Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
India’s spiritual legacy is eternal, and history bears witness to its resilience. Over the centuries, our temples, scriptures, and traditions have faced numerous invasions, yet the spirit of our eternal faith has never wavered.
I want to share with you a story of rediscovery—one that holds immense significance for the soul of our civilization.
More than a thousand years ago, Somnath, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, stood as a beacon of devotion. It was not merely a place of worship but a powerhouse of spiritual energy, drawing devotees, sages, and seekers from across the land.
The Shivalingam at Somnath was said to be unique—it never touched the ground, suspended in space, radiating a divine force that uplifted all who came near. This sacred energy was not just a matter of faith; it was an experience.
However, history took a painful turn when Mahmud of Ghazni ransacked the temple and desecrated the Shiva Lingam in 1026 AD. Yet, even amidst destruction, devotion endured. The Agnihotri Brahmins, custodians of the sacred tradition, rescued the fragments of the original Somnath Lingam and carried them to safety. For a thousand years, they protected these relics, preserving and worshiping them in utmost secrecy, passing them down through generations.
For centuries, the fragments remained hidden, safeguarded by great saints and spiritual custodians who understood their significance. The fragments were molded into the shape of a sacred Lingam and worshiped. Swami Pranavendra Saraswathi received the idol from his master in the Guru-Disciple tradition in the early 20th century. He later presented it to Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi, who instructed him to keep the Lingam hidden for 100 years.
After the passage of a century, the fragments came into the care of Sri Sitaram Shastri, who then brought them to the current Kanchi Shankaracharya, Swami Vijayendra Saraswathi. The Shankaracharya advised him to entrust them to me to reinstate them at Somnath. When the fragments arrived, wrapped carefully in cloth, we discovered that the Lingams possessed a unique magnetic force.
We often speak of faith, but there are moments when faith transforms into direct experience. Holding the fragments, one can feel the same energy that must have once filled the grand halls of Somnath. These are not just pieces of stone—they are infused with the power of mantras, the collective energy of countless prayers, meditations, and rituals performed over centuries.
In 2007, when scientists studied the material composition of these fragments, they made a remarkable discovery. They found that the Lingam had an unusually strong magnetic field at its center—an extraordinary trait. According to them, only a highly rare type of magnetic stone could maintain such a levitated position. Though the structure appeared crystalline, it did not match any known substances, suggesting that the fragments were composed of something rare or previously unidentified. Ancient scriptures repeatedly mention that the Lingam may have originated from a meteorite—a celestial gift from the cosmos.
The rediscovery of these sacred fragments is not just about reclaiming history—it is about reviving the spirit of our civilization. Just as the Ram Mandir was rebuilt after 500 years, we are now witnessing the return of the original Somnath Lingam’s glory after a millennium. This moment reaffirms the eternal nature of Sanatan Dharma—it is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing tradition that continues to thrive across time.
The next step is to share this blessing with devotees everywhere. These fragments will be taken across the country, allowing millions to have darshan before they are finally consecrated at Somnath. We will visit all twelve Jyotirlingas, temples, and sacred sites, ensuring that devotees can reconnect with this eternal presence.
Beyond the symbols of faith lies the true essence of spirituality. In Vedic astrology, the Moon represents the mind and is deeply connected to Shiva. That is why Shiva is called Somnath—the Lord of the Moon. When the mind is restless, the answer is Shiva.
As we embark on this sacred journey, let us remember: Shiva is not merely an idol or a symbol—Shiva is an experience. He is the silence behind our thoughts, the vastness behind our emotions, and the consciousness that pervades all existence.
This rediscovery is not just a historical event; it is a profound message for all humankind. It reminds us that truth, faith, and devotion can never be erased.
