Gujarat CM to perform Somnath ‘Swabhiman Parv’ Mahapuja after birthday pledge

Gandhinagar, July 15 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday announced that he will personally visit the Somnath Temple to perform the ‘Swabhiman Parv Vishesh Mahapuja’, fulfilling a pledge he made on his 65th birthday after virtually participating in the special worship at the shrine.

Patel said he had sought the blessings of Somnath Mahadev, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, through a virtual ceremony on Wednesday and registered for the special Mahapuja being organised under the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sharing the announcement on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said: “Today, on my birthday, I was fortunate to virtually seek the blessings of the first Jyotirling, Shri Somnath Mahadev, and participate in the Mahapuja. The Rudrabhishek and special puja of Shri Somnath Mahadev (performed by the temple trust’s priests) were deeply sacred moments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also registered for the special Mahapuja under the Swabhiman Parv initiated at Somnath. I have decided to personally visit the Temple for this Mahapuja and seek the blessings of Mahadev.”

The ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is being observed in a year of historical significance for the temple, marking 1,000 years since the 1026 attack on Somnath and 75 years since the inauguration of the reconstructed temple in 1951.

As part of the commemorative programme, Prime Minister Modi launched the ‘Millennial Host’ campaign, under which the Vishesh Mahapuja has been introduced.

Speaking about the significance of Somnath, PM Modi said: “At Somnath, you will experience the undefeated spirit of India, which has kept its identity and culture intact despite every setback. I urge every Indian to visit the sacred Somnath Dham on this auspicious occasion and witness its grandeur.”

He added: “As you stand on the banks of Somnath, you will feel its ancient echoes within you. There, you will experience not only devotion but also the powerful pulse of a civilisational consciousness that has never stopped and whose intensity has never diminished. You will understand why, despite numerous attempts, our civilisation has endured. There, you will experience the vision of eternal victory that has been the strength of India for centuries. I am confident that this will be an unforgettable experience for you.”

The Shri Somnath Trust has organised the day-long Vishesh Mahapuja, allowing devotees to participate in a series of religious rituals from morning to evening.

Proceedings begin with the sankalp at 8 a.m., followed by the Dhwaja Puja and Dhwaja Parikrama accompanied by traditional music.

A special abhishek of Somnath Mahadev is performed using milk, grains, and Ganga Jal, followed by rituals including the offering of ceremonial garments, a Rudraksh mala, Janoi, Akhand Shringar for Maa Parvati, and 1,008 Bilva leaves to Mahadev.

The programme also includes Nandi and Gau Pujan at the Somnath Trust gaushala, where Brahmins chant 1,000 Mahamrityunjay mantras, followed by Rajbhog Darshan, Brahmin Bhojan and the concluding Deepmala Darshan before the evening aarti.

According to the Trust, the names of registered hosts are announced during the Mahapuja and ritual offerings, including vastra, naivedya, pavitra abhishek dravya and the ceremonial flag, are placed on separate silver plates before the puja is conducted in the Sabha Mandap.

Participants are provided accommodation at Sagar Darshan, along with meals, refreshments and the traditional attire required for the rituals.

The Trust has also made arrangements for devotees unable to attend in person by providing a live online link for remote participation.

In addition, free transport has been arranged from Veraval railway station for hosts arriving by the two scheduled trains between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Registration for the Vishesh Mahapuja is open through the Shri Somnath Trust’s official website.

–IANS

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