Gujarat CM Offers Prayers at Somnath, Launches Poshan Prasad for Anganwadi Children

Gandhinagar | Gujarat —  Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed darshan, pujan, and Jalabhishek at Somnath Mahadev on the last Monday of the holy Shravan month. Throughout the sacred month, he has observed the tradition of visiting ancient Shiva temples every Monday — beginning with Dholeshwar Mahadev near Gandhinagar, followed by Stambheshwar Mahadev at Kavi-Kamboi in Bharuch, and Hatkeshwar Mahadev at Vadnagar.

On the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the revered Somnath Mahadev, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where he offered prayers for the well-being, progress, and prosperity of the state and the nation.

On this occasion, he also launched the Somnath Trust’s Ladu Poshan Prasad distribution for Anganwadi children in Gir Somnath district. Guided by Prime Minister and Somnath Trust Chairman Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Poshan bhi, Padhai bhi”, the Trust will distribute 7 lakh nutritious ladus over the next year, benefiting children at Anganwadis. This initiative, costing around ₹1 crore, will provide 28 tons of nutrition-rich food.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched Somnath Trust’s Poshan Prasad initiative to provide nutritious ladus daily to Anganwadi children for one year. Using an automated, hygienic, and eco-friendly packaging system, the Trust ensures safe distribution.

Guided by PM Narendra Modi’s vision, the Trust also conducts social service activities like distributing 2,500 kg of mangoes during Keri Manorath, 1,500 kg of Kharek, and providing 50 g of peanut–jaggery chikki daily for a year to Gir Somnath Anganwadi children.

With the motto “Sauna Nath Somnath”, Somnath Trust extends services across society. Over the past two years, more than 17,000 needy people have received vastra prasad from clothes offered to Somnath Mahadev and Mata Parvati.

Monthly health services like dental camps, artificial limb distribution, physiotherapy, and general diagnosis camps benefit thousands. The Trust also nurtures Gir cattle at its gaushala and supports other state gaushalas with Nandi prasad to strengthen the breed.

Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Trust embodies purity, health, equality, and devotion. CM Bhupendra Patel was briefed on these multifaceted initiatives during his visit, where he was welcomed by Trustee J.D. Parmar and Secretary Yogendra Desai.

During CM’s visit to Somnath, several dignitaries and officials were present, including District Panchayat President  Manjula Muchhar, MLAs  Pradyuman Vaja,  Bhagwan Barad, and Kalubhai Rathod, Veraval-Patan combined Municipality President Pallavi Jani, Collector  N.V. Upadhyay, DDO Snehal Bhapkar, District Police Chief Manoharsinh Jadeja etc.