PM Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Parvati temple in Gujarat’s Somnath and also integrated many other projects. He inaugurated other projects including Somnath Promenade, Somnath Exhibition Centre, and the reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath virtually.
As per the officials, the old temple has been redeveloped for the safety of pilgrims and with augmented capacity.
Emphasising the reason for this new development, PM Modi after the inauguration said that religious tourism needs to be strengthened. Also, it would help to keep our youth informed about our past and provide employment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined the event virtually while the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani joined the event from Somnath itself. Amit Shah stated that these new developments at Somnath will definitely attract more tourists to the temple.
He also addressed the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and stated that even Somnath was demolished numerous times over several centuries in the past and Idols of deities were also desecrated. Several attempts were made to erase its existence however it came up again in its full glory every time it was demolished.
He further added that such destructive forces who follow the ideology of creating empires through terror can dominate for some time however, their existence is not permanent as they fail to suppress humanity forever.
Key points of the projects
- The temple is proposed to be constructed with a total outlay of Rs 30 crore
- Somnath Promenade has been developed under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive scheme at a cost of over Rs 47 crore
- The reconstructed temple of Old Somnath has been completed by Shree Somnath Trust with a total outlay of Rs 3.5 crores
