PM Modi Leads ‘Shaurya Yatra’ at Somnath to Honour Temple Defenders

Mangalore Today News Network

Somnath, Gujarat, Jan 11, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district.

The yatra, held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured a procession of 108 horses symbolising valour and sacrifice. Large numbers of devotees and local residents lined both sides of the one-km route to greet the Prime Minister.

Standing on a specially designed vehicle, Mr. Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, waved to the gathering during the procession.

After the yatra, the Prime Minister was scheduled to offer prayers at the Somnath temple and participate in a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

The programme commemorates the sacrifices made by countless citizens in defence of the Somnath temple and marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the shrine in 1026. Despite repeated attempts at its destruction over centuries, the temple stands today as a symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, owing to collective efforts to restore it to its ancient glory, the PIB said in a statement.