The first-ever Maha Shivarathri that I celebrated was as a 'Sai-student' in Prasanthi Nilayam in 1999. It is a very special feeling to celebrate Maha Shivarathri with the Shiva-Shakti Swaroopa, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It became even more special because, unknown to any of us, Swami had decided to initiate the magnificent and supremely holy act of Lingodbhavam (emergence of Linga from within) in public. (He had stopped this more than 2 decades before in 1977 when the crowds became unmanageable and there was a possibility of stampede.)

February 15th, 1999 was the chosen day for the Lingodbhavam. Most importantly, in His discourse, Swami stated that those who had seen the lingodbhavam happen from the beginning to end without interruption, would be assured of Moksha and thus have no more rebirth! The video contains unforgettable and rare images of that glorious day.

Even as I concluded that Maha Shivarathri 1999 was the best one of my life, Swami had something more special planned for 2000!