It is the greatest event of all the spiritual happenings of the Universe.
Shri Mataji
The opening of the Sahasrara on May 5, 1970, stands as the greatest spiritual event in the universe within Sahaja Yoga's framework, as it unlocked mass Self-Realization, fulfilled interfaith prophecies, and bridged human and divine realms. By enabling effortless enlightenment, it transcends historical limitations, offering humanity a path to collective ascension. This event not only validates Shri Mataji's divine role but also invites empirical exploration of spirituality, promising a transformed world through inner awakening.
Abstract
The opening of the Sahasrara chakra on May 5, 1970, by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi is posited within Sahaja Yoga as the most profound spiritual occurrence in the universe. This event, described as the unlocking of the crown chakra in the Primordial Being, enabled the mass awakening of Kundalini energy, facilitating collective Self-Realization for humanity. Drawing from primary sources in Sahaja Yoga teachings, this paper explores the historical context, theological implications, and transformative mechanisms of this event. It argues that the Sahasrara's opening represents a cosmic shift from individualistic spiritual pursuits to universal enlightenment, fulfilling eschatological promises across religious traditions while democratizing access to divine consciousness. The analysis underscores its unparalleled significance in bridging human limitations and divine unity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sahaja Yoga, founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi (1923–2011), is a spiritual practice centered on the spontaneous awakening of the Kundalini energy, a dormant divine force believed to reside at the base of the spine. This awakening leads to Self-Realization, a state of inner enlightenment where individuals connect with the all-pervading power of the universe, often referred to as Paramchaitanya or divine vibrations. Central to this system is the subtle energy framework of chakras, with the Sahasrara—the seventh and highest chakra—serving as the crown center, symbolized as a thousand-petaled lotus at the top of the head. It represents the integration of all lower chakras and the ultimate union with the divine, akin to the "Kingdom of God" in Christian theology or the "Dasvaa Duaar" in Sikhism.[1]
Shri Mataji, revered as the incarnation of the Adi Shakti (Primordial Mother) and the promised Paraclete of Christian eschatology, is credited with opening the Sahasrara on a collective level. This act, occurring on May 5, 1970, is hailed as "the greatest event of all the spiritual happenings of the Universe", as articulated in her 1982 Sahasrara Puja address.[2] Prior to this, spiritual enlightenment was limited to isolated individuals through rigorous ascetic practices. The opening transformed this paradigm, enabling en-masse Self-Realization and marking a pivotal cosmic milestone. This paper elucidates why this event holds such preeminence, examining its historical, theological, and practical dimensions.
Historical Context of the Sahasrara Opening
The event transpired on May 5, 1970, at Nargol, a coastal village near Mumbai, India. Shri Mataji, after prolonged meditation into the early morning hours, immersed her feet in the Indian Ocean and entered a state of supreme Samadhi (divine absorption). This act is described as unlocking the Sahasrara chakra of the Virata—the cosmic form of the Primordial Being—filling the atmosphere with divine vibrations and light. The timing aligns with broader socio-spiritual shifts, including the dawn of the Age of Aquarius and the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which emphasized spiritual seeking amid disillusionment with organized religion.
Shri Mataji's role was not incidental; she is portrayed as the divine agent fulfilling ancient prophecies. For instance, her mission bridges a 2,000-year gap since the time of Jesus, addressing the spiritual stagnation caused by dogmatic institutions and patriarchal distortions in religions. The opening was executed "with great care and great attachment," transcending human comprehension, as it involved celestial mechanisms beyond earthly logic. This historical moment is commemorated annually as Sahasrara Day or World Realization Day, underscoring its enduring legacy in Sahaja Yoga communities worldwide.[3]
Theological Significance: Why the Greatest Spiritual Event?
The Sahasrara's opening is deemed the apex of spiritual happenings due to its universal scope and eschatological fulfillment. Theologically, it represents the piercing of the final veil separating humanity from divine reality, enabling entry into the "Kingdom of God" as an inner experiential state rather than a posthumous realm. Shri Mataji emphasized that without this event, mass Realization would remain impossible, confined to sporadic individual attainments. This democratizes spirituality, shifting from elite esoteric practices to an accessible, effortless (Sahaj) process.
In Sahaja Yoga cosmology, the Sahasrara integrates the seven chakras and their presiding deities, unifying dualities and establishing a direct connection to the Absolute. It fulfills promises across traditions: the resurrection through the Holy Spirit (Paraclete) in Christianity, moksha in Hinduism, and enlightenment in Buddhism. As Shri Mataji stated, the quote above embodies divine compassion that permeates creation. This event heralds the end of spiritual ignorance (Maya), ushering in an era where humanity can collectively ascend beyond material limitations, achieving thoughtless awareness—a state of pure, rejuvenating consciousness.
Moreover, it critiques and transcends institutionalized religion by emphasizing direct experience over dogma. The opening activates the Kundalini as the "divine wind" (Ruach, Pneuma, or Prana), facilitating inner resurrection and salvation for all. Its cosmic scale—encompassing the entire universe's spiritual evolution—elevates it above prior incarnations' achievements, as it opens the "thousand-petaled lotus" for humanity's collective entry into divine realms.[4]
Mechanism and Implications for Mass Realization
Mechanically, the Sahasrara opening awakens the Kundalini energy, which rises through the central channel (Sushumna Nadi), piercing the chakras and culminating at the crown. This process, once arduous, became spontaneous post-1970, allowing Shri Mataji to grant Self-Realization to thousands simultaneously. The implications are profound: individuals experience cool breezes (divine vibrations) as empirical evidence of enlightenment, fostering inner peace, compassion, and wisdom.
This mass capability addresses humanity's existential crises, transforming seekers into sources of joy and harmony. It fosters a "new cosmic religion" of unity, ending sectarianism and promoting global salvation through awakened individuals. The event's greatness lies in its scalability—from one or two realizations pre-1970 to worldwide en-masse awakening—marking a evolutionary leap in human consciousness.
Comparative Analysis with Other Spiritual Traditions
Comparatively, while events like the Buddha's enlightenment or Christ's resurrection are monumental, they are seen in Sahaja Yoga as preparatory. The Sahasrara opening completes these by enabling universal access, integrating feminine divine aspects (Shakti, Shekinah) often marginalized in patriarchal traditions. Unlike individualistic paths in yoga or mysticism, it offers collective liberation, aligning with prophecies in texts like the Devi Gita or the Bible's promise of the Comforter. This synthesis positions it as the culminating spiritual happening, surpassing prior events in scope and immediacy.[5]
Conclusion
The opening of the Sahasrara on May 5, 1970, stands as the greatest spiritual event in the universe within Sahaja Yoga's framework, as it unlocked mass Self-Realization, fulfilled interfaith prophecies, and bridged human and divine realms. By enabling effortless enlightenment, it transcends historical limitations, offering humanity a path to collective ascension. This event not only validates Shri Mataji's divine role but also invites empirical exploration of spirituality, promising a transformed world through inner awakening. Future research could empirically assess its psychological and physiological impacts, further substantiating its profound legacy.
References
[1] Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. "The Opening of the Primordial Sahasrara." Sahasrara Puja, Paris, France, 1982.[2] Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. "Sahasrara Day Talks"
[3] "Sahaja Yoga Library & Archives." Nirmala Vidya Amruta, various transcripts on the 1970 event.
[4] Vanamali. "Shakti: Realm of the Divine Mother." Inner Traditions, 2008, pp. 28–31.
[5] "Devi Bhagavata Purana." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Sept. 2025.
It is the greatest event of all the spiritual happenings of the Universe.
Shri Mataji
"Entering the spiritual Kingdom of God is through rebirth by His
Spirit and Water. Lord Jesus explicitly states that "unless one is
born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God.” The Saviour is clear of that two requirements, but adds a most
essential third - that the self-verification of being born of the
Spirit and water will be confirmed by the Wind (Cool Breeze)!"May 5, 2009
Dear participants of the Resurrection,
Namaste - i bow to the Holy Spirit who resides in you!
Entering the spiritual Kingdom of God is through rebirth by His
Spirit and Water. Lord Jesus explicitly states that"unless one is
born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God.” The Saviour is clear of that two requirements, but adds a most
essential third - that the self-verification of being born of the
Spirit and water will be confirmed by the Wind (Cool Breeze)!
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of
the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said," Rabbi, we know you are a teacher
who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs
you are doing if God were not with him.”
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the
kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
"How can a man be born when he is old?”Nicodemus asked.”Surely he
cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom
of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You
should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you
cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with
everyone born of the Spirit.”John 3:1-8
The Gospels do not say much about Jesus baptizing his followers. The
synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke) are silent about this
subject. It is the Gospel of John that mentions what little is said
about this issue, and it is inconsistent about the answer. It is
clear that Jesus never baptized because entering the Kingdom of God
was supposed to be a future event. It could not be understood or
experienced without the Holy Spirit i.e., the Comforter!
"Jesus' kingdom was not like the popular expectation. He used the
phrase "kingdom of God" with a different meaning. His kingdom was not
of this world (John 18:36). It was not like the kingdoms of this
world. It was the kingdom of God, a supernatural kingdom. It was
invisible to most people (John 3:3)—it could not be understood or
experienced without the Holy Spirit (v. 6). God is Spirit, and the
kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom.”[1]
Jesus preaches that entering the Kingdom involves a new birth, a gift
of the Spirit, and a new realm of existence different from the flesh
life of this world. The second is regarding water. Jesus informs that
the water of Jacob's well will be superseded by the Water of Eternal
Life which He brings (John 4:7-26). The third is the wind, an
experience that no human felt until the advent of the Comforter Shri
Mataji Nirmala Devi.
So what is the Water of Eternal Life actually? Where can this Water
be found? Who can lead humans in search of this Elixir of Immortality?
Few could make sense or believe when Shri Mataji talked about it
nearly three decades ago:
“As soon as the Sahasrara was opened the whole atmosphere was filled
with tremendous Chaitanya. And there was tremendous Light in the sky.
And the whole thing came on the Earth — as if a torrential rain or a
waterfall — with such tremendous force, as if I was unaware and got
stupefied. The happening was so tremendous and so unexpected that I
was stunned and totally silent at the grandeur.
I saw the Primordial Kundalini rising like a big furnace, and the
furnace was very silent but a burning appearance it had, as if you
heat up metal, and it had many colors. In the same way, the Kundalini
showed up as a furnace, like a tunnel, as you see these plants you
have here for coal burning that create electricity. And it stretched
like a telescope and came out one after another, Shoo! Shoo! Shoo!
Just like that.
And the Deities came and sat on their seats, golden seats, and then
they lifted the whole of the head like a big dome and opened it, and
then this torrential rain completely drenched Me. I started seeing all
that and got lost in the Joy. It was like an artist seeing his own
creation, and I felt the Joy of great fulfillment.
After coming out of this beautiful experience I looked around and saw
human beings so blind and I became absolutely silent, and desired
that I should get the cups to fill the Nectar.”
The Messiah-Paraclete-Ruh-Devi
Opening Of The Primordial Sahasrara
Sahasrara Puja, Paris, France — May 5, 1982
Shri Mataji claims that “this torrential rain completely drenched Me".
Anyone who reads or hears Her speech about that Great Event thinks
that there was a massive monsoon downpour. But that is not the case!
The Water that drenched Her came from within Herself and is not due
to a rainstorm (Shri Mataji never claimed that a rainstrom was the cause).
The opening of the Kingdom of God (Sahasrara) on May 5, 1970 where
the fountain of water gushes out of the Divine Mother's head, also
witnessed by Shri Jesus, is the Water of Eternal Life which He
promised to bring (John 4:7-26).
Jesus preaches that entering the Kingdom of God involves a new birth
by, and experience of, the following:
i) Spirit of God Almighty;
ii) Water of Eternal Life;
iii) Wind of Resurrection;
Without question May 5, 1970"Is the greatest event of all the
spiritual happenings of the Universe"As it about the final events in
history, Resurrection and the souls that are making their way to God.
a Happy Sahasrara Day to all,
jagbir
1. Tom Harpur, Life after Death, McClelland & Stewart Inc., 1991,
p.114-16
“For all of us the seekers the last work of the Divine of opening the last centre in the Great Primordial Being was done on the 5th of May, 1970. It is the greatest event of all the spiritual happenings of the Universe. It was done with great care and great attachment. It is not in the limits of human understanding how things are worked in the heavens. It is your fortune and God's Love that has worked this one.
Without this happening there could not have been a possibility to give mass Realization to people. One could have done it on one or two persons here and there, but to give such a mass awakening could not have been possible.”
The Paraclete Shri Mataji
Opening Of The Primordial Sahasrara
Sahasrara Puja, Paris, France — May 5, 1982 "You have to take a stand in your family, in your surroundings, with your friends, and you have to tell them," You better all get realized.”The reason for that is that the Christ who crucified Himself is going to come back with his Eleven Forces of Destruction. And when He starts He is not going to ask you to take any Realization. No one is going to be bothered whether you are going to hell. He will just sort out. But those who have got Realization will enter into the Kingdom of God. You have to enter into the Kingdom of God here, as I say, in the Seventh Chakra.”
The Paraclete Shri Mataji
The New Age Has Started, Houston, USA — Oct. 6, 1981
Articles based on Shri Mataji quotes:
“A day will dawn when whole world would bow to this ..."“A great war is taking place between satanic forces and ..."
“About Sahasrara nowhere in the scriptures something ..."
“Achieve your Self, become your Self"
“After all we are all human beings created by one God"
“All the people laugh at us, nobody believes us.”
“All these rituals have entered into Sahaja Yoga.”
“Among Muslims there are Sufis... who are realized souls"
“And now the time has come for it to be blasted.
“Announce it to all the seekers of truth, to all the nations.”
“Anyone can commit any sins in the name of religion.”
“But if you put one little fish and two eggs for ten people"
“But Muslims do not want to talk about Resurrection at all"
“But this Judgment is so beautiful ... you enjoy the bliss ..."
“But you know that you have eternal life. You can never die.”
“Death does not exist for you — It is finished... your spirit ...”
“Do not destroy your spirit by going to such people.”
“Every religion has said you have to have Self-realization"
“For all people whom I gave Self Realization yesterday"
“He (Jesus) was the Holiest of the Holy. You accept that ....”
“I don't care for your protocols and rituals. It is nonsense ...”
“I have to warn all SYs Sahaja Yoga is the Last Judgment"
“I must say they are committing the greatest sin ...”
“I was with Him (Guru Nanak Ji), in fact with all of Them.”- 1
“I was with Him (Guru Nanak Ji), in fact with all of Them.”- 2
.”... if you see around the world is in chaos"
“Indians have no goal as far as spiritual life is concerned"
“It is the greatest event of all spiritual happenings of ....”
“It means the Last Judgment has begun with full force"
“It will be slowly revealed by Me because ...”
“Like all the thieves of the world ... have taken over.”
“Meditation is not to sit before the photograph"
“My actual sign name is Lalita ... name of the Primordial ..."
“Nobody has to change dresses or anything nothing outside.”
“Now watch. I will change the direction of the waves.”
“No reality in those religions...no Divine Force working"
“Pure knowledge is not of chakras, vibrations, kundalini ..."
“Self-Realization will progressively lead to the creation of ..."
“Some are money-oriented ... some are violent"
“Tell Jagbir now to leave it to Her.”
“That's not the way it (Al-Qiyamah) is going to work out.'"
“The expression of Adi Shakti within you is the Kundalini.”
“Christianity has nothing to do with Christ.”
“The time has come for you to get all that is promised"
“The ultimate act against Spirit is to worship that which ..."
“The whole Cosmos is waiting for their arrival.”
“They are stagnated at the point of dharma, so they start ...”
“There is so much blind faith, ... so much of wrong ideas"
“They came to Sahaja but they said "We cannot worship ...”
“They made Christ look like a TB patient"
“You have to enter into the Kingdom of God"
“Your job is, in a way, greater than the saints and sages.”