Munish Sood
Mandi
The arrival of the Somnath Jyotirlinga Yatra in Mandi on Sunday transformed the town into a vibrant hub of spirituality, with hundreds of saints, scholars, and devotees participating in the grand religious procession.
The yatra received a ceremonial welcome from The Art of Living Foundation, Mandi, along with several local organisations. Upon arrival, the delegation first visited the historic Madhoray Temple and Baba Bhootnath Temple, where prayers were offered, marking the spiritual commencement of the event.
Public Darshan and Ritual Ceremonies
The sacred Jyotirlinga fragments were later placed at the Seri stage for public viewing, drawing a large number of devotees throughout the day. The event featured elaborate ritual ceremonies, including special prayers and a traditional fire ritual, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence and devotion.
Organisers, including Mahesh Walia, Dr. Durgesh Thakur, and Suresh Gupta, stated that the central aim of the yatra is to promote awareness about India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
A Thousand-Year Legacy Preserved
Providing historical context, Mahesh Walia said the sacred fragments are believed to trace their origin to the destruction of the Somnath Temple during the 1026 AD invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni.
He explained that Agnihotri Brahmins safeguarded parts of the Shivling for nearly a thousand years, preserving them through continuous worship and discreetly transferring them across generations to ensure their protection.
In 1924, the Kanchi Shankaracharya is said to have directed the custodian family to keep the relics hidden for a further century to maintain their sanctity.
Centenary Directive Fulfilled in 2025
Dr. Durgesh Thakur stated that the century-long directive concluded 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.
The relics were subsequently unveiled to the public during the Mahashivratri period in 2025, marking the fulfilment of a long-standing spiritual directive. As part of a nationwide initiative, the fragments are now being taken across the country to facilitate public viewing before their eventual installation.
Spiritual Significance Meets Global Outreach
Suresh Gupta highlighted that 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 lifestyle.
He also pointed to an emerging area of interest, noting that preliminary observations suggest the fragments may exhibit unique non-polarized magnetic properties, adding an element of scientific curiosity to their spiritual significance.
Call for Public Engagement
Organisers described the event as a rare opportunity for devotees to witness a sacred legacy that has endured for nearly a millennium. They urged the public and media to actively participate and help spread awareness about the yatra.
Mandi Emerges as a Key Spiritual Convergence Point
With significant public participation and elaborate arrangements, the event has positioned Mandi as an important centre of spiritual convergence. Beyond its religious dimension, the yatra represents continuity of faith, cultural resilience, and a renewed spiritual awakening in contemporary society.
