Somnath Shivlings draw devotees at City Centre

A spiritual atmosphere was witnessed today at the City Centre, Hoshiarpur, where special darshan of two sacred Somnath Shivlings were organised. A large number of devotees gathered to seek blessings and participate in religious rituals.

The programme began with Rudrabhishekam performed by learned priests amid Vedic chants. Devotees also took part in bhajan singing, creating a devotional environment filled with faith and positivity.

According to religious belief, this holy Shivling is associated with the ancient Somnath Temple. Historical records mention that in 1024, the temple was attacked and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni. Devotees are believed to have preserved its sacred remains for nearly 900 years, worshipping them secretly.

Later, the holy relics were taken to Kanchi Shankaracharya, who directed that they be kept hidden for another 100 years. It is believed that after India’s independence and the establishment of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the relics would be handed over to a saint named Shankar for reinstallation. Last year, the sacred Shivling was presented to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, at his Bengaluru Ashram. The holy Shivling reached Hoshiarpur today at 4.00 pm, where devotees offered prayers and expressed deep devotion.