Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Celebrating 1,000 Years of Civilisational Resilience for UPSC
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Somnath Temple and the Swabhiman Parv:
1. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv 2026 marks 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple.
2. The present temple structure is built in the Vesara style of architecture.
3. The modern reconstruction of the temple was initiated following a visit by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1947.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Context
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being held from 8 to 11 January 2026, marking two major milestones in India’s civilisational journey. It commemorates 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 and celebrates 75 years since the temple was reopened in 1951 following its modern reconstruction.
What is Somnath Swabhiman Parv?
The Parv (festival) is conceived as a tribute to resilience, faith, and civilisational self-respect. It emphasizes the unbroken cycle of revival of the Somnath temple, which has been repeatedly rebuilt over centuries through the collective resolve of devotees.
Key Commemorative Events:
- Akhand Omkar Chanting: A 72-hour continuous chanting symbolizing unity and faith.
- Shaurya Yatra: A symbolic procession representing the courage and sacrifice that preserved the shrine through centuries.
- Drone Show: A modern visual celebration of the temple's history and significance.
- Padayatra: A spiritual march involving saints from Girnar Tirthkshetra to the temple.
Historical Significance: A Millennium of Resilience
Somnath, located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, is revered as the first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- The 1026 Attack: January 1026 marked the first recorded invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni.
- Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar: One of the key historical figures who contributed to the temple's rebuilding during the medieval period.
- Modern Reconstruction: On November 12, 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited the ruins and vowed to rebuild the temple.
- 1951 Reopening: The present temple was consecrated on May 11, 1951, in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Architectural and Cultural Grandeur
The present temple structure is built in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style.
Key Architectural Facts:
- Shikhar: Rises to 150 feet.
- Kalash: A 10-tonne gold-plated Kalash at the summit.
- Dhwajdand: A 27-foot-tall flagpole.
- Footfall: The temple draws 92–97 lakh devotees annually.
- Light and Sound Show: Enhanced in 2017 with 3D laser technology to narrate the shrine's history.
Modern Stewardship: Sustainability and Empowerment
Somnath was declared a "Swachh Iconic Place" in 2018 and has integrated several modern sustainability and social practices under the Shri Somnath Trust (chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi).
Eco-friendly Initiatives:
- Mission LiFE: Plastic waste is converted into 4,700 paver blocks monthly.
- Vermicompost: Temple flowers are used to nourish 1,700 Bilva trees.
- Miyawaki Forest: 7,200 trees planted to absorb 93,000 kg of carbon dioxide annually.
- Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment of 30 lakh litres monthly.
Women Empowerment:
- Of the 906 employees at the Trust, 262 are women.
- The Bilva Van project is managed entirely by women.
- In total, 363 women are employed, generating approximately ₹9 crore annually for their livelihoods.
🎯 Analysis & Insights
Prelims mastery
Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Reasoning: Statement 1 is correct as the Parv commemorates the 1026 attack. Statement 2 is incorrect; the temple is built in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad style (a variant of the Nagara style). Statement 3 is correct as Sardar Patel vowed to rebuild it on Diwali day, 1947.
Mains perspective
"Somnath serves as a symbol of India’s civilisational continuity and the resilience of its cultural heritage." In light of the recent Somnath Swabhiman Parv, discuss how the temple's history and its conservation efforts reflect the principles of modern heritage management and cooperative federalism. (150 words)