Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined thousands of devotees at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on Wednesday night, to participate in the grand Mahashivratri celebrations hosted by the Isha Foundation. The event, held under the towering presence of the 112-foot Adiyogi statue, marked a night of spiritual fervor, meditation, and cultural performances, guided by the foundation’s founder, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
Amit Shah arrived in Coimbatore on the evening of February 25 and, earlier on the 26th, inaugurated the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Peelamedu before heading to the Isha Yoga Centre for the festivities. Addressing the massive gathering, Shah described the centre as “a place of yoga, sadhana, devotion, repentance, and liberation,” emphasising its role as a global hub for spiritual awakening. “I bow down at the feet of Adiyogi. I consider myself very fortunate to be here at the invitation of Sadhguru ji,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness the event.
The Home Minister highlighted the scientific and spiritual significance of Mahashivratri, calling it more than just a festival but a night of self-realisation. “Shiva is not just a deity but an eternal presence. Awakening ‘Shivatva’, the essence of Shiva, is the true path to self-realisation,” Shah remarked. He praised Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation for blending science with spirituality and spreading this message worldwide, noting that the centre has become a bridge connecting people, especially the youth, to their spiritual roots.
The night-long celebration, which began at 6 p.m. and continued until 6 a.m. on February 27, featured powerful meditations led by Sadhguru, including the “Midnight Mahamantra” (Aum Namah Shivaya) initiation - a chant aimed at fostering ultimate well-being. Shah also offered prayers at the Dhyanalinga Yoga Mandir, Nag Mandir, and Linga Bhairavi Mandir during the event. The festivities were further elevated by enthralling performances from renowned artists such as Ajay-Atul, Muktidan Gadhvi, and Sounds of Isha, captivating the audience throughout the 12-hour celebration.
The event drew dignitaries from across India, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Governors of Punjab and Odisha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, and BJP State President K. Annamalai. Shah drew a parallel between the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the gathering in Coimbatore, describing it as a “Maha Kumbh of devotion.”
The Isha Mahashivratri celebrations, livestreamed in over 20 languages and broadcast on more than 250 TV channels and digital platforms, attracted millions of viewers globally, underscoring its status as one of the world’s most-watched online events. Visitors from over 70 countries attended in person, while audiences from more than 150 countries tuned in online.
Shah’s participation in the event highlights the growing prominence of the Isha Foundation as a spiritual and cultural beacon, as well as its appeal to leaders across political and social spheres. As the sun rose over the Velliangiri foothills on February 27, the night concluded with a profound sense of unity and transcendence, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.