Somnath Temple: 1000 Years of Unbroken Faith & Resilience Amidst Repeated Attacks

• Somnath Temple celebrates "Swabhiman Parv" marking 1000 years since its first major invasion in 1026 AD and 75 years of its modern Pran Pratishtha in 1951.
• The temple, a symbol of India's civilizational soul, endured repeated destruction by invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb, only to be rebuilt each time.
• Post-independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel spearheaded the temple's reconstruction, viewing it as civilizational healing, a decision supported by K.M. Munshi.
• Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru opposed the reconstruction and President Dr. Rajendra Prasad's participation in the 1951 inauguration, citing "Hindu revivalism" and concern over foreign perception.
• Despite Nehru's opposition, President Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the temple, asserting that honoring heritage strengthens national self-respect, embodying Somnath's spirit of eternal renewal.

Why It Matters: Somnath Temple symbolizes India's enduring spirit, repeatedly rising from ruins with unbroken faith.