Chief Minister attends Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Raipur commemorating 75 years of temple reconstruction
Raipur May 11, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday attended the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organised at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple complex at Mahadev Ghat in Raipur. During the programme, he joined devotees and public representatives in virtually witnessing prayers offered by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and listened to his address.
In his address, Prime Minister Shri Modi spoke about the historical legacy of the Somnath Temple, repeated attacks by foreign invaders, the temple’s reconstruction journey and ongoing efforts to preserve and develop major centres of faith across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv noting that the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple had been completed 75 years ago on this day.
He said the temple had faced repeated attacks throughout history, but the faith and traditions associated with Somnath could never be erased. Recalling the first attack on the shrine, Chief Minister said priests and devotees chose not to abandon the temple and laid down their lives protecting it.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that after Independence, former Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel resolved to rebuild the Somnath Temple, while India’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad attended the inauguration ceremony of the reconstructed temple despite strong opposition at the time.
Praising the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister said Sanatan culture and spiritual traditions have received renewed recognition under his leadership. He added that major pilgrimage centres and temples across the country, including Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and Somnath Temple, are witnessing large-scale development works.
Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives being undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government for preservation and development of religious and cultural sites in the state. He said temples dedicated to Goddess worship are being developed under the Shaktipeeth scheme, while the Bhoramdeo Mahadev Temple in Kabirdham district has received approval worth ₹148 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme for tourism infrastructure and beautification works.
He further said Chhattisgarh is regarded as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and the ‘Nanihal’ of Lord Shri Ram. Referring to the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, he said it became possible after a long struggle and years of devotion. He added that more than 40,000 devotees have so far visited Ayodhya under the state government’s Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana.
Chief Minister concluded his address by urging people to strengthen social harmony, brotherhood and national unity.
Addressing the programme, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said continuous efforts are being made across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the preservation and promotion of Sanatan culture and centres of faith. He added that the state government is also working towards conservation of religious sites and connecting people with spiritual traditions through various initiatives.
Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma described the Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s culture, heritage and self-respect. He said India is strengthening its cultural legacy under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership adding that tourism and development of religious sites in Chhattisgarh have gained momentum following progress in anti-Naxal operations.
