Somnath Temple 75th Anniversary: Somnath Temple is once again in the news, because PM Narendra Modi is going to attend the ‘Kumbhabhishek’ program here today. This temple of Gujarat is counted among the most famous religious places of India. It was demolished several times and then rebuilt. After independence, Pandit Nehru had also opposed its reconstruction.
PM Modi Somnath Visit: Somnath temple of Gujarat is going to create history once again. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching Somnath today, where ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ is being celebrated to mark 75 years of the restoration of the temple. The temple spire will be ‘Kumbhabhishek’ with water from 11 holy shrines with the help of a 90 meter high crane. But do you know that the temple which is being given such a grand look today, was once the first Prime Minister of the country, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was strictly against its reconstruction? Let us know the whole story of that historical controversy and what is going to be special in today’s grand event…
What is the story of Somnath Temple?
Somnath Temple is situated on the banks of the Arabian Sea in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This is the reason why crores of devotees have great faith in it. According to historians, this temple was destroyed, looted and then rebuilt several times. This is the reason why Somnath is considered not only a temple but also a big symbol of the cultural identity of India.
What objection did Pandit Nehru have regarding Somnath Temple?
If we turn the pages of history, we come to know that during 1950-51, when the work on the temple was in full swing, Nehru had written about 17 letters regarding it. There were mainly three major arguments behind his opposition.
1. Threat to the image of the secular country
Nehru believed that India is a secular country and the government should not be associated with any particular religious project. They feared that this would create India’s image abroad as a ‘Hindu nation’.
2. Wrong message abroad
Nehru was worried that the world would start considering India as a ‘backward country’. He met the then minister K.M. Told Munshi that this was ‘Hindu revivalism’, which he did not like.
3. Focus on development
Nehru’s argument was that in a country where there is poverty and hunger, it is more important to build dams, factories and schools and colleges rather than temples.
How was the Somnath temple rebuilt?
When Nehru was protesting, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel vowed that the glory of Somnath would be restored. Mahatma Gandhi found a middle path and suggested that the temple should be built with donations from the public rather than from the government treasury. Same thing happened, the temple was built with the help of Junagadh administration and common people. The reconstruction of Somnath temple was done not with government money, but with the cooperation of the people. On May 11, 1951, the country’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, despite Nehru’s displeasure, came to Somnath and established Jyotirlinga. Today it has been 75 years.
Why is PM Modi’s program being considered special at Somnath Temple?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been seen active in programs related to Indian culture and temples for a long time. From Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to Ram Temple, many big religious projects were in the news during his tenure. Now this event of Somnath temple is also being considered a part of the same series. Many people are calling it a step to strengthen India’s cultural identity, while the opposition is linking it to politics.
What is ‘Kumbhabhishek’?
Kumbhabhishek is a major religious ritual associated with the temple. In this, the pinnacle of the temple and the sanctum sanctorum are performed with special worship and anointment with holy water. It is seen to be associated with the energy and sanctity of the temple.
What will be special in Somnath temple today?
Today after 75 years, the view in Somnath will be worth seeing. Many such things will happen in this visit of PM Modi which are happening for the first time. For the first time, the high Kalash of the temple will be consecrated with water from 11 holy places. A 90 meter high crane has been specially ordered for this. Chetak helicopters of the Air Force will shower flowers on the temple. After Abhishek, the ‘Surya Kiran’ team will perform amazing stunts in the sky for 15 minutes. PM Modi will also conduct a 2 km long road show from Somnath helipad to Veer Gohil statue.