As a fragment of India’s glorious history—thought to have been lost in time—was revealed, the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at The Art of Living International Center’s Bengaluru ashram took on a spiritual fervour rarely seen in the world against the backdrop of the resplendent Vishalakshi Mantap, bringing millions of seekers from 180 countries into a moment of profound reverence.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explained, “On this Shivaratri, surrender and feel one with the entire existence. Shiva is the essence of all that is, was, and will be.” Lord Shiva accepts you for who you are. Have the impression that you are sitting inside Shiva. He discussed Shiva’s five qualities: creation, maintenance, transformation, blessing, and concealment. We experience the heavenly spirit and feel the benefits during Shivratri. We just dive deep inside and absorb these vibrations,” he continued.
Darshan of the original Somnath Jyotirlinga’s relics
The rare darshan of the actual Somnath Jyotirlinga’s treasures was the night’s high point. With its legend veiled in divine mystery, Somnath, the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, has always inspired wonder and devotion. Its extraordinary capacity to float two feet above the ground, defying gravity, was mentioned in ancient texts!
A few Brahmins brought the broken pieces to Tamil Nadu and reshaped them into smaller Shivlingams when Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed the Somnath temple and the Jyotirlinga inside. For a millennium, they were covertly revered and passed down through the generations. They were brought to Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Chandrasekharendra Saraswati a century ago by Saint Pranavendra Saraswati, who gave him instructions to conceal them for an additional century.
“Tradition that changes and endures over time,” according to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
This year, Pandit Sitaram Shastri, the current custodian, asked the current Kanchi Shankaracharya for heavenly instruction. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a saint who lives in Bengaluru. The Shankaracharya said, “Take them to him.” Millions of people were able to re-establish a connection with this timeless fragment of Sanatan Dharma when these holy relics were placed in the hands of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in January 2025. Shankar recognised the relics’ enormous spiritual value and opened them for darshan.
“Reviving the spirit of our civilisation is the goal of the recovery of these hallowed shards, not merely regaining history. This occasion serves as a reminder that Sanatan Dharma is timeless and that it is a living, breathing tradition that endures and grows with time, according to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The Bangalore Ashram transformed into a centre of holy vibrations as midnight drew near. As Gurudev guided followers into a profound state of meditation, the air was filled with the resounding cries of “Om Namah Shivaya.” Devotees from all over the world came together in devotion and bliss as the Rudram chants, age-old Vedic ceremonies, and heart-stirring devotional music blended into one cosmic rhythm.
Raja Kumari’s performance and the music also had a significant influence on this unique Shivaratri. Alongside indie bands Sadho-The Band, Abhanga Repost, and Nirvana Station, Grammy-nominated musician Raja Kumari enthralled the crowd with her religious songs. By fusing tradition and contemporary expression, these musicians are recreating India’s classic bhakti music for a new audience.
Volunteers from Art of Living served Mahaprasadam to everyone in attendance throughout the festivities, which started with lakhs of people doing abhishekam at the Ashram’s sacred Shiva temple. With hearts full of gratitude and dedication, seekers revelled in the gift of Shiva consciousness as the night came to an end in an ocean of silence.
This Maha Shivaratri was more than just a celebration; it was a moment in history. This night became a bright tribute to trust, devotion, and the enduring force of Sanatan Dharma as the sacred Jyotirlinga shards were unveiled prior to their great reinstallation at Somnath.
