NEW DELHI – Vedic mantras and spiritual enthusiasm filled the atmosphere at Anand Dham Ashram during the Mahashivratri celebrations held on February 14th and 15th, 2026. The two-day event brought devotees together for spiritual activities in the presence of Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi. The event honored Lord Shiva through traditional rituals, soulful Shiv Katha, and prayers at the twelve Jyotirlingas. These activities, combined with profound spiritual teachings, filled the atmosphere with a sense of peace and grace.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj said, “Mahashivratri is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred bridge that connects the human soul with the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. When we pray with a pure heart and steady mind, we experience the stillness and divine strength that resides within all of us.”
The celebrations began with a unique and massive spiritual undertaking: the preparation of one lakh and twenty-five thousand Parthiv Shivlingas. These sacred forms were hand-crafted by devotees and young Rishis using holy soil brought from the banks of the River Narmada. The atmosphere at the Ashram was filled with quiet dedication as participants prepared these Shivlingas, which were later placed near the Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient Banyan tree within the premises.
On the main day of Mahashivratri, the air resonated with the sound of continuous Vedic chants during a grand Rudrabhishek ceremony. All 1.25 lakh Shivlingas were ritualistically bathed with sacred offerings such as milk, honey, and water. This ceremony was followed by the “Four Prahar Puja,” a rare overnight worship schedule that began at 6:00 PM and continued until the early hours of the next morning. Many devotees stayed throughout the night, participating in the vigil to experience the mental peace and purification associated with these traditional prayers.
Speaking on the meditative aspect of the festival, Dr. Archika Didi remarked, “The night of Shiva is a journey from the outer world to the inner self. Through meditation and devotion, we invite divine grace into our lives, allowing us to find true bliss and a sense of transformation.”
The spiritual experience was further enriched by “Shiv Dhyan,” a special midnight meditation session that focused on inner stillness and the yogic traditions of Lord Shiva. Complementing the silence of meditation was “Shiv Tarang,” a cultural evening featuring soulful devotional music and spiritually inspired dance.
The venue, Anand Dham Ashram, served as a beautiful backdrop for the celebrations. Devotees took the opportunity to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga installations and the 800 kg Shri Yantra at the “Shiv Varadan Tirtha.” The event concluded with a sense of profound peace, leaving participants with memories of a beautifully conducted journey of faith.
