PM Modi Prays at Somnath During Gujarat Visit
PM Modi chants Omkar at Somnath to mark Swabhiman Parv, chairs a key trust meet, and gears up for Vibrant Gujarat events in Rajkot.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three‑day Gujarat visit with prayers at the Somnath temple, where he chanted the Omkar Mantra as Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since the temple's first attack. He will also chair the Shree Somnath Trust meeting in his capacity as its chairman and participate in a ceremonial Shaurya Yatra to honor those who laid down their lives defending the temple. A public function to mark the Parv is slated for 11 a.m., setting the tone for a visit that underscores heritage, resilience, and development. The prime minister's itinerary includes inaugurating development initiatives and coordinating with regional leadership to boost economic activity in the Saurashtra‑Kutch belt.
The visit is part of Modi's three‑day stay in Gujarat, which also features the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Saurashtra‑Kutch region in Rajkot, aimed at bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, global partners and government representatives. Modi arrived at the helm of a busy day after being received by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the helipad near the Somnath MahDev Temple, close to Veraval in Gir Somnath district.
In addition to the temple prayers and trust meeting, the plan includes a drone show at the Somnath temple and Omkar Mantra chanting on January 10, followed by broader events in Rajkot. The PM is also expected to hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during this visit, underscoring Delhi’s emphasis on strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
Together, these engagements signal a blend of religious heritage, ceremonial symbolism, and strategic outreach designed to position Gujarat as a hub for culture and commerce while reinforcing national leadership in shaping regional growth.
