the auspicious festival, Ambani made a donation of Rs 1.51 crore to the Somnath Temple Trust.

Rooted in traditions, the Ambani family always celebrates all Hindu festivals with fervour.

The famed Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlings in India, and situated in Gir district of Gujarat near the ancient port of Veraval on the Arabian Sea shore.

(IANS)