PM Modi addresses Somnath Swabhiman Parv marking 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath
PM Narendra Modi addressed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at Somnath, Gujarat on 11 January 2026, marking a thousand years since Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked the temple in 1026 AD and 75 years since its reconstruction in 1951.
Summary
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held at Somnath, Gujarat from 8 to 11 January 2026, was addressed by PM Narendra Modi on 11 January as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. The Parv marks a thousand years since Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the temple in 1026 AD, and coincides with 75 years since its reconstruction in 1951, when President Dr Rajendra Prasad came to Somnath. The PM recalled that after Aurangzeb desecrated the shrine, Ahilyabai Holkar built a new temple, and that Sardar Patel pledged its rebuilding after Independence. The events included 72 hours of continuous Omkar chanting, a show by a thousand drones and a 'Shourya Yatra' with 108 horses.
Key facts
- Event
- Somnath Swabhiman Parv, 8–11 January 2026, Somnath (Gujarat)
- PM's role
- Addressed on 11 January as Chairman, Somnath Temple Trust
- First attack
- 1026 AD, by Mahmud of Ghazni
- Reconstruction
- 1951 — 75 years in 2026; President Dr Rajendra Prasad attended
- Revival after Aurangzeb
- New temple built by Ahilyabai Holkar
- Highlights
- 72-hour Omkar chanting; 1,000 drones; Shourya Yatra with 108 horses
Practice MCQs 4 questions
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv held in January 2026 marked a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath temple by whom?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Mahmud of Ghazni
PIB (PMO): PM Modi recalled that in 1026 AD Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the Somnath temple.
In which year was the Somnath temple reconstructed, an event that completed 75 years in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1951
PIB (PMO): the thousand-year Swabhiman journey coincides with seventy-five years since the temple's reconstruction in 1951.
According to PM Modi's address at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, who established a new temple at Somnath after its desecration by Aurangzeb?
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Correct answer: A — Ahilyabai Holkar
PIB (PMO): after Aurangzeb desecrated Somnath, Ahilyabai Holkar established a new temple, bringing Somnath back to life.
Consider the following statements about the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, 2026: 1. It was held at Somnath from 8 to 11 January 2026. 2. PM Modi addressed it in his capacity as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. 3. A 'Shourya Yatra' with 1,000 horses reached the temple. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Shourya Yatra had 108 horses; it was the drone show that used a thousand drones.