This Shivratri, Let Annadan to Sadhus Be Your True Ritual

“Maha Shivratri is not just a festival for me; it is a reminder of why I chose the path of seva. It is believed to be the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, a night when devotion reaches its highest form. As this holy day approaches, Shivnagri Kashi begins to transform. Thousands of sadhus from across the country arrive almost a month in advance, settling near temples and ghats, preparing themselves spiritually for this powerful night.

These sadhus come with no resources, no income, and no means of livelihood. They have renounced worldly life completely. Their only wealth is devotion to Mahadev. For them, food is not luxury-it is survival. Clean clothes are not comfort, they are dignity. Yet many of them go unnoticed, sitting silently with folded hands, relying only on faith. Over the past five years, through Shivdham Trust, we have been feeding nearly 100–150 sadhus regularly. When we first began, we never imagined that this simple act of annadan would become our destiny. Slowly, this seva became a responsibility of the heart. Today, I feel deeply blessed to be a small medium in this divine journey. When I look into a sadhu’s eyes after he has eaten and hunger no longer clouds his face, I feel as if I have witnessed Mahadev himself standing before me.

Sadhus are considered the living form of Lord Shiva. Serving them is not charity, it is worship. We pour milk on the Shivling with devotion, believing it will please Mahadev. But I have learned something profound over time: feeding a hungry sadhu with respect is an even greater offering. When I serve warm food with my own hands and a sadhu softly says, “Beta, aaj pet bhar gaya,” my heart feels full in ways words cannot explain. In that moment, I feel Mahadev’s blessings flowing directly into my life.

Some sadhus, due to their spiritual discipline, accept only food prepared by their own hands. In such cases, we provide ration kits containing rice, lentils, oil, turmeric, spices, and other daily essentials so they can cook for themselves with dignity. Every kit we distribute carries devotion, care, and faith. All of this has been possible only because of the support and kindness of people who believe in this seva.