“Can I get a Shiv Shambhu?”: Grammy winner SZA’s viral Mahashivratri moment with Sadhguru at the Isha Yoga Center
Times of India
by TOI LIFESTYLE DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Grammy-winning artist SZA’s recent visit to India revealed a personal quest for inner peace and balance amidst her global fame. Rather than a promotional trip, her journey was centered around mindfulness, spiritual exploration, and self-reflection. During her time in India, she participated in a silent retreat at the Isha Yoga Center, where she disconnected from external noise through days without phones, mirrors, or conversation. This experience aligned with themes of vulnerability and healing present in her music, offering her a much-needed emotional reset.
SZA’s visit to the Isha Foundation, founded by spiritual teacher Sadhguru, highlighted her exploration of yoga as a holistic inner practice. Unlike Western interpretations focusing on physical exercise, the center emphasizes breathwork, meditation, discipline, and awareness. The atmosphere at the ashram is intentionally slow and grounding, with symbols like the towering Adiyogi statue symbolizing inner transformation rather than religious identity. This approach resonated deeply with SZA, reflecting her pursuit of stillness beyond the spotlight.
Her spiritual journey reached a peak during Mahashivratri, a significant Hindu celebration marked by meditation, music, and all-night gatherings. At the Isha Yoga Center, thousands gathered to honor Shiva, the first yogi. Surprisingly, SZA joined devotees on stage, blending into the spiritual atmosphere rather than standing out as a celebrity. Dressed in a simple yellow saree, she enthusiastically participated in chants of “Shiv Shambhu,” embodying the spirit of Mahashivratri.
SZA’s visit reflects a growing curiosity among global artists and younger audiences toward mindfulness traditions rooted in India. Her experience signals a shift away from performative spirituality to genuine inner exploration. By embracing stillness and reconnecting with balance, she demonstrated how even the most celebrated figures can find solace in spiritual practices beyond their public personas.
This story matters because it highlights the universal human quest for meaning and inner peace, even in the face of global success. SZA’s journey underscores the importance of cultural exchange and the enduring relevance of ancient spiritual traditions in today’s fast-paced world. Her experience serves as an inspiration for those seeking balance between fame and personal fulfillment, showing that true connection often lies beyond the spotlight.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026