Veraval (Gujarat), January 11, 2026: The sacred town of Prabhas Patan witnessed an epoch-making event today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 'Shaurya Yatra'. This grand ceremonial procession was the pinnacle of the four-day 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', organized to honor the countless warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the first Jyotirlinga over the last ten centuries.
The procession, which commenced at approximately 9:45 AM, transformed the coastal city into a vibrant display of Indian heritage and military tradition.
The 108-Horse Cavalcade: The highlight of the march was a symbolic procession of 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Cavalry, representing the 15 districts of the state. These horses symbolized the power and resilience of the nation, while the riders in traditional attire paid homage to the historical defenders of the faith.
The Route of Honor: The Yatra moved through the streets of Veraval, passing through the historic Shankh Circle and culminating near the temple. PM Modi walked alongside spiritual leaders, acknowledging the thousands of devotees who had gathered on rooftops and roadsides, chanting "Jai Somnath" and "Har Har Mahadev."
A National Tribute: The Prime Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of Hamirji Gohil, the legendary 16th-century Rajput warrior who famously gave his life to protect the temple's sanctum from invaders.
Addressing a massive public gathering at 11:00 AM after performing a special Darshan and Pooja, PM Modi reflected on the dual significance of this year:
Millennium of Resilience: The year 2026 marks exactly 1,000 years since the first major invasion of the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in January 1026 AD.
75 Years of Restoration: It also commemorates the Platinum Jubilee of the temple's modern reconstruction (1951), led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurated by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
"Somnath is not just a temple; it is a proud symbol of our civilizational courage," the Prime Minister stated. "While invaders sought to destroy the stone structure a thousand years ago, they could never touch the eternal spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again."
The event concluded the 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting that had been ongoing since January 8. The atmosphere was charged with the echoes of conch shells and traditional damrus, marking a successful spiritual and cultural revival that aims to inspire the youth of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).