J&K L-G Sinha attends Rudra Abhishek ceremony on Shivacharya Abhinavgupta Jayanti in Srinagar
Srinagar, June 25
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the Rudra Abhishek ceremony on the auspicious occasion of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta Jayanti and Nirjala Ekadashi at Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan in Srinagar's Maisuma.
Taking to his official X account, L-G Sinha said, "Today attended Rudra Abhishek Ceremony on the auspicious occasion of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta Jayanti and Nirjala Ekadashi at Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan in Srinagar's Maisuma."
"The life and teachings of Shivacharya Abhinavgupta, foremost exponent of Kashmir Shaivism, continue to illuminate India's spiritual heritage. From aesthetics to profound philosophy of Self-recognition, his vision remains a timeless beacon of non-dual consciousness."
The L-G interacted with the devotees and extended his heartiest greetings.
On the occasion, L-G Sinha said that Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Ji Maharaj Asthapan continues to occupy a cherished place in the collective consciousness of Jammu and Kashmir.
He offered his prayers for the peace, well-being, and prosperity of all.
He said the vision of great sages reminds us that our collective growth and harmony are beautifully interconnected.
The members of Shri Anandishwar Bhairav Nath Asthapan Trust's Organising and Management Committee and senior civil and police officers were present on the occasion.
Acharya Abhinavagupta (950-1025 CE) was a legendary 10th-century philosopher, mystic, and polymath from Kashmir. He is considered the foremost exponent and systematiser of Kashmir Shaivism, a non-dual tradition that views the entire universe as a divine manifestation of Shiva consciousness.
His teachings and contributions span several core areas. Abhinavagupta taught that the universe is not an illusion, but a real, joyous projection of Lord Shiva's energy (Shakti).
He emphasised 'Pratyabhijna' (the path of Self-recognition) -- the realisation that the individual soul and Lord Shiva are essentially one.
His encyclopedic masterpiece, the 'Tantraloka', weaves together complex, pre-existing tantric and Shaivite traditions into a comprehensive spiritual guide.
He is equally celebrated in Indian literature for his commentaries on aesthetics, particularly the Abhinavabharati (his commentary on Bharata's Natya Shastra), which explains how art evokes 'Rasa' (aesthetic emotion) to bring the audience into a transcendent state of consciousness.
Breaking away from strict monastic traditions, Acharya Abhinavagupta taught that anyone with pure desire could achieve spiritual liberation, regardless of social standing or gender.
In his later years, he was revered by his contemporaries as an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself.
According to regional legends, he attained his final liberation by entering the sacred Bhairava Cave in Kashmir alongside 1,200 of his disciples.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm a historian and this is fascinating. Abhinavagupta's Tantraloka is one of the most complex philosophical texts ever written in any tradition. To see Kashmir's non-dual Shaivism being celebrated publicly is hopeful. Hope more people learn about this unique Kashmiri contribution to global philosophy.
While I appreciate cultural events, I wish the LG would also attend to grassroots issues in J&K simultaneously. But as a Kashmiri, I'm proud our spiritual heritage is being highlighted. Abhinavagupta's teachings on non-duality and the rasa theory in aesthetics are truly timeless. 🙏
I'm trying to understand the political symbolism here. Kashmir Shaivism is distinctly different from mainstream Hinduism in many ways. Is this part of a broader cultural integration strategy? Either way, the philosophical depth of Abhinavagupta is incredible. Love the inclusivity of his teachings.
The fact that Abhinavagupta (950-1025 CE) taught that anyone regardless of gender or social status could achieve liberation is so progressive even by today's standards. A 10th-century visionary from Kashmir. LG Sinha attending this is a good move for cultural diplomacy within the region.
It's Nirjala Ekadashi today and the LG is doing Rudra Abhishek in Srinagar. However, symbolic gestures won't solve ground realities. Let's see if this translates to any real change in people's lives there. The philosophy is great but actions matter more.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.