Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at the revered Somnath Temple in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, seeking blessings for the health and prosperity of the people (PICS, Text: PTI)
Updated on : 02 March,2025 10:29 PM IST | Compiled by : Divya Nair
The PM, who reached Jamnagar on Saturday evening for a three-day visit to Gujarat, began his day by visiting Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre. Pic/PTI
Later, he reached Somnath temple, the first of the 12 jyotirlings, located in Prabhas Patan and offered prayers to Lord Shiva. He then proceeded to Sasan in the neighbouring Junagadh district
In a tweet, Modi said the visit was part of his resolve to worship Lord Somnath after the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj
"Ekta ka Maha Kumbh (Maha Kumbh of Unity)' in Prayagraj was completed with the efforts of crores of countrymen. I had resolved in my heart like a servant that after the Maha Kumbh, I would worship Shri Somnath, the first of the 12 jyotirlings," he said in a tweet
The 45-day Maha Kumbh at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj witnessed a footfall of over 66.21 crore devotees from across India and the world, according to the Uttar Pradesh government
"Today, by the grace of Somnath Dada, that resolution has been fulfilled. I dedicate the successful achievement of the Maha Kumbh of Unity on behalf of all the countrymen to the feet of Shri Somnath Bhagwan. I also prayed for their health and prosperity," Modi said on X
Earlier in the day, he visited Vantara, which is spread over 3,000 acres and located at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex
It is a rescue centre dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife, providing sanctuary, rehabilitation and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation
As per its website, the centre is home to over 2,000 animals across 43 species, supported by advanced veterinary equipment, enclosures mimicking natural habitats, and a team of over 2,100 staff
On Sunday evening, the prime minister reached Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, where he will chair a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on the occasion of World Wildlife Day on March 3 (Monday)
