Shivling Sand Sculpture Unveiled at Puri Beach to Mark Somnath Swabhiman Parv

Puri, Jan 10: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Saturday created a striking sand sculpture of a Shivling at Puri Beach to mark the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, celebrating India’s enduring spiritual heritage.

The five-foot-high sand art installation depicted Lord Shiva as the Somnath Jyotirlinga, accompanied by the sacred chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and the message “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”. The artwork also featured 108 Shivlings, symbolising completeness, devotion and the timeless spiritual energy of Sanatan Dharma.

The creation coincided with the conclusion of the four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to 11 at the revered Somnath Shiva Temple in Gujarat, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The festival commemorates 1,000 years since the first historical attack on the temple in 1026 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni, and 75 years since the reopening of the present temple in 1951, honouring centuries of faith, resilience and cultural continuity.

Students from Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute joined the artist in completing the intricate sculpture at Puri Beach, drawing the attention of devotees and visitors alike.

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv featured Vedic rituals, Omkar chanting, spiritual discourses, cultural programmes and heritage processions, highlighting the temple’s enduring spiritual significance. Dignitaries and devotees from across the country participated in the celebrations, reinforcing the sense of national pride and unity associated with Somnath.

Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik said, “The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not only a remembrance of historical challenges but also a celebration of India’s living spiritual heritage. It marks 1,000 years of unbroken faith, resilience and spiritual continuity.”

Sudarsan Pattnaik has participated in over 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals, winning numerous accolades for India. He is globally recognised for using sand art as a powerful medium to spread messages on social, cultural and environmental issues.