Isha – AdiYogi

Aplace that truly revels amongst a mystical location. Set at the foothills of the majestic Velliangiri mountains, amidst the lush green forest cover, away from the bustling city of Coimbatore, lies the magnificent Isha Yoga Centre idealized by the effervescent Sadhguru – a personality well known for his perspective on life, Yoga and Save Soil mission.

Isha Yoga Centre is a spiritual destination, situated about 30 kms from the Industrial city of Coimbatore. One can either take the bus from Gandhipuram Bus stand, bus frequency being once every hour starting from as early as 5:00 am till late evenings or book a cab, which will charge you plentiful, but can enjoy the privacy of one’s own company..

If you are bravely willing to face the language barrier (public generally do not speak Hindi / English and rely on sign language / gesture to pass on the messages), the bus journey takes about one and half hour as it scrapes through the traffic infested city streets and navigates past the adjoining towns and villages. Once you reach the destination, clear sign boards ensure you do not get lost.

Upon reaching the Isha Yoga Centre, you are immediately embraced by the freshness of the place and the continuous chanting of the Shlokas. Walking through the promenade for 500 mtrs, inundated by plentiful trees on either sides, you come face to face with the magnificent, impressively built statue of AdiYogi – reference to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The sculpture lords over the dazzling cloud swamped mountainous surrounding and practically dwarfs them. In view is the statue from head to the chest. The intimidating 112 ft statue is besieged with all the accessories that epitomizes Lord Shiva – A half crescent moon that dons the top of the head, a serpent that winds across the neck and the Rudrakash necklace that garlands across the neck. The half-closed eyes give the impression that the Lord is in deep meditation. One is awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the statue surrounded by the breathtaking idyllic scenery. Right beneath the statue is a small temple earmarked for the Naga deva and the Sapt rishis. The place is daunting as well as exhilarating at the same time.

Once you finish taking numerous selfies and pictures, you head to the main Sanctum. There is plenty of things to see and do inside the sanctuary. But first, you must deposit all your belongings including bags, cameras, and phones – that is right – mobile phone as well! No pictures can be taken inside the sanctum. You are only allowed to carry your wallet. The volunteers, dressed in white kurtas (men) and white churidars (women), with folded hands, wearing a pleasant smile, and infinite patience, welcome you and guide through the place.

Suryakund – The Energy pool

The first place of visit is the Suryakund (for men only). A holy man-made pool adorned with lingas all through the pool. The entry fee is Rs. 20/- Kids below a certain height are not allowed. Towels and change rooms are provided to change your clothes (including the innerwear). Prior instructions are given before you enter the pool – No Swimming, No Diving, No entering the pool on full stomach. The water is freezing cold. You can sense the water enriched in minerals as the aroma fills the nostrils. Once your body has adjusted to the temperature, you can get closer to the lingas inside the water body, as well as stand below the thinly veiled waterfall.

You can take a holy dip if one may so desire. A sense of rejuvenation washes you over. One can stay inside the waters for as long as the body will allow. Once you have completed the task, you are requested to change back to your clothes, as the coolness will catch you out cold instantaneously. The place is well maintained and extreme hygiene is ensured. An experience at Suryakund will not cleanse you off your sins, but will surely give a feeling of accomplishment making you refreshed and enriched from the experience. Similar to Suryakund is the Chandrakund pool for women only.

Along the way from Suryakund to the Linga Bhairavi temple, there are ponds with lotuses blooming. The entire place feels divine and you walk carefully to not disturb the surroundings. The volunteers usher you to a free Yoga session of 30 minutes where they are kind enough to patiently teach you the benefits of Yoga as well as various Kriyas to calm, relax your mind and body. They encourage you to practice these at home frequently if not daily.

The next place, is the temple of Linga Bhairavi. If you are lucky, you can witness the pooja inside the temple shrine or one can simply pay their respects to the divine feminine. The statue of Nandi and Trimurti Panel toweringly stands opposite to the temple.

Dhyanalinga – The meditation center

The final place is the center of attraction. It is the Dhyanalinga. A towering linga stands in the middle of the sanctum wrapped by the Naga. The volunteers usher you inside the sanctum in batches and you are requested to take seat on the floor anywhere inside the sanctum and maintain perfect silence. You can meditate for about 15 minutes and more so if one desires. The place reverberates a strong essence of peace, epitomizes gentleness and kindness towards oneself and advocates harmony.

If you are lucky, you could see the man himself, who envisioned this place as it is today, Sadhguru, riding on his trademark motorcycle with the spectacles on followed by his entourage. That will surely be the icing on the cake.

While winding up the tour of place, you can feast yourself to sumptuous meals available in the canteen. On your way out you can buy souvenirs and snacks for memories.

As the clock starts to wind down and darkness descends at Isha Yoga Centre, at 7:15 pm, the skies are lighted by the 3D laser lighting show at Adi-Yogi. The laser show beamed at Lord Shiva statue chronicles the life of the Lord, with the background comm provide by the revered Sadhguru himself. The jaw dropping spectacle will whet your appetite and keep you wanting for more. The show lasts for about 20 minutes.

As you turn your heels and prepare to head back to the city, the entire experience at Isha Yoga Centre remains with you for days together if not for months. The heart fills with calmness, nourishing your soul while bidding adieu to the mystical center.