Chandigarh, May 11 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, on Monday said 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 Parva, organised at the sacred Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev Temple Arunai in Pehowa in Kurukshetra district, the Chief Minister said the year-long national celebrations marking 75 years of the reconstruction of Somnath Temple “reflects the spiritual awakening, cultural resurgence and civilisational continuity of India”.

During the event, the Chief Minister and dignitaries present watched the live telecast from Somnath Temple, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered special prayers and addressed the gathering.

Beginning his address with chants of ‘Har, Har Mahadev’, the Chief Minister said celebrating the Parva at the holy confluence of the vedic Arunai and Saraswati rivers 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.

Extending greetings to devotees on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parva, the Chief Minister said the celebrations commenced on January 11 and will continue till January 11, 2027.

He informed that devotees from across the country are visiting Somnath Temple during the commemorative year, and a special pilgrimage train carrying devotees from Haryana will depart on June 8 under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana’ for economically weaker senior citizens.

The Chief Minister said under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s spiritual and cultural heritage has received renewed global recognition and respect.

He said the grand construction of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya after centuries of wait and the consecration of Ram Lalla became the greatest symbol of the resurgence of Indian civilisation and cultural pride.

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the entire nation was immersed in devotion to Lord Ram, he added.

–IANS

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