Guwahati, May 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Friday said that the 75 years of the restoration of the historic Somnath Temple stand as a symbol of India’s indomitable faith, civilisation and cultural resurgence.

In a post on X, Sarma shared a Sanskrit verse praising the spiritual significance of Somnath and said the temple’s reconstruction reflected the country’s enduring cultural consciousness.

“Somnath restoration at 75 represents the spirit of India’s unwavering faith, civilisation and cultural renaissance,” the Chief Minister wrote.

Quoting the Sanskrit shloka “Somalingam naro drishtva sarvapapaih pramuchyate, labhate phalam manovanchhitam mritah swargam samashrayet”, Sarma highlighted the spiritual importance attached to the temple, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

He also recalled the role played by India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in rebuilding the temple after Independence.

According to Sarma, the Somnath temple was revived through the resolve and vision of Sardar Patel, becoming a powerful emblem of national pride and cultural continuity after centuries of repeated invasions and destruction.

The Assam Chief Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ is being realised through efforts to preserve India’s heritage while simultaneously pursuing modern development.

The Somnath temple, located on the western coast of Gujarat, occupies a prominent place in India’s spiritual and historical landscape.

The present structure was inaugurated in 1951 after a large-scale reconstruction initiative launched in the years following Independence.

The temple trust is currently chaired by Prime Minister Modi, and several infrastructure and tourism projects have been undertaken in recent years to improve facilities for pilgrims and visitors.

The 75th year of the temple’s restoration is being marked through commemorative events and renewed focus on India’s cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

–IANS

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