India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in Shaurya Yatra at the Shree Somnath Mahadev Mandir in Gujarat. It is a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple.


PM Modi Participates in 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv'; Takes Part In 'Shaurya Yatra'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the forces that had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat after India gained independence are still active, and the country needs to remain alert, united and powerful to defeat them.</p><p>The history of Somnath is not that of destruction and defeat but of victory and renewal, but it is the cycle of time that fundamentalist invaders are now reduced to pages of history, but the Somnath Temple still stands tall, the PM said.</p><p>Prime Minister Modi was speaking at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv held to mark 1,000 years since the first invasion of the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in the year 1026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO | Somnath: Addressing a gathering at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, PM Modi (<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>) says, &quot;When Somnath Swabhiman Yatra is completing 1000 years, it also marks 75 years of its restoration in 1951… This Parv is not of the destruction that happened 1000… <a href="https://t.co/hNS6QaPeHz">pic.twitter.com/hNS6QaPeHz</a></p>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2010241961480057299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath Temple still stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory, the PM added.</p><p>“The true history of hatred, atrocity, and terror was concealed from us, and we were taught that the attack was an attempt to loot the temple,” PM Modi said.</p><p> </p><p>After independence, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took the oath of rebuilding the Somnath Temple, his path was obstructed, he said.</p><p>“Those involved in appeasement knelt before such people with extremist mindset, those forces are still present between us who tried to obstruct the rebuilding of the Somnath Temple. We need to remain alert, united and powerful to defeat such forces,” the prime minister said.</p><p> </p><p>“Somnath’s tale is the story of India; foreign invaders tried to destroy India many times, like this temple. The invaders thought that they had won by destroying the temple, but after 1,000 years, the flag of Somnath is still flying high,” Modi said.</p><p>This struggle of 1,000 years has no parallel in world history, he said.</p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that despite several repeated attempts over centuries for its destruction, the Somnath Temple still stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the forces that had opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat after India gained independence are still active, and the country needs to remain alert, united and powerful to defeat them. The history of Somnath is not that of destruction and defeat but of victory and renewal, but it is the cycle of time that fundamentalist invaders are now reduced to pages of history, but the Somnath Temple still stands tall, the PM said. Prime Minister Modi was speaking at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv held to mark 1,000 years since the first invasion of the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in the year 1026.

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that despite several repeated attempts over centuries for its destruction, the Somnath Temple still stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.</p>

Forces that opposed reconstruction of Somnath Temple still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat where he is scheduled to offer prayers. The visit to one of India’s most revered Jyotirlinga shrines comes amid heightened security and has drawn attention from devotees and political observers alike.

India: PM Modi Arrives at Somnath Temple; PM to Offer Prayers

Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath Temple in 1026. The historic temple symbolises the continuity of civilisations and stands as a testament to the will of the Indian people, who rebuilt the temple every time invaders destroyed it.

<p>Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath Temple in 1026. The historic temple symbolises continuity of civilisations and stands as a testament to the will of the Indian people, who rebuilt the temple every time invaders destroyed it.</p>

PM Modi attends Swabhiman Parv at Somnath to mark 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Anas Haqqani, the Taliban's leader, on Tuesday paid a visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi, the conqueror who stormed Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in the 11th century and lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">On Twitter, he praised Ghaznavi, who had previously attacked Gujarat, plundered the Somnath temple, and broken its jyotirlinga (idol).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">The tweet has enraged Indians, resulting in a backlash.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-haqqani-networks-anas-haqqani-says-india-is-not-a-true-friend-413565"><strong>Also read | Afghanistan: Haqqani network's Anas Haqqani says India is 'not a true friend'</strong></a><br />
<br />
"Today, we visited the shrine of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, a renowned Muslim warrior &amp; Mujahid of the 10th century. Ghaznavi (May the mercy of Allah be upon him) established a strong Muslim rule in the region from Ghazni &amp; smashed the idol of Somnath, tweeted Haqqani.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, we visited the shrine of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, a renowned Muslim warrior &amp; Mujahid of the 10th century. Ghaznavi (May the mercy of Allah be upon him) established a strong Muslim rule in the region from Ghazni &amp; smashed the idol of Somnath. <a href="https://t.co/Ja92gYjX5j">pic.twitter.com/Ja92gYjX5j</a></p>
— Anas Haqqani(انس حقاني) (@AnasHaqqani313) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasHaqqani313/status/1445435933214617602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>From 998 until 1030, Mahmud Ghaznavi was the first independent king of the Turkic dynasty of the Ghaznavids.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">His empire stretched from northern Iran to the Indian subcontinent's Punjab, Transoxiana's Khwarazm, and Makran.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">Ghaznavi is believed to have attacked and looted the wealthiest cities and temple towns in mediaeval India, such as Mathura and Somnath, seventeen times.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">In 1025, Mahmud Ghaznavi raided Gujarat, plundering and destroying the Somnath temple.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">Lord Shiva is the temple's main deity.<br />
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He utilised the wealth to expand his Ghazni capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">Ghaznavi targeted Hindu temples primarily because they were the Hindus' wealth, economics, and ideological centres.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Anas Haqqani, the Taliban's leader, on Tuesday paid a visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi, the conqueror who stormed Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in the 11th century and lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter.

Anas Haqqani, the Taliban's leader, on Tuesday paid a visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi, the conqueror who stormed Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in the 11th century and lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter." On Twitter, he praised Ghaznavi, who had previously attacked Gujarat, plundered the Somnath temple, and broken its jyotirlinga (idol). The tweet has enraged Indians, resulting in a backlash. Also read | Afghanistan: Haqqani network's Anas Haqqani says India is 'not a true friend' "Today, we visited the shrine of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, a renowned Muslim warrior & Mujahid of the 10th century. Ghaznavi (May the mercy of Allah be upon him) established a strong Muslim rule in the region from Ghazni & smashed the idol of Somnath, tweeted Haqqani. Today, we visited the shrine of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, a renowned Muslim warrior & Mujahid of the 10th century. Ghaznavi (May the mercy of Allah be upon him) established a strong Muslim rule in the region from Ghazni & smashed the idol of Somnath. pic.twitter.com/Ja92gYjX5j — Anas Haqqani(انس حقاني) (@AnasHaqqani313) October 5, 2021 × From 998 until 1030, Mahmud Ghaznavi was the first independent king of the Turkic dynasty of the Ghaznavids. His empire stretched from northern Iran to the Indian subcontinent's Punjab, Transoxiana's Khwarazm, and Makran. Ghaznavi is believed to have attacked and looted the wealthiest cities and temple towns in mediaeval India, such as Mathura and Somnath, seventeen times. In 1025, Mahmud Ghaznavi raided Gujarat, plundering and destroying the Somnath temple. Lord Shiva is the temple's main deity. He utilised the wealth to expand his Ghazni capital. Ghaznavi targeted Hindu temples primarily because they were the Hindus' wealth, economics, and ideological centres. (With inputs from agencies)

'He smashed the idol of Somnath': Taliban leader Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi

Anas Haqqani, the Taliban's leader, paid a visit to the mausoleum of Mahmud Ghaznavi, the conqueror who stormed Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in the 17th century and lauded him as a "great Muslim fighter."

'Ghaznavi's reign instilled pride in Taliban': Anas Haqqani praises Mahmud Ghaznavi

<p>Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat.</p>

<p>The announcement was made by Rupani at a gathering in Palanpur in Banaskantha district, around 145 km from here.</p>

<p>The move means that non-vegetarian food, such as meat and chicken, cannot be sold near the premises of these two temples.</p>

<p>While the Somnath temple is in Gir-Somnath district, the Ambaji temple is in Banaskantha district.</p>

<p>"I hereby declare a 500-metre area surrounding the pilgrimage places -- Somnath and Ambaji -- as vegetarian zones. From now on, there will be a total ban on selling non-vegetarian food in these areas," Rupani told the gathering.</p>

<p>Several religious outfits and the residents of these pilgrimage centres had been demanding such a measure since long.</p>

<p>Both the temples are top religious sites for Hindus, attracting pilgrims from all over the country as well as abroad.</p>


Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday declared as "vegetarian zones" a 500-metre area surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Somnath temple in Saurashtra and Ambaji temple in north Gujarat. The announcement was made by Rupani at a gathering in Palanpur in Banaskantha district, around 145 km from here. The move means that non-vegetarian food, such as meat and chicken, cannot be sold near the premises of these two temples. While the Somnath temple is in Gir-Somnath district, the Ambaji temple is in Banaskantha district. "I hereby declare a 500-metre area surrounding the pilgrimage places -- Somnath and Ambaji -- as vegetarian zones. From now on, there will be a total ban on selling non-vegetarian food in these areas," Rupani told the gathering. Several religious outfits and the residents of these pilgrimage centres had been demanding such a measure since long. Both the temples are top religious sites for Hindus, attracting pilgrims from all over the country as well as abroad.

Gujarat: 500-metre area around Somnath, Ambaji temples declared 'veg zones'

<p>&nbsp;A new controversy erupted after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi&#39;s visit to the Somnath temple in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The controversy emerged after a picture was circulated showing Rahul Gandhi&#39;s signature in a register that records&nbsp;the entry of &quot;non-Hindus&quot;&nbsp;in the temple.</p>

<p>The entry was reportedly made by his media coordinator Manoj Tiwari. The name of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel was also included in the register, a media report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader Randeep S Surejwala issued a clarification saying that Rahul Gandhi signed only the visitor&#39;s book.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: &quot; Rahulji made an entry into the visitor&#39;s book. The signature which is being talked of is different, neither it is Rahul Gandhi nor was the register ever given to him.&quot;</p>

<p>He further said that Rahul Gandhi is not only a Hindu, he is a &quot;janeu&nbsp;dhari&quot; Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not only is Rahul Gandhi ji a Hindu, he is a &#39;janeu dhari&#39; Hindu. So BJP should not bring down the political discourse to this level: RS Surjewala,Congress <a href="https://t.co/YY5MKQEKt5">pic.twitter.com/YY5MKQEKt5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935853419016761344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another Congress leader Deependra Hooda showed a picture of the &quot;original signature&quot; of Rahul Gandhi. He said: &quot;The other signature was written as Rahul Gandhi ji, why would he write ji?&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the original signature of Rahul Gandhi at Somnath Temple.Very clearly. The other signature is written as &#39;Rahul Gandhi ji&#39;, why would he write ji? Don&#39;t know who wrote it. BJP doing what it does best, diverting from real issues: Deependra Hooda,Congress <a href="https://t.co/CeRqJnlA6A">pic.twitter.com/CeRqJnlA6A</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935844144483778560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, &quot;For Rahul Gandhi and Congress religion is a matter of convenience and not devotion. Rahul Gandhi must answer this.&quot;</p>

<p>Patra&nbsp;added: &quot;They say this is a conspiracy but we say Congress is a conspiracy. The tip of the iceberg of their conspiracy is visible today. There is no conspiracy by anyone. You are a sinner, sin is yours. Rahul Gandhi must say who he actually is.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;During his last visit to the poll-bound state earlier in November, the Congress leader had visited&nbsp;the Swaminarayan&nbsp;Akshardham&nbsp;temple&nbsp;in Gandhinagar. He had also visited Ambaji&nbsp;temple.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Somnath Temple in Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/4i4QF0TT8Q">pic.twitter.com/4i4QF0TT8Q</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935786772818038784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The controversy emerged after a picture was circulated showing Rahul Gandhi's signature in a register that records?the entry of non-Hindus?in the temple

A new controversy erupted after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Somnath temple in Gujarat. The controversy emerged after a picture was circulated showing Rahul Gandhi's signature in a register that records the entry of "non-Hindus" in the temple. The entry was reportedly made by his media coordinator Manoj Tiwari. The name of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel was also included in the register, a media report stated. Congress leader Randeep S Surejwala issued a clarification saying that Rahul Gandhi signed only the visitor's book. He said: " Rahulji made an entry into the visitor's book. The signature which is being talked of is different, neither it is Rahul Gandhi nor was the register ever given to him." He further said that Rahul Gandhi is not only a Hindu, he is a "janeu dhari" Hindu. Not only is Rahul Gandhi ji a Hindu, he is a 'janeu dhari' Hindu. So BJP should not bring down the political discourse to this level: RS Surjewala,Congress pic.twitter.com/YY5MKQEKt5 — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 × Another Congress leader Deependra Hooda showed a picture of the "original signature" of Rahul Gandhi. He said: "The other signature was written as Rahul Gandhi ji, why would he write ji?" Here is the original signature of Rahul Gandhi at Somnath Temple.Very clearly. The other signature is written as 'Rahul Gandhi ji', why would he write ji? Don't know who wrote it. BJP doing what it does best, diverting from real issues: Deependra Hooda,Congress pic.twitter.com/CeRqJnlA6A — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 × Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "For Rahul Gandhi and Congress religion is a matter of convenience and not devotion. Rahul Gandhi must answer this." Patra added: "They say this is a conspiracy but we say Congress is a conspiracy. The tip of the iceberg of their conspiracy is visible today. There is no conspiracy by anyone. You are a sinner, sin is yours. Rahul Gandhi must say who he actually is." During his last visit to the poll-bound state earlier in November, the Congress leader had visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar. He had also visited Ambaji temple. Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Somnath Temple in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/4i4QF0TT8Q — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 ×

Row over Rahul Gandhi's 'religion' after visit to Somnath Temple

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