Mahashivratri: Celebration of Ancient Wisdom and Meditation

 

As more than 250,000 devotees converged at the grand Gurupadukavanam at The Art of Living International Center, the atmosphere reverberated with the sacred chants, music and wisdom on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri celebrations. Over a million people joined the celebrations virtually too.

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Over 250,000 people come together to celebrate Mahashivratri at The Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru.

March 8, 2024
Bengaluru, India

As more than 250,000 devotees converged at the grand Gurupadukavanam at The Art of Living International Center, the atmosphere reverberated with the sacred chants, music and wisdom on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri celebrations. Over a million people joined the celebrations virtually too.

In the evening, in the midst of chants and melodious Bhajans, Gurudev presided over the sacred Rudrabhishekam ceremony, a Vedic ceremony dedicated to honoring the Rudra form of Shiva, known to bestow happinesa, prosperity and fulfillment of desires upon the devotees.

“Shivratri is taking refuge in Shiva,” says Gurudev, “And Shiva is peace, infinity, beauty and the non-dual one. You take refuge in Shiva for your true nature is Shiva as he is the meditative aspect of the entire universe.”

Gurudev also blessed the poster of The Art of Living’s first web series production based on the life and glory of Saint Adi Shankaracharya.

“Adi Shankaracharya is an important figure in Indian history whose name is well known but not everyone knows about his life story,” said Nakul Dhawan, Trustee, Sri Sri Publications Trust, “he had a very short but eventful life in which he traveled the length and breadth of the country on foot in those times, unifying the cultural fabric of the country. The traditions and institutions he started survive and thrive to this day and he is the architect of India’s cultural renaissance.”

At midnight, millions from around the globe joined the Shivaratri special meditation with Gurudev, diving into the bliss of Shiva Tattva.

Ratri (night) is that which gives relief from social, emotional, and intellectual workouts! Shiva, the absolute, represents bliss, beauty, truth, and benevolence. May this night of prayer and meditation bring happiness and prosperity to all. #Mahashivratri

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) March 8, 2024

Nothing other than Shiva really exists, even in the field of duality!

Over 250,000 at @BangaloreAshram and more than a million online soaked in ancient chants, deep meditation & soulful music during #Mahashivratri celebrations. pic.twitter.com/pOSK6IKfnM

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) March 9, 2024

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