As part of the sacred Centenary Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – India undertook a rare and powerful National Sadhana – Rudraupasana, the chanting of the Ekadasha Rudra Parayanam at all the twelve revered Jyotirlinga Kshetras across Bharat. These Jyotirlingas, worshipped as resplendent columns of Divine Light, stand as timeless symbols of Lord Shiva’s infinite presence.
What began in April 2025 as a humble, prayerful offering for world peace and universal welfare has now culminated in a grand spiritual finale at the holy shrine of Srisailam on March 1, 2026. Of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Srisailam holds a unique distinction – it is not only the abode of Lord Mallikarjuna but also a revered Shaktipeetha, the sacred seat of Goddess Brahmarambika. This Kshetra is further sanctified in Sai history by Bhagawan’s divine visit in 1963, when He showered Tummi flowers upon the Mallikarjuna Linga and materialised a necklace for Mother Brahmarambika, leaving an indelible imprint of His grace.
For the grand culmination, over 5,000 devotees from across the country assembled in deep devotion and gratitude. While a few blessed souls had the fortune of participating in all twelve Parayanams, many had joined at different Jyotirlingas during the year – yet almost all nurtured a heartfelt longing to witness this sacred finale at Srisailam. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervour, unity, and the quiet strength of collective prayer.
In the early hours before dawn, devotees commenced the day with Nagar Sankeertan, circumambulating the temple precincts with bhajans that echoed through the ancient hills. Later in the morning, at around 8:30 am, they entered through the North Gopuram in a majestic procession holding the sacred Poornakumbham. The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony marked the formal commencement of the session.
Addressing the gathering, Mr RJ Rathnakar (Managing Trustee, SSSCT) reflected on how rustic and underdeveloped the region must have been when Bhagawan visited in 1963. He spoke of Swami’s indomitable will and divine sankalpa, affirming with conviction that the very fact that thousands had assembled at this sacred shrine for such a monumental spiritual undertaking was nothing but Bhagawan’s will manifesting through time. “If this event is happening here today,” he emphasised, “it is purely Swami’s divine resolve that has brought us all together.”
The chanting of the Sri Rudram then commenced with profound solemnity. Eleven complete recitations reverberated through the temple environs – a thunderous yet meditative outpouring of Vedic vibrations. The unified voices of thousands rose in disciplined harmony, invoking Lord Shiva’s grace for peace, harmony, and righteousness in the world. Each repetition felt like a wave of spiritual energy, purifying minds and consecrating the land.
This year-long yajna of sound – spanning the length and breadth of the nation – stands as a unique collective sadhana offered at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet during His Centenary Year. More than a ritual, it was a movement of hearts united in prayer; more than a pilgrimage, it was a journey of inner transformation.
For the true culmination of such an offering lies not merely in sacred syllables uttered, but in lives committed to living the spirit of Rudram: humility, purity, unity, and unwavering faith in the Divine Will.
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