"Somnath Temple not just place of worship but symbol of India's identity": Gujarat CM
He described the festival as a confluence of faith, devotion, and art. The Mahotsav organised by the state government's Tourism Department, this Mahotsav is themed "Kala Dwara Aaradhana" (Worship Through Art).
ANI
Feb 25, 2025 03:19 IST
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], February 25 (ANI): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the three-day Somnath Mahotsav, which coincides with the Mahashivratri festival at Somnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a prominent pilgrimage destination.
The Mahotsav, organised by the state government's Tourism Department, has been themed "Kala Dwara Aaradhana" (Worship Through Art) to celebrate the confluence of faith, devotion, and artistic expression.
He emphasised that the Somnath Mahotsav venue is not just a religious site but a symbol of resolve, culture, and Indian identity. He further highlighted that, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Somnath stands as a living example of the 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat' initiative. In this context, he made special mention of the Somnath-Tamil Sangam and the Kashi-Tamil Sangam.
Calling the first-ever Somnath Mahotsav a blessed coincidence, the Chief Minister noted that it aligns with the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man who spearheaded the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.
CM Bhupendra Patel, while highlighting the historical significance of the Somnath pilgrimage site, mentioned that the Triveni Sangam of the Sarasvati, Hiran, and Kapila rivers near the Arabian Sea hold great spiritual significance. He also announced that during the festival, an evening aarti with 108 lamps would be performed at this Triveni Sangam.
Reaffirming his commitment to the holistic development of Somnath and other pilgrimage sites, the Chief Minister stated that planning is underway to accommodate the projected rise in pilgrim numbers over the next 20-25 years. The CM also mentioned the government's efforts to improve connectivity, allocating funds in this year's budget for the 'Somnath-Dwarka Expressway'.
Before inaugurating the festival, the Gujarat Chief Minister participated in the sacred Sangam Aarti at the Triveni Sangam.
Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera, MP Rajesh Chudasama, MLA Pradyuman Vaja, Secretary of Tourism and Devasthanam Management Dr Rajender Kumar, Secretary of Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board Ramesh Merja, prominent dignitaries including Mahendra Pithiya, Rajshi Jotva, and Mansinh Parmar, along with Gir-Somnath administration and Somnath Trust officials, tourists, and art enthusiasts remained present on the occasion. (ANI)
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