Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the Republic of India, dedicated the Somnath Temple in 1951.
The Somnath temple in Gujarat was restored today (May 11). Rajendra Prasad, the first president of the Indian republic, led the reconsecration ceremony of the lingam at the temple on May 11, 1951. The Sri Somnath temple is regarded as the first of India's twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is extremely important to Sanatana Dharma devotees. During the mediaeval ages, between the 11th and 18th centuries, foreign invaders destroyed the temple several times. Despite this, the temple has become a symbol of indigenous resistance and resilience, as Hindus rebuilt it each time it was destroyed. Rajendra Prasad delivered a stirring speech during the temple's opening ceremony on May 11, 1951. He stated that while physical symbols of our civilization could be destroyed, no arms, army, or king could break the people's bond with their culture and faith. The civilisation would survive as long as that bond remained. He went on to say that it was the creative urge for civilisational renewal that had been nurtured in the hearts of the people for centuries that had led to the praan-pratishta of the Somnath deity once again. According to him, Somnath was the symbol of ancient India's economic and spiritual prosperity. The reconstruction of Somnath will not be completed until India regains its former prosperity.
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