Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Vishesh Maha Puja, Jalabhishek, Kumbhabhishek and Dhwaj Pooja at Somnath on Monday as the temple marked 75 years since its post-Independence consecration.
- He released a commemorative postage stamp and an Rs 75 coin to mark the anniversary, adding official honors to the religious ceremonies.
- The Kumbhabhishek used holy water from 11 pilgrimage sites, with a 1,860‑kg vessel lifted to the spire by a 90‑metre crane for the sprinkling ritual.
- Pageantry featured a roadshow that drew thousands, a helicopter shower of flower petals over the shrine, and an Indian Air Force Surya Kiran flypast that traced the tricolour in smoke.
- In his address, Modi called the 1951 restoration a proclamation of independent India, credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and President Rajendra Prasad, said Jawaharlal Nehru opposed their efforts, and announced special pujas for the next 1,000 days.