UP Chief Minister addresses Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi
Varanasi, 11 May (H.S.): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that Sanatan culture may face repeated attacks, but it can never be defeated, asserting that India’s eternal spiritual and cultural consciousness has remained vibrant despite centuries of invasions.
Addressing the Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav held at the Trimbakeshwar Multipurpose Hall of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex in Varanasi, the Chief Minister referred to the repeated attacks on the Somnath Temple by foreign invaders, including Mahmud Ghaznavi.
“Nearly 1000 years ago, foreign invaders such as Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked the Somnath Temple 17 times, believing that by destroying idols and plundering its glory they could erase India’s eternal spirit forever,” Yogi Adityanath said.
Recalling the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv — the glorious saga of unwavering faith,” the Chief Minister stated that not only the Somnath Temple but also Kashi Vishwanath Dham and thousands of religious and cultural centres across the country were targeted over the centuries. However, he emphasized that India’s spiritual traditions and cultural identity continue to thrive.
“The Somnath Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Dham stand as symbols of India’s glorious history and the indomitable power of Sanatan culture. Destruction may be temporary, but creation is eternal,” he remarked.
The event began with schoolgirls welcoming Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with conch blowing and Vedic chants. Devotees and dignitaries offered floral tributes to Somnath Mahadev during the programme.
The gathering also collectively recited the “Somnath Sankalp,” led by the Chief Minister, while chants of “Om” resonated throughout the venue.
During the event, the Chief Minister presented Governor Anandiben Patel with a traditional turban and a Rudraksha garland. Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari later honoured Yogi Adityanath in a similar manner.
Governor Anandiben Patel and the Chief Minister also visited a special exhibition organized at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex to commemorate 75 years of the Somnath Temple’s reconstruction.
Several dignitaries, including Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State Hansraj Vishwakarma, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Cantt MLA Saurabh Srivastava and other public representatives, were present at the event.
(With inputs from H.S.) Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Monday, May 11, 2026 3:15 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Monday, May 11, 2026 3:15 pm | News Categories: India
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