Somnath & Lingaraj symbolise India’s resilience across geographies: CM

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday highlighted the civilisational link between Somnath and Lingaraj, describing them as twin pillars of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage while attending the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parva’ at the Lingaraj temple here.

The event coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s programme at Somnath in Gujarat marking the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction, which was telecast live at Ekamra Kshetra.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi said Somnath and Lingaraj symbolise India’s resilience across geographies. “If Somnath stands sentinel over the western frontier, Lingaraj represents the steadfast spiritual strength of the East,” he said, underlining what he called a “deep and timeless bond” between the two Shaivite shrines.

Recalling the turbulent history of the Somnath temple, the chief minister said repeated attacks failed to erode India’s civilisational core. “India’s self-respect has been reborn time and again despite adversities,” he said, attributing the temple’s reconstruction in 1951 to the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He also referred to the Centre’s emphasis on preserving heritage alongside development. Citing initiatives such as the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Majhi said the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” approach reflects a broader cultural resurgence.

Turning to Odisha, the CM said his govt is committed to strengthening cultural and religious infrastructure. He cited projects such as the Rs 330-crore Ekamra Kshetra development and the proposed Rs 1,000-crore Shree Jagannath Museum, adding that promotion of a culture-based “orange economy” would boost tourism and local employment.

Majhi watched the live telecast of Modi’s address at Somnath temple in Prabhas Patan along with devotees at Lingaraj. He urged people to draw inspiration from the legacy of Somnath’s reconstruction and contribute to building a “Samrudha Odisha” and “Viksit Bharat”.

Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh were present at the programme.