PM Modi visits Vantara, offers prayers at Somnath temple

The Prime Minister is the chairperson of the Shree Somnath Trust, which manages the affairs of the temple — the first of the 12 Adi Jyotirlingas.

Vantara is an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, according to the company.

In a post on X, Modi said the visit was part of his resolve to worship Lord Somnath after the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela 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 Jyotirlingas. 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 in the post in Hindi.

By evening, the PM reached Sinh Sadan in Sasan-Gir where he is scheduled to go on a jungle safari on Monday morning and attend a meeting of the National Board of Wildlife. March 3 happens to be World Wildlife Day and the theme for 2025 is: ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet’.

After the meeting, Modi is scheduled to speak with some women forest staffers at Sasan, said officials.