Rajkot witnessed the launch of a special four-day train service to Somnath on Thursday, marking the beginning of a grand festival celebrating 75 years of the Somnath temple’s renovation and 1,000 years since historic attacks on the shrine. The Somnath Mahadev temple, a spiritual centre in Saurashtra, is hosting the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ to honour its rich heritage and resilience.
The station echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as devotees gathered to witness the train’s departure. BJP leader Madhav Dave told the press that the festival highlights the significance of Somnath among the twelve Jyotirlingas, being the first worshipped. He added that the temple’s restoration 75 years ago and the 1,000-year remembrance of historic invasions reflect attacks on Hindu faith, making the celebrations all the more meaningful.
A passenger shared his excitement about visiting Somnath to seek Lord Mahadev’s blessings, calling the pilgrimage a deeply personal experience. He said, “I have been planning this journey for a long time and am thrilled to get the opportunity to have darshan of Mahadev directly at the temple.”
Situated on the coast of Saurashtra, the Somnath temple is a timeless symbol of Indian civilisation and devotion. The year 2026 marks the 1,000th anniversary of the first major assault on the temple by Mahmud Ghaznavi in January 1026, alongside the 75th anniversary of its reconstruction in independent India on 11 May 1951.
To commemorate these historic milestones, the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is being organised in Prabhas Patan, extending throughout the year with main events held from 8 to 11 January. The festival aims to remember the repeated attacks on Hindu faith and celebrate the temple’s revival and enduring spirit.
Special arrangements for devotees include the newly launched four-day Special Train Service from Rajkot to Somnath. The festival’s cultural programmes feature 72 hours of continuous Omkar chanting, conch blowing, devotional music, folk dances, and a spectacular drone show involving 3,000 drones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Somnath on 11 January to offer prayers and participate in the events. In his blog, he described the story of Somnath not as one of destruction but of pride and resurgence. He said the festival will stand as a symbol of India’s steadfast cultural heritage.