Redeveloped Pavagadh temple in line with 'cultural independence', shows 'eternal faith' says PM Modi

'In the glorious tradition of Somnath temple, Panchmahal and Pavagadh have kept working for the pride in our heritage', he said

Unfurling a temple flag (dhwaja) while inaugurating redeveloped Kalika Mata temple, believed to be destroyed by 15th century ruler Mahmud Begda, on Pavagadh hill in Panchmahal district on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the "redeveloped temple is in line with cultural independence of the country that began with Sardar Patel renovating the Somnath temple" and shows that "faith remains eternal."

Invoking "Gujarat pride" in his speech, the prime minister on fifth visit in four months to poll-bound home state, said "In the glorious tradition of Somnath temple, Panchmahal and Pavagadh have kept working for the pride in our heritage...and Gujarat has led the country in business and spirituality." He said that "India's cultural independence began with Sardar Patel renovating Somnath Temple."

"Pavagadh and Panchmahal are carrying forward the tradition of Somnath mandir which had given Gujarat its identity to the country. The flag hoisted today is not only the flag of Mahakali temple, but also the flag of the cultural pride of Gujarat and the country. The people of Panchmahal and Gujarat made efforts for the grandeur of this temple for centuries. That dream has been fulfilled," Modi said, adding that "Gujarat has contributed to freedom movement as much as the development of the country. 'Garvi (pride) Gujarat' is the synonymous of country's pride."

"For five centuries and 75 years of Independence, there was no dhwaja hoisted atop Maa Kali mandir. Today, the flag is once again hoisted on the top of the Pavagadh temple. This flag is not only a symbol of our faith and spirituality but also a symbol of the fact that centuries change, eras change, but the faith remains eternal,” Modi said in his address without mentioning the contentious past of the temple.

He also referred to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Kashi and Kedar Dham in Uttarakhand to say that "the spiritual and cultural glory of ancient India is being restored" and the "New India is proudly living its ancient identity along with its modern aspirations."

Pavagadh temple has a controversial history as 15th century king Sultan Mahmud Begda, who ruled Champaner, where the temple is located, is said to have destroyed the "shikhar" or spire of the temple. During that time a shrine "Sadanshah Pir Dargah" was said to have been built in the 11th century temple complex. During the renovation, the dargah was shifted amicably next to the temple and the "shikhar" was constructed which was inaugurated by Modi.

Later in the day, the prime minister inaugurates and laid foundation stone of several developmental projects worth Rs 21,000 crore, which included 1.4 lakh houses under PM Awas Yojana, railway connectivity projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore, ‘Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana’ with an outlay of Rs 800 crore, “Rapid development of women and their empowerment is equally important for the rapid development of 21st century India.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister visited his mother, Heeraba, in Gandhinagar and greeted her on her birthday. Later, the prime minister shared that his mother entered her hundredth year and also shared his thoughts on his website, www.narendramodi.in, titled "Mother."

It read, "Mother – is not just any other word in the dictionary. It encompasses a whole range of emotions – love, patience, trust, and a lot more. Across the world, irrespective of country or region, children have a special affection for their mothers. A mother not only gives birth to her children, but also shapes their mind, their personality, and their self-confidence. And while doing so, mothers selflessly sacrifice their own personal needs and aspirations."