Somnath Amrut Mahotsav: PM Modi holds roadshow, performs ‘Maha Pooja’ at Somnath Temple

PM Modi was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi during the ceremonies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday performed special rituals at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations marking 75 years since the inauguration of the restored shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ahead of the ceremonies, Modi held a roadshow in Gir Somnath district, where a large number of people gathered along the nearly 1.5-km stretch from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle near the temple to welcome him.

The BJP supporters waved flags and raised slogans as his convoy passed through the route, while artists from various states, including West Bengal, performed traditional dances at designated spots.

After arriving at the temple, Modi performed “Maha Pooja”, “Jalabhishek” and other rituals amid chanting of Vedic mantras.

He also witnessed “Kumbhabhishek”, during which holy water collected from prominent pilgrimage sites across the country was sprinkled atop the temple’s “shikhar” using a crane.

Modi was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi during the ceremonies.

As part of the celebrations, the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) conducted an airshow over the temple. Using indigenous smoke pods, the jets released saffron, white and green smoke, forming the image of the tricolour in the sky.

The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is being organised to commemorate 75 years since the restored temple was inaugurated by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.

The Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is regarded as a symbol of India’s spiritual and civilisational heritage.

The prime minister arrived in Jamnagar on Sunday night as part of his two-day Gujarat visit and is also scheduled to address a public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground later in the day.