108 Horses, Damru In Hand: PM Modi Leads Grand 'Shaurya Yatra' To Honour Warriors Of Somnath Temple | VIDEO

In a grand spectacle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district. The yatra, being organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured a procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice. During the procession, PM took 'Damrus' in both hands and played it. As the rhythm of the 'Damru', an instrument associated with Lord Shiva, filled the air, large crowds lining the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of him, cheered. People showered him with flowers and chanted "Modi-Modi".The programme marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple in the year 1026.

Artists from Rajasthan, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat, and other regions performed as the Prime Minister continued along the yatra, greeting everyone he passed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkvfVtIMxkI

Standing on a specially designed vehicle, PM Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, waved at the crowd during the one-km-long yatra.Also Read: '500-Year Wound Healed': The Moment 'Dharma Dhwaj' Was Hoisted At Ram Mandir | WATCH

PM Modi offers prayers at Somnath temple

Thereafter, PM Modi offered prayers at the Somnath temple. The event is being held to remember the countless citizens of India who have made sacrifices to defend the Somnath temple, which continues to inspire the cultural consciousness of future generations.

This year also marks 75 years since the modern reconstruction of the temple, inaugurated in 1951 by the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad, following efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath temple stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory, the PIB said in a statement.(With agency inputs)