President Ram Nath Kovind Monday said each individual should strive to serve humanity as propounded by Lord Shiva that 'a worthy life is one that is lived in the service of others'.
Addressing lakhs of devotees in front of the 112 foot Adiyogi at the foothills of Vellingiri, about 25 km from here on the occasion of maha Shivarathri, he said India is a land of faith and spiritualism, with many diverse festivals and celebrations, which probably no other nation has.
Faith and spiritualism has also given India a certain determination and inner resolve, he said adding that Mahashivaratri is "one of the most endearing, enduring and significant festivals".
Millions of devotees celebrate this festival as a day to introspect and reflect upon the values synonymous with Lord Shiva, the President said.
Historically, the qualities of Lord Shiva have attracted devotees across the world, he said and recalled his visit to My Son temple complex in Vietnam, a reminder of the unique culture that developed on the coast of present day Vietnam thousands of years ago, "a culture that drew from the spiritual depth of Hinduism in India."
Quoting Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, which organised the event, Kovind said that Lord Shiva as Adi-yogi brought the possibility for human beings to evolve beyond their limitations by doing the necessary work themselves.
"The presence of so many young people here says a lot about the work of Sadhguru and Isha Foundation and he has ensured that the age-old spiritualism and values of India are made accessible to the youth, both in India and elsewhere," the president said.
Earlier, the president was taken on a guided tour of the Isha Yoga Centre and he participated in a ritual, conducted by Sadhguru, to cleanse the five elements, known as Pancha Bhuta Aradhana, at the Dhyanalinga Yogic temple.
The President along with his wife Savitha Kovind, Tamil Nadu Governer Banwarilal Purohit, state Ministers S P Velumani and Dindugal Sreenivasan also visited the Linga Bhairavi Devi temple.
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