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Spiritual leader and founder of Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on Sunday shared his insights on the miraculous return of the Somnath Shivling. With deep conviction, he said, "Anything is possible. Everything that God wills happens."
Shankar revealed that the Shivling, a sacred relic from the Somnath Jyotirlinga, possesses distinct properties that identify it as an authentic artifact. "Anything is possible. Everything that God wills happens... This (Shivling) has those properties (of Somnath Jyotirlinga); that is how we knew what it is...," said the spiritual leader. He announced that the sacred relic, broken into pieces by Mughal ruler Muhammad Ghazni in 1026 AD, had been recovered and would undergo a 40-day purification ritual before its consecration. The spiritual leader had claimed in an article published on February 26 (Maha Shivratri) that he had recently been given the pieces of the shivling, after it was kept hidden for many years on the orders of Shankaracharya of Kanchi Peetham, where he said tgat after a hundred years, the pieces should be taken to a saint in Bangalore named Shankara. "A hundred years ago, when the Shankaracharya of Kanchi Peetham was approached by this family, he instructed, 'Keep it hidden and after 100 years, take it to a saint in Bangalore named Shankara.' Following these instructions, the original Somnath Shivalingas have now been brought to me," the spiritual leader claimed in his article. The Shivling will embark on a journey to all 12 Jyotirlingas, offering devotees a chance to seek blessings. A purification ritual, kalakarshan, will be performed according to Shaiva Agama traditions before the final consecration. "Now, the original Somnath Jyotirlinga can return home after one thousand years. This is a moment of spiritual awakening for our nation. Before its consecration, the Somnath Jyotirlinga will be taken across India, from Rameshwaram to all 12 Jyotirlingas, offering devotees the chance to seek blessings. A 40-day purification ritual known as kalakarshan will be performed following Shaiva Agama traditions, before the final consecration," he added. Somnath Jyotirlinga in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country. Others are Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar near Nashik in Maharashtra, Vaidyanathat Deogarh in Jharkhand, Nageshwar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. In Hindu spirituality, the 12 Jyotirlingas stand as revered sanctums, embodying Lord Shiva's divine essence. Scattered across India, each shrine uniquely encapsulates a facet of the Almighty, symbolizing Shiva's manifestation as an eternal pillar of light, or Jyoti. Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga, symbolises Shiva's eternal and indestructible nature. Its resilience reflects the faith of devotees. Mallikarjuna signifies the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; this temple is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. Mahakaleshwar is famous for its Bhasma Aarti. This Jyotirlinga represents Shiva as the lord of time and death, offering liberation (moksha). Omkareshwar is shaped like the sacred "Om," this Jyotirlinga symbolizes universal consciousness. Kedarnath is set amidst the majestic Himalayas. This Jyotirlinga signifies salvation and devotion. Bhimashankar is surrounded by lush greenery. This temple represents Shiva as the destroyer of evil. Kashi Vishwanath is considered the spiritual capital of India. This Jyotirlinga offers liberation and blessings in life and death. Trimbakeshwar is situated near the origin of the Godavari River. This Jyotirlinga represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Vaidyanath is known as the healer, this shrine is associated with curing ailments and bringing harmony. Nageshwar (Gujarat): This Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from negativity and evil forces. Rameshwaram is associated with the Ramayana; it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to seek forgiveness after the war with Ravana. Grishneshwar is the smallest Jyotirlinga temple, symbolising faith and simplicity, located near the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This representation of infinite radiance embodies the omnipresent energy of Shiva, drawing devotees from far and wide in pursuit of divine blessings and spiritual illumination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Somnath temple earlier today, praying for the wellbeing of everyone. The reunion of the Shivling with the Somnath Jyotirlinga is a moment of spiritual awakening for the nation, marking a new chapter in India's rich cultural heritage.(ANI)
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