Munish Sood
Mandi
In a significant spiritual announcement, representatives of The Art of Living Foundation—Mahesh Walia, Dr. Durgesh Thakur, and Suresh Gupta—have confirmed that sacred fragments associated with the original Somnath Jyotirlinga will arrive in Mandi on April 5 at 3 PM. They described the occasion as a rare and historic opportunity for spiritual seekers and devotees.
1,000-Year Legacy of Faith and Preservation
Detailing the extraordinary historical journey, Mahesh Walia stated that the fragments trace their origin to the destruction of the Somnath temple during the 1026 AD invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni.
“Following the attack, Agnihotri Brahmins safeguarded fragments of the Shivling and preserved them through continuous worship for nearly 1,000 years. These sacred relics were secretly moved across regions, ensuring their protection through generations,” he said.
He further highlighted that in 1924, the revered Kanchi Shankaracharya directed the custodian family to keep the fragments hidden for a century, preserving their sanctity until an appropriate time.
Prophecy Fulfilled with 2025 Handover
Elaborating on recent developments, Dr. Durgesh Thakur said the century-long mandate culminated in January 2025, when the final custodian, Sitaram Shastri, formally handed over the preserved fragments to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru.
“This marked the fulfillment of a 100-year-old spiritual directive. The fragments were revealed to the public during the Mahashivratri period in 2025, allowing devotees to witness a piece of living history,” he noted.
He added that before their eventual installation, Gurudev has envisioned taking these sacred fragments across the country to enable wider public darshan.
Global Spiritual Context and Scientific Curiosity
Highlighting the broader relevance, Suresh Gupta said the initiative aligns with the global mission of The Art of Living Foundation, which operates in over 180 countries promoting mental well-being, meditation, and a stress-free society.
“This is not just a spiritual event but a movement connecting ancient wisdom with modern life. Interestingly, preliminary observations have also suggested that the fragments exhibit unique non-polarized magnetic properties, adding a dimension of scientific curiosity to their spiritual significance,” he said.
Call for Public Participation
The organisers appealed to the public and media to actively participate and spread awareness about the event, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to witness a sacred legacy that has survived for a millennium.
A Defining Spiritual Moment for Mandi
With preparations in full swing, the April 5 event is expected to draw significant participation, positioning Mandi as a key point of spiritual convergence.
As emphasised by the organisers, the occasion transcends ritual—it represents resilience, continuity of faith, and a renewed spiritual awakening relevant to contemporary society.
