The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, March 2, 2025 – A historic event unfolded in the heart of the nation’s capital as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar unveiled the sacred and rare relics of the Original Somnath Jyotirlingam for the first time in Delhi, that have been found after 1000 years. Lakhs of devotees gathered to witness this momentous occasion, a rare and divine revelation that connects India’s present to its ancient spiritual roots.
The dignitaries who were present at the Maha Satsang titled Anandam, an evening of soulful music, devotion and precious wisdom along with a historic unraveling of the holy stones, included Hon. Chief Minister of New Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta; Shri Vijendra Gupta, Hon. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha; Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Member of Parliament from West Delhi and Hon. Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Tilak Ram Gupta.
Hghlighting the global impact of The Art of Living’s efforts under the leadership of Gurudev, Hon. Chief Minister of New Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta shared, “Through you, millions of people are witnessing how The Art of Living is bringing the essence of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (One World Family) to life across the world. If we want to live a meaningful social life, it is essential to have the wisdom of The Art of Living in our lives.”
Recalling Gurudev’s leadership in environmental conservation, Smt. Rekha Gupta shared, “I still remember, Gurudev, how thousands of Art of Living volunteers, under your guidance, took up the massive task of cleaning the Yamuna ghats, removing thousands of truckloads of waste.”
“Now, we will take this task forward, create a beautiful riverfront and organize a grand Maha Aarti with your presence. I will personally come to invite you,” she added.
She acknowledged the extensive work undertaken by Gurudev for the welfare of the society, stating, “You have not only transformed people’s lives but your contribution to significant efforts like planting millions of trees, cleaning rivers, and water conservation is truly unparalleled.”
Gurudev in his address, shared, “It is heartening to see the Chief Minister speak about the Yamuna cleaning initiative already.” He mentioned that The Art of Living’s’Meri Delhi, Meri Yamuna’ campaign for the Yamuna cleanup began way back in 2010.
In a historic moment that marks the revival and celebration of the spiritual and cultural ethos of this land, Gurudev unveiled the sacred relics, found after 1000 years, that belonged to the original Somnath Jyotirlingam. No ordinary Lingam, it levitated 2 ft above the ground. A geological analysis of the relics in 2007 found the stones had unusual magnetic properties, with a stronger magnetic field at the center. They mentioned the material did not match with anything known so far.
“Shiva resides in every particle of existence,” Gurudev shared, “He is always in our hearts, but at times, he manifests in certain sacred places. We will celebrate this divine occurance across the country. From Rameshwaram to Somnath, this journey will be a tribute to that divine presence.”
The story of these relics that have been moulded into Lingam and have been worshipJyotirlingamrations is one of triumph of faith and total devotion.
Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and destroyed the Somnath Temple along with the mystical Jyotirlingamm inside in 1026 CE. Heart broken from the devastation, a few Agnihotri Brahmins secretly carried the pieces ofShastrijiirlingam with them to Tamil Nadu, moulded them into small Shivalingas and continued to worship them through the generations.
These sacred relics eventually came into the care of the family of Agnihotri Brahmin Pandit Sitaram Shastri. “You should yourself take them to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bengaluru. He will help you,” Shastriji was instructed by the current Kanchi Shankaracharya.
During the satsang the audiences were stunned to the demonstrations by the kids of Art of Living’s Intuition Process. Where one read the details on a visiting card of an audience member blindfolded, the other solved the Rubik’s cube with a blindfold on.
Adding to the spiritual atmosphere, children from The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Sanskar Kendra captivated the gathering with their soulful recitation of select Chaupais (verses) from the beloved epic Ramayana.
A melodious flute ensemble led by Shri Mohan Krishna, disciple of Pt. Kailash Sharma, based on Raag Mishr stole the hearts of the audiences.
Earlier in the day, Gurudev also inaugurated the World Peace Centre alongside Revered Jain Monk Shri Lokesh Muni, who is also the founder of the center; Former President of India Shri Ramnath Kovind, and Hon. Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini.
Addressing the gathering, Gurudev shared profound insights on the essence of Sanatan Dharma and the significance of non-violence, patience, and inner strength.
Gurudev remarked, “Even where the wind cannot reach, the mind can. Nature is a realm of infinite possibilities. There are many ways to understand the Divine. God manifests in countless forms. That is why patience is needed to truly grasp this wisdom. Even now, as you sit under this intense sun, you are engaging in tapa. Tapa brings welfare to life. Without tapa, life is neither sustainable nor free. It is tapa that will bring welfare to the world.”
Revered Jain Monk Shri Lokesh Muni Ji expressed deep admiration for Gurudev stating: “Gurudev has not only spread the message of peace across India but across the entire world. The way he has worked in the fields of education, healthcare, livelihood, and the well-being of farmers is beyond words. His love is beyond expression. The Art of Living’s efforts in peace-building, meditation, and the impact of Sudarshan Kriya have brought about a massive transformation worldwide.”
Honoring Gurudev’s immense contributions to peace and humanitarian efforts, Former President Shri Ramnath Kovind and Haryana CM Shri Nayab Singh Saini felicitated him during the event.
In a significant development, Lokesh Muni Ji announced the formation of a special committee led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Morari Bapu, bringing together leaders from various walks of life to restore peace and ahimsa in conflict-affected regions.
In a separate event, Gurudev was also invited to a special exhibition on “Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh,” organized by the Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism. The exhibition highlighted the alarming decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh, which has dwindled from 22% in 1957 to just 8% today.
Gurudev emphasized the need for a balanced and peaceful approach, saying, “Violence is not the solution. We must reorganizedsituations as they evolve, acting with wisdom and composure rather than reacting impulsively and worsening the situation.”
Apart from the above events, Gurudev wSamoohik Shankh Naadacred Rudra Puja to be held at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, near India Gate on 3 March, 5 PM onwards. The vedic ceremony is known to bestow prosperity, wealth and good health on the seekers. This event, open to all, is expected to draw over 10,000 people, who will also get to experience the mystical energy of the holy relics of the original Somnath Lingam. A key highlight of the event will be a Samoohik Shankh Naad (collective conch-blowing ceremony) performed by The Art of Living teachers and volunteers, sending a resounding wake-up call for peace to the world
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