Somnath temple

The history of Somnath is an extraordinary narrative of cultural survival. While often remembered for medieval invasions, the temple’s true strength lies in its roots as a center of knowledge

From the British Colonial Raj to Congress Raj, the blatant snubbing of Hindu rights continued in both pre- and post-independent India. This blatant disdain for Hindus was reflected in the conduct of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was outspokenly against the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.

I urge my fellow Indians to travel to Somnath in this special time. When you stand on the shores of Somnath, let its ancient echoes speak to you.

The destruction of Somnath was more than a religious attack; it was a strategic blow to India’s maritime economy. Today, from traditional shipbuilding to the Indo-Pacific vision, India is reclaiming the civilizational memory of a time when its temples powered global trade.

Millions of young Hindu warriors sacrificed their lives to protect the Sanatan Dharma and the Sanatan heritage. It is because of such young warriors that the Sanatan legacy lived on. One such young warrior was Veer Hamirji Gohil (Hamirsinhji Gohil), who made the supreme sacrifice in a religious battle, giving up his life to protect Somnath Mahadev.

PM Nehru wrote a series of letters between 1950 and 1951, wherein he expressed opposition to the reconstruction and consecration of the Somnath Temple. Nehru wrote around 17 letters to various officials, including Cabinet ministers, chief ministers, the President, the Vice President, and even to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, making his deep disdain for the Hindu community’s quest for reclamation of its destroyed temples known.

The exact date of construction of the pillar is not known, but its history dates back to the 6th century CE.

On March 30, 1951, Munshi wrote to Dr Ambedkar, “Thank you for your letter dated 27th March 1951. I shall be very pleased to invite Shri Anirudhachary for the ceremony. I would request you to make it convenient to attend the installation ceremony.”

75 years ago, it was during a ceremony on May 11th 1951, in the presence of the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, that the restored Somnath Temple opened its doors to devotees.