Chandigarh, May 11 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that the Somnath temple is not merely a place of worship but a timeless symbol of India's 'Sanatan' consciousness, unwavering faith and national self-respect that has inspired the nation to rise stronger after every invasion, struggle and adversity.
Addressing the state-level 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' organised at the sacred Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev temple Arunai in Pehowa in Kurukshetra, Saini said the year-long national celebration marking 75 years of the reconstruction of Somnath temple in Gujarat reflects the spiritual awakening, cultural resurgence and civilisational continuity of India.
During the event, the chief minister and the dignitaries present also watched the live telecast from Somnath temple, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered special prayers and addressed the gathering.
Notably, Somnath is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage centres and the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' marks two significant milestones in India's historical journey: one thousand years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath temple in 1026, and seventy-five years since the reopening of the reconstructed temple in 1951 following Independence.
The Parv highlights the historic significance of the temple and celebrates its enduring legacy. To commemorate this event, Modi visited the Somnath temple on May 11.
In Kurukshetra, beginning his address with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev', Saini said that celebrating the Parv at the holy confluence of the Vedic rivers Arunai and Saraswati further enhanced the spiritual significance of the occasion.
He said the ancient Sangameshwar temple has, for centuries, remained a sacred reminder of this divine confluence and India's rich spiritual heritage.
During the programme, he flagged off a grand 'Kalash Yatra' comprising 101 women. A large number of devotees participated in the procession held amidst a devotional atmosphere.
On the occasion, the chief minister welcomed and felicitated the saints and sages who had specially come from various pilgrimage sites of the Kurukshetra region. He also sought their blessings.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.