Rare Maha Shivaratri Moment: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar To Unveil Sacred Relics Of Somnath Jyotirlingam After 1000 Years

Bengaluru: The Maha Shivaratri celebrations this year will see millions of devotees from around 180 countries gather in both physical and digital spaces, joining the festivities at The Art of Living International Center under the divine guidance of global spiritual leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The event will be made even more special by the rare presence of the sacred fragments of the original Somnath Jyotirlingam, which were believed to have been lost for over a thousand years.

The Maha Shivaratri celebrations, one of the most sacred days in the Hindu spiritual calendar, are set to take place at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru on February 26.

This year’s event promises to be extraordinary, as millions of participants from around the world will have the unique opportunity to witness the sacred relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlingam for the first time in over a thousand years. The relics, believed to have been lost during the infamous attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 CE, are now being revealed after being preserved for centuries in secrecy. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on the Sattva app, the official meditation app of The Art of Living. The app will offer users a virtual darshan of the sacred relics and a special opportunity to meditate alongside Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The session will conclude with a sacred ‘Abhishekam Kalash’, which will feature blessed water gathered from all twelve Jyotirlingas across the country, kept at the Ashram.

Relics of Somnath Jyotirlingam: Spiritual and Historical Marvel

The relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlingam hold immense historical and spiritual importance. The original Jyotirlinga, a revered and powerful symbol of Lord Shiva, was thought to have been destroyed during the 1026 CE attack by Mahmud of Ghazni, who desecrated the Somnath Temple. The legend of the Jyotirlinga is extraordinary—it was said to levitate about two feet above the ground, further magnifying its mystique and reverence.

However, the story of the sacred relics did not end with the attack. In a display of unwavering faith, the grief-stricken Agnihotri Brahmins carried the fragments of the broken Lingam to Tamil Nadu, where they preserved and secretly worshipped these remnants for a millennium. The relics were passed down through generations, guarded by trusted individuals. They eventually came into the hands of Pandit Sitaram Shastri, who kept them safe for over two decades, awaiting their rightful consecration.

Saint Pranavendra Saraswati presented the relics to Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Chandrasekharendra Saraswati about a century ago, who prophesied that their consecration would only occur after one hundred years. Following the guidance of the Kanchi Shankaracharya, Pandit Sitaram Shastri sought advice from the current Kanchi Shankaracharya about the future of the relics. The divine guidance was clear that the relics should be taken to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for their consecration.

In January 2025, Pandit Sitaram Shastri brought the sacred relics to The Art of Living International Center, where Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar personally oversaw their unveiling for the first time in a thousand years. Gurudev remarked, "This exudes a magnetic quality, reminding us that what we know of reality is just a tiny part of the entire existence. We only need to open our eyes wider and look."

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Day of Divine Meditations and Sacred Ceremonies

The Maha Shivaratri celebrations on February 26th, at The Art of Living International Center will begin at 7 pm with a special Rudra Puja, an ancient Vedic ceremony dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Rudra form. The atmosphere will be filled with powerful and meditative Rudram chants, which will be accompanied by soulful devotional bhajans and music, inviting the participants to immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will lead a unique meditation at 11.30 pm, guiding millions of participants through a collective experience of inner peace and stillness. As midnight draws near, devotees will engage in chanting, spiritual discussions, and enjoy light ‘Prasad (sacred food offerings)’ distributed at the Prasad counters. The festivities will culminate at 4 am with the Maha Rudra Homa, a sacred fire ritual led by Gurudev, marking the grand conclusion of the night’s celebrations.

For those joining online, the Sattva app will host a special meditation session at noon on February 26, where users will also have the rare opportunity to witness a virtual darshan of the Somnath Jyotirlingam relics. This virtual darshan, coupled with the auspicious meditation, offers devotees a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. The meditation session will conclude with a sacred ‘Abhishekam kalash’, wherein water from all twelve Jyotirlingas across India will be used for the ritual, further heightening the sanctity of the occasion.

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The Art of Living: Global Spiritual Movement Led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living is an international spiritual and humanitarian organisation that has touched the lives of millions worldwide. The organisation, with a mission to promote peace, wellness, and spiritual growth, offers a variety of programs aimed at enhancing personal well-being and strengthening a sense of global harmony. Gurudev, an esteemed spiritual leader, has inspired millions through his teachings on meditation, yoga, and the ancient wisdom of the Vedas.

The Art of Living has established centres in over 150 countries, and its programs, such as the renowned Sudarshan Kriya, have helped individuals lead healthier, more fulfilled lives. The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru serves as the headquarters of this global movement, drawing thousands of visitors each year to partake in its spiritual activities, meditation courses, and festivals like Maha Shivaratri.

This year’s Maha Shivaratri celebration, which marks a historic occasion with the unveiling of the Somnath Jyotirlingam relics, is a testament to the powerful spiritual energy that flows through The Art of Living community and the world’s deep reverence for Lord Shiva. As Gurudev has always said, "When we are united in a common purpose, the world becomes a better place." Through events like these, the Art of Living continues to inspire people worldwide to connect with their inner selves and experience the divine presence in everyday life.

The reappearance of the Somnath relics and their journey to sacred sites across India before their final consecration in Somnath is not just a historical event—it is a profound spiritual homecoming, uniting devotees across the globe in the sacred experience of Lord Shiva’s blessings.