Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the Maha Shivratri celebrations at Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, drawing hundreds of attendees to the event. Shah expressed gratitude to Sadhguru for the invitation, describing Maha Shivratri as not just a festival but as an occasion for self-awakening. "I extend my wishes on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here at the invitation of Sadhguru. The entire nation is 'Shivmay' today," Shah said during his address at the gathering.
During his remarks, the Union Minister highlighted the cultural significance of the celebrations, mentioning the concluding day of the Maha Kumbh festival taking place simultaneously at Prayagraj. Over 65 crore devotees experienced the fair's vibrant atmosphere characterized by spirituality and devotion, which paralleled the gathering at Isha Foundation. "Maha Shivratri is not only a festival but an occasion of self-awakening," Shah stated, emphasizing the connection between the various pilgrimage sites across India.
Shah praised the Isha Yoga Center as more than just a site for pilgrimage; he referred to it as a medium for liberation and connecting youth with the divine. He elaborated on the 112 ways of the Adiyogi statue, which symbolize various paths one can take on their personal and collective journeys toward spirituality. Shah linked this to larger initiatives, aligning Sadhguru's contributions to yoga with the government's promotion of International Yoga Day.
Notably, Sadhguru commended Shah's efforts as reflective of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's commitment to unifying India post-Partition. He noted the significant transformations made by Shah, recognizing their historical importance in knitting the nation back together. The event not only featured speeches but also immersive elements like 3D light shows and performances by renowned artists, enhancing the ceremonial ambiance.
Highlighting the night of celebrations, Sadhguru announced the introduction of the midnight Mahamantra initiation of "Om Namah Shivaya," aimed at fostering well-being among attendees. The Isha Foundation scheduled this unique ritual alongside the launch of the meditation app, Miracle of the Mind, which is intended to assist individuals in establishing meditation practices.
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivkumar, also joined the celebrations, helping bridge regional political presence with the vast cultural show. Earlier, he met with Sadhguru, expressing his anticipation for the grand Mahashivratri event. "I had the pleasure of meeting Sadhguru today at my home office. He invited our family to attend this event filled with spirituality," Shivkumar updated via X.
The Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre spanned from 6 pm to 6 am, engaging the community through devotional practices and enhancing the festive spirit. The global significance of Maha Shivratri stems from its embodiment of the victory over darkness and ignorance, symbolically marked by the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The event underscored the mission of the Isha Foundation, which aims to promote wellness and spirituality through cultural gatherings.
Overall, the celebrations served as both a reflection of India's diverse cultural practices and as reinforcement of the ties joining spirituality with present-day governance, as underscored by both Shah and Sadhguru. Their partnership at this significant occasion signals continued collaboration between faith and leadership aiming for national unity.