Archive · 12 Jan 2026
PM Modi Honors Somnath Temple Defenders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a special event called the Shaurya Yatra in Somnath, Gujarat.
This event honored brave people who protected the Somnath temple long ago.
The procession included 108 horses, musicians playing damru (a small drum), and dancers from all over India.
PM Modi played the damru himself and paid respects to important historical figures like Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The temple was attacked many times over 1,000 years, but it was rebuilt and stands strong today.
The event is part of a four-day celebration called Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which remembers the temple's history and the people who defended it.
PM Modi also prayed at the temple and will speak to the public about its significance.
Additionally, Modi has taken steps to improve the pilgrimage experience, including better cleanliness, parking, and a museum about India's temple heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honoring defenders of the Somnath temple.
The event featured 108 horses, damru players, and traditional dance performances from artists across India.
PM Modi played the damru, paid floral tributes to Veer Hamirji Gohil and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and offered prayers at the temple.
The procession marked 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple and celebrated its resilience and restoration.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8-11, 2026, commemorates the temple's history and the sacrifices of its defenders.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, artists, 108 horses from Gujarat Police
- What
- Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession to honor those who defended the Somnath temple, including prayers and tributes
- When
- January 11, 2026, as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (January 8-11, 2026)
- Where
- Somnath, Gujarat, India, from Shankh Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle
- Why
- To commemorate 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple and honor the sacrifices of those who defended it
- Event
- Shaurya Yatra and Somnath Swabhiman Parv
- Location
- Somnath, Gujarat, India
- Date
- January 11, 2026
- Participants
- PM Narendra Modi, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, 108 horses, damru players, artists
- Significance
- 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of Somnath Temple
- Key Figures Honored
- Veer Hamirji Gohil, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Temple Restoration
- Restored in 1951, inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad
- Event Duration
- January 8-11, 2026
- Initiatives by Modi
- Improved cleanliness, expanded parking, developed seaside walkway, created museum
Sources
PM takes part in ‘Shaurya Yatra’ in Somnath, 108-horse brigade part of parade
Swabhiman Parv: PM Modi leads Shaurya Yatra, offers prayers at Somnath temple
PM Modi In Somnath
108 Horses, Damroo In Hand: PM Modi Leads 'Shaurya Yatra' At Somnath
PM Modi leads Somnath Shaurya Yatra as 108 horses, damru players mark Swabhiman Parv — Watch
Forces that opposed Somnath temple reconstruction still active, need to defeat them: PM Modi
Celebration of 1000-year journey, festival of India's existence and pride: PM Modi on Somnath Swabhiman Parv
India must stay united to defeat forces that opposed Somnath rebuilding: PM Modi
PM Modi leads Shaurya Yatra, plays damru during Somnath Swabhiman Parv - CNBC TV18
On Somnath Swabhiman Parv, PM Modi Slams 'People With Colonial Mindset'
Need to Defeat Forces Opposing Somnath Rebuild: PM Modi
'Some Tried To Whitewash Religiously Motivated Attacks For Appeasement Politics,' Says PM Modi
Somnath Mandir not just pilgrimage centre but identity of India's history and civilisational journey
PM Modi recalls thousands of years of sacrifice and struggle at Swabhiman Parv
Attacks on Somnath temple were not only for economic loot, forces that opposed the re-construction still active: PM Modi
Forces that opposed Somnath’s reconstruction still active: PM Modi
Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi
Those opposed to Somnath reconstruction still around, need to foil divisive forces: PM Modi
