Millions Witness Divine Revelation Across 180 Countries
Bengaluru: The Maha Shivaratri celebrations at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru turned into a historic spiritual event as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar unveiled the sacred relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlinga, lost for over a millennium. This momentous occasion, witnessed by millions worldwide, marked a significant milestone in the preservation and revival of India’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Vishalakshi Mantap, devotees from 180 countries joined in person and online for a night of deep devotion, meditation, and music. Also present at the event was Hon. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
Addressing the gathering, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke about the essence of Lord Shiva, emphasizing surrender and inner connection. “Shiva is the essence of all that is, was, and will be. On this Shivaratri, surrender, and feel one with the entire existence. Lord Shiva embraces you as you are.”
The highlight of the night was the rare darshan of the relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlinga. The Somnath temple, believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, has long been steeped in legend and divine mystery. According to ancient scriptures, the Jyotirlinga possessed unique properties, including the ability to levitate above the ground.
After the temple’s destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni, devoted Brahmins carried its broken fragments to Tamil Nadu, where they were shaped into smaller Shivlingams and secretly worshipped for a thousand years. A century ago, Saint Pranavendra Saraswati entrusted the relics to Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, who instructed that they remain hidden for another hundred years. This year, the present custodian, Pandit Sitaram Shastri, sought guidance from the current Kanchi Shankaracharya, who directed him to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In January 2025, these sacred fragments were placed in Gurudev’s hands, leading to this historic unveiling.
“The rediscovery of these relics is not just about history; it is about reviving the spirit of our civilization,” Gurudev stated. “Sanatan Dharma is not a relic of the past but a living tradition that continues to evolve.”
As midnight approached, the Art of Living Ashram resonated with the powerful chants of “Om Namah Shivaya.” Gurudev led a deep meditation, immersing devotees in divine vibrations. The recitation of the Rudram, ancient Vedic chants, and devotional music created an atmosphere of transcendence.
Music played a pivotal role in the celebration. Grammy-nominated artist Raja Kumari captivated audiences with her devotional compositions, alongside indie bands like Sadho-The Band, Abhanga Repost, and Nirvana Station. These artists are redefining India’s bhakti music for a new generation, blending tradition with contemporary expression.
Throughout the day, thousands participated in the sacred Abhishekam at the Ashram’s Shiva temple. Art of Living volunteers ensured that Mahaprasadam was served to all attendees, fostering a spirit of community and service.
This Maha Shivaratri was more than a festival—it was history in the making. The unveiling of the Somnath Jyotirlinga relics before their grand reinstallation at Somnath reaffirms the eternal nature of Sanatan Dharma. The night ended in an ocean of meditative stillness, leaving seekers with hearts full of devotion and gratitude.
As millions worldwide joined in this spiritual awakening, the Maha Shivaratri of 2025 became a luminous testament to faith, devotion, and the undying power of India’s spiritual legacy.
