PM Modi joins Somnath Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of the restored Somnath Temple's consecration (1951)
On 11 May 2026 PM Narendra Modi took part in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, marking 75 years since the restored Somnath Temple was consecrated in 1951.
Summary
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, held at the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat on 11 May 2026, marked 75 years since the consecration of the restored temple in 1951. PM Narendra Modi performed the Mahapuja and Kumbhabhishek and said that if India became independent in 1947, the 1951 Pran Pratishtha of Somnath proclaimed India's independent consciousness. The PM paid tribute to the architects of the restoration, including Sardar Patel, Dr Rajendra Prasad and K M Munshi. After Independence, Sardar Patel took up the temple's restoration, and in 1951 the restored temple was opened to devotees in the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad; the temple was first attacked and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD.
Key facts
- Event
- Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, 11 May 2026, Prabhas Patan (Gujarat)
- Marks
- 75 years since consecration of the restored temple in 1951
- 1951 opening
- In the presence of President Dr Rajendra Prasad
- Restoration
- Taken up by Sardar Patel after Independence
- History
- First attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD; new temple by Ahilyabai Holkar after Aurangzeb
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav held on 11 May 2026 marked how many years since the consecration of the restored Somnath Temple?
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Correct answer: B — 75 years
The Mahotsav marked 75 years since the restored temple was consecrated in 1951; 1,000 years refers to Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack in 1026 AD.
In 1951 the restored Somnath Temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of which dignitary?
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Correct answer: D — President Dr Rajendra Prasad
PIB notes that in 1951 the restored temple was opened to devotees in the presence of the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad; Sardar Patel had taken up the restoration after Independence.
Consider the following statements about the Somnath Temple: 1. Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the temple in 1026 AD. 2. After Aurangzeb's desecration, a new temple was established by Ahilyabai Holkar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as recalled by the PM at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (PIB, 11 January 2026).