Noida, Jan 11 (NationPress) Swami Swaprakash, a Trustee of the Vedic Dharma Sansthan and affiliated with the Art of Living Foundation, has stated that the Somnath temple was founded in the Satyug by Chandra Dev (the Moon God).

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Swami Swaprakash elaborated on the history of Somnath and various pressing national and international topics.

Here are some key excerpts.

IANS: Can you share the history of Somnath?

Swami Swaprakash: Somnath was founded in the Satyug by Chandra Dev. Legend has it that Chandra Dev grew somewhat arrogant due to his beauty. Consequently, Raja Daksha cursed him to lose his charm. After feeling remorseful and seeking redemption, Raja Daksha advised him to travel to Saurashtra and perform penance to Lord Shiva. Chandra Dev thus constructed the first Jyotirlinga known as Somnath.

This Jyotirlinga is revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. All incarnations of Lord Vishnu – Parashuram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Ram – have worshipped at Somnath.

IANS: Recently, you mentioned that if one Shivling is destroyed, a thousand will appear. Can you elaborate?

Swami Swaprakash: Sanatan Dharma is indestructible, as all religions stem from it. Anyone attempting to dismantle Sanatan Dharma might feel victorious momentarily, but in time, those very symbols (Shivlings) will return – and in greater numbers.

When Mahmud Ghaznavi desecrated Somnath, some Agnihotris collected the original remnants of the Jyotirlinga. Shankaracharya instructed them to conceal and worship it for 1,000 years, anticipating foreign dominion over India for a millennium.

This indeed occurred – the Mughals followed by the British came to power. It was also foretold that the Ram temple would be built.

Approximately 900 years later, when Vijayanand Saraswati returned to Shankaracharya, he was informed that 100 years remained. He proclaimed that after this period, the Ram temple would be erected, and India would attain freedom.

He also indicated that at that time, the relics should be entrusted to a Guru whose name embodies Shiva and Surya. It is astounding – this was predicted 100 years ago. And on January 15, 2025, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, Gurudev was presented with the remnants of 11 original Jyotirlingas.

IANS: The original Shivling of Somnath has been handed over to Sri Sri Guruji. What are the next steps?

Swami Swaprakash: Our Gurudev will clarify that better. Our primary aim is to spread the energy of Somnath to every village and corner of the nation. This is a moment to ignite a wave of devotion. Perhaps Somnath has manifested for this purpose – to instill faith and pride in our culture, identity, and Sanatan Dharma.

IANS: Will this original Shivling be installed back in the Somnath temple?

Swami Swaprakash: As per Gurudev’s wishes and the desires of Prime Minister Modi. Currently, the Somnath corridor is under construction, and significant transformations are in progress.

IANS: During the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru advised Dr. Rajendra Prasad not to attend. Was that appropriate?

Swami Swaprakash: That is indeed true. Rajendra Prasad attended by purchasing his own ticket, not through a government provision. That is accurate.

IANS: How do you view the transformation of the Somnath temple under PM Modi?

Swami Swaprakash: India is fortunate to have such a Prime Minister during these delicate times, both internationally and domestically. There are demographic shifts occurring. In such circumstances, having a Prime Minister capable of safeguarding Sanatan Dharma and revitalizing our sacred sites is a matter of immense pride.

IANS: With rising social discord in the nation, how can the Art of Living contribute to its mitigation?

Swami Swaprakash: If a body part is malfunctioning, you can surgically rectify it. But if the blood is tainted, complete purification is necessary. Purifying blood can only occur through devotion, knowledge, and meditation.

Not just India – the entire world requires purification. People are beginning to take violence as a point of pride. Distancing from core values, they find pride in negativity. Hence, institutions like Art of Living, which spans 186 countries, focus on teaching meditation.

IANS: As you oversee the international division of Art of Living, what are your thoughts on India’s foreign policy?

Swami Swaprakash: India’s foreign policy is commendably balanced. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is an exemplary balanced diplomat.

IANS: Can Sri Sri Ravi Shankar mediate to halt the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Swami Swaprakash: Certainly. The Art of Living is the only Indian organization with a strong foothold in both Russia and Ukraine. Our ashrams are located in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, staffed with many teachers. In Russia alone, we have over 700 Art of Living teachers.

In Ukraine, there are more than 400 teachers. A resolution is conceivable if individuals from both sides unite. When Indian students were stranded during the conflict, they sought shelter at our Poland ashram, where we facilitated food and accommodation.

IANS: Can he also provide guidance in situations like the US attack on Venezuela?

Swami Swaprakash: If the government officially seeks Gurudev’s assistance, then a solution can most definitely be achieved. Solutions to issues do not emerge from taking sides – they arise from a neutral standpoint. Gurudev is a perfectly balanced leader for mediation, perceiving both sides equally.

IANS: With the US assaulting Venezuela, is the world on the brink of a global war?

Swami Swaprakash: I sincerely hope the world does not descend into war. Why expend our energy on such negativity? India’s stance will be towards peace.