In this screenshot from a video released on May 11, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Somnath temple in Veraval, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat. Photo: @NarendraModi/Yt via PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 11, 2026) performed ‘Maha Pooja’ and other rituals at the Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav to mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After the roadshow, the Prime Minister entered the temple and performed the ‘Maha Pooja’ and ‘Jalabhishek’, the ritual of dousing the Shivling with holy water while chanting Vedic mantras.
Mr Modi also witnessed the ‘Kumbhabhishek’ where holy water collected from major pilgrimage sites across the country was sprinkled on top of the temple ‘shikhar’ (tall tower) using a crane.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is organized to commemorate 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple by the first President of India, Dr. by Rajendra Prasad in 1951.
Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his deputy Harsh Sanghavi, the Prime Minister watched an air show performed by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force over the temple.
Team Suryakiran’s nozzles emitted saffron, white and green smoke to create a tricolor image in the sky.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally at the Sadbhavana Ground later in the day.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Modi held a roadshow in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district ahead of his participation in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, marking 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A large number of people lined up on the nearly 1.5 km route from the heliport to Veer Hamirji Circle near the famous Somnath temple to greet PM Modi. Photo: X/@PTI_News
A large number of people lined up on the nearly 1.5 km route from the heliport to Veer Hamirji Circle near the famous Somnath temple to greet PM Modi.
Artistes from different parts of the country, including West Bengal, performed traditional dances at designated spots along the route.
The Prime Minister arrived in Jamnagar on Sunday (May 10, 2026) night as part of his two-day visit to Gujarat and stayed overnight before reaching Somnath on Monday (May 11, 2026) morning.
The Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a symbol of India’s enduring faith and civilizational heritage.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is organized to commemorate 75 years since the inauguration of the restored temple by the first President of India, Dr. by Rajendra Prasad in 1951.
Published – 11 May 2026 11:36 IST
