On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in a unique Kumbhabhishekam ceremony at the reconstructed Somnath Temple as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Parv-2026' celebrations.
The four-day event, taking place from May 8 to May 11, marks 75 years since the temple was re-consecrated after Independence.
The shrine, recognised as the first Jyotirlinga, was rebuilt following efforts initiated by India's first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Organisers said the ceremony will be the first Kumbhabhishekam performed on the shikhar of the reconstructed temple. The ritual, usually associated with temples in southern India, is generally conducted once every decade as part of a purification tradition.
For the ceremony, a specially made kalash with a capacity of 1,100 litres has been prepared.
Officials stated that the vessel is eight feet tall and weighs 760 kg. Its total weight will reach nearly 1.86 metric tonnes after it is filled with water.
The kalash contains holy water collected from 11 pilgrimage centres across the country. It will be raised to the temple's 90-metre-high spire using a 350-tonne all-terrain crane installed outside the temple complex.
Authorities said the crane system has been planned carefully to ensure no pressure is placed on the temple structure.
The arrangement has been developed under a 'zero load principle' to safeguard the heritage monument during the ritual.
According to officials, a remote-operated sensor mechanism will pour the sacred water over the temple. The abhishek process is expected to conclude within three minutes during Vedic chants.
Religious activities linked to the celebrations include Atirudra recitations and Vedic chanting by 51 Brahmins. The event also features a three-day Maharudra Yagna with 1.25 lakh offerings.
The programme will also feature an aerial performance by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team using six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft.