PM Modi performs rituals at Somnath, recalls Pokhran tests and Vajpayee's resolve
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple and joined the Amrut Mahotsav ceremonies on Monday. He used the occasion to recall the Pokhran tests, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership and the shrine's enduring symbolism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and took part in ceremonies marking the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the restored shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After a roadshow in Somnath, Modi entered the temple and performed ‘Maha Pooja’ and ‘Jalabhishek’ rituals amid Vedic chants. He also witnessed the ‘Kumbhabhishek’ ceremony, during which holy water collected from major pilgrimage sites across the country was sprinkled atop the temple spire using a crane.
The event commemorates the restoration and inauguration of the historic temple by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state minister Harsh Sanghavi during the visit. He also watched an air show by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team over the temple premises. The jets painted the sky in saffron, white and green trails resembling the national flag using indigenous smoke pods.
Addressing a gathering later, Modi recalled the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in May 1998 and said the operation demonstrated India’s scientific capability and political resolve to the world.
“On May 11th, the first three nuclear tests were conducted. Our scientists showcased India’s capabilities to the entire world. It sent shockwaves across the globe,” Modi said.
Referring to the international sanctions imposed after the tests, he added, “Under the leadership of Atal-ji, the BJP government demonstrated that for us, the nation comes first. No power on earth can make India bow down.”
The Prime Minister also linked the Pokhran tests to India’s spiritual traditions, noting that the operation had been named “Operation Shakti”.
“The worship of Shakti along with Shiva has always been our tradition,” he said, adding that India’s civilisational values had inspired both spiritual and scientific advancement.
Speaking about the Somnath Temple’s history, Modi said, “This temple was destroyed time and again, yet it was rebuilt every time. Those who tried to destroy it did not understand the ideological strength of our nation.”
Modi also spoke about his association with the Somnath Trust, saying the opportunity to serve as its chairman had allowed him to contribute towards the development of pilgrimage centres across the country.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public gathering at the Sadbhavana Ground later in the day as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and took part in ceremonies marking the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years since the inauguration of the restored shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After a roadshow in Somnath, Modi entered the temple and performed ‘Maha Pooja’ and ‘Jalabhishek’ rituals amid Vedic chants. He also witnessed the ‘Kumbhabhishek’ ceremony, during which holy water collected from major pilgrimage sites across the country was sprinkled atop the temple spire using a crane.
The event commemorates the restoration and inauguration of the historic temple by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state minister Harsh Sanghavi during the visit. He also watched an air show by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team over the temple premises. The jets painted the sky in saffron, white and green trails resembling the national flag using indigenous smoke pods.
Addressing a gathering later, Modi recalled the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in May 1998 and said the operation demonstrated India’s scientific capability and political resolve to the world.
“On May 11th, the first three nuclear tests were conducted. Our scientists showcased India’s capabilities to the entire world. It sent shockwaves across the globe,” Modi said.
Referring to the international sanctions imposed after the tests, he added, “Under the leadership of Atal-ji, the BJP government demonstrated that for us, the nation comes first. No power on earth can make India bow down.”
The Prime Minister also linked the Pokhran tests to India’s spiritual traditions, noting that the operation had been named “Operation Shakti”.
“The worship of Shakti along with Shiva has always been our tradition,” he said, adding that India’s civilisational values had inspired both spiritual and scientific advancement.
Speaking about the Somnath Temple’s history, Modi said, “This temple was destroyed time and again, yet it was rebuilt every time. Those who tried to destroy it did not understand the ideological strength of our nation.”
Modi also spoke about his association with the Somnath Trust, saying the opportunity to serve as its chairman had allowed him to contribute towards the development of pilgrimage centres across the country.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public gathering at the Sadbhavana Ground later in the day as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.
