#Mahashivratri Midnight Mantra: The Awakening with Sadguru

Isha Yoga’s grandest Mahashivratri yet: massive crowds, midnight initiation, military awards…and growing online backlash

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#Mahashivratri Midnight Mantra: The Awakening with Sadguru. The Isha Yoga Center, nestled in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, at Coimbatore, India,transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual fervor as it hosted a spectacular night-long Mahashivratri event from February 15 to 16, 2026.

By, Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari, Chief Editor http://indiainput.com

Organized by the Isha Foundation under the guidance of renowned yogi and mystic Sadhguru, the celebration drew millions of participants both in-person and via global live streams. Commencing at 6 PM IST and concluding at 6 AM, the program featured a blend of ancient rituals, explosive meditations, and captivating performances, aligning with the festival’s significance as a night of profound spiritual awakening.

The event kicked off with the Pancha Bhuta Kriya and Linga Bhairavi Maha Arati, followed by addresses from Sadhguru and dignitaries. Highlights included the mesmerizing Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, a visual tribute to Lord Shiva, and electrifying musical and dance performances by artists such as sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee. The midnight initiation by Sadhguru, a powerful meditation session, served as the spiritual pinnacle, broadcast in over 20 languages to reach an estimated 140 million viewers worldwide through YouTube, TV networks, and satellite feeds.

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#Mahashivratri pic.twitter.com/7xumrwe2u6

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) February 15, 2026

Adding a layer of national pride, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presented the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Awards, honoring leaders from the armed forces for their role in Operation Sindoor—a covert mission symbolizing valor and strategic prowess. The awards also recognized achievers in defense, agriculture, and the arts, underscoring the event’s theme of holistic national development. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described his attendance as “a deeply personal moment of devotion,” emphasizing the festival’s emotional resonance amid his busy political life.

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These pictures are from Coimbatore, Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre. Rajnath Singh, Devendra Fadnavis, and others participated in the event…

The scale of this celebration, in a state ruled by the so-called “eradicate Sanatan” gang, is truly phenomenal… pic.twitter.com/xOdkfRGlvf

— Mr Sinha (@Mrsinha) February 16, 2026

Celebrities amplified the glamour, with actress Tamannaah Bhatia, child star Sara Arjun, and badminton champion Saina Nehwal joining in prayers, dances, and cultural displays. Their participation highlighted the event’s appeal across entertainment and sports, fostering a sense of unity in devotion.

However, the massive scale of the celebrations has not been without controversy. Some online voices questioned the presence of uniformed officers at what they deemed a private spiritual gathering, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between state, military, and religion. Beyond this, a few believers and influencers have reacted negatively, criticizing the event’s perceived commercialization.

Detractors argue that charging for attendance and the extravagant production—complete with high-profile guests and global broadcasts—deviates from traditional, austere Shivratri observances, turning a sacred night into a “commercial spectacle.” Some former devotees and online commentators accuse Sadhguru of promoting a flamboyant lifestyle, with expensive elements that contradict spiritual simplicity.

Environmental concerns, stemming from past allegations of land encroachment at the center, and perceptions of cult-like practices further fuel dissent among skeptics. Influencers, often seeking engagement, amplify these views on social media, claiming the event prioritizes spectacle over genuine spirituality or even pits Sadhguru against other gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in debates over icons like Adiyogi.

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Our gratitude to our media & digital partners, local administration, volunteers and the general public for taking Adiyogi’s profound message to millions around the world: every willing human being is capable of rising beyond their limitations to know Profoundness of life.… pic.twitter.com/lmp9ZCU0JM

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) February 16, 2026

Despite these criticisms, supporters defend the celebrations as inclusive and transformative, crediting them with making ancient yogic practices accessible to modern audiences. The Madras High Court recently dismissed a plea to halt similar events, affirming their cultural legitimacy. As Mahashivratri 2026 concludes, it leaves a legacy of devotion intertwined with dialogue, reflecting the evolving nature of spirituality in contemporary India.

SOURCE :

https://isha.sadhguru.org

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