The Adiyogi statue is a steel statue of the first Yogi or Shiva, the originator of yoga. Designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and located in Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, it is 34-metre-tall, 45-metre-long and 25-metre-wide. The total weight of the statue is 500 tonnes. The structure was completed on 24 February, 2017 and has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world. It was set up to inspire people inspire people for yoga and inner well-being.
Its 112 ft. height symbolises the 112 possibilities to attain ‘moksha’ or liberation mentioned in the yogic culture. It also signifies the 112 chakras in the human system. A linga called the “Yogeshwar Linga” is placed in front of the statue. The statue has been recognised by The Indian Ministry of Tourism in its official Incredible India campaign. Light and 2Sound show also takes place here. On certain days and occasions, visitors are allowed to walk to the top of the seventh peak. It was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
How to reach-
Coimbatore is a major industrial South Indian city and is well connected by air, rail and road. Several flights operate to Coimbatore from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Trains run from all major cities in the country. One can book a taxi from the railway station or the airport. You can contact the Yoga Centre’s travel desk to book a taxi to the centre. It remains open the entire day. One can also take a direct bus from Coimbatore to the Isha Yoga Centre. For any queries, you can send an e-mail to info@ishafoundation.org.
Where to stay-
Accommodation is available within the centre. The interiors of the rooms provided are not only beautiful but also comfortable and homelike. One needs to book one’s room beforehand. It is suggested that visitors book at least two weeks before their arrival. The following types of accommodations are available at the centre.
- Nadhi cottages
These fully furnished cottages with attached washrooms can accommodate one to three people.
- Nalanda
Deluxe accommodation facilities are also available for guests at The Nalanda Conference Centre. The guestrooms are air-conditioned and there are spacious four-room executive suites as well.
- Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation is also available for those who have undergone an Isha Yoga Program and want to volunteer at the centre.
Things to do at the centre-
The yoga centre is a lovely place to visit even if you are not formally enrolled in any of the programs. There are many activities you can get yourself involved in during your stay at the yoga centre. There are certain activities arranged for the visitors which help them enhance spiritual growth. Here are a few things you can engage yourself in while you are a guest at the Isha Yoga Centre.
- You can spend some time in the water pools.
- You can also choose to become a meditative by sitting in the Dhyanalinga or linga Bhairavi which is a feminine energy form.
- One can attend free Yoga offerings for beginners such as Isha Kriya or Yoga Namaskaram.
- The visitors are free to attend the Om chanting workshop.
- Whoever goes there can take treatments at the rejuvenation centre.
- There’s a dining hall where one can have one’s meals.
- The Peppervine Cafe offers delicious snacks for the tourists to enjoy.
- There’s a bookshop for everyone who enjoys reading.
- One can buy organic cotton clothing or mementoes from Isha Life Shoppe. The money earned is used for the foundation’s social outreach initiatives.
- Visitors can also listen to Sadhguru’s speeches in videos or in person.
You can also access Sadhguru’s wisdom on your mobile devices with the help of the official Sadhguru app namely ‘Sadhguru-Yoga, Meditation & Spirituality’. You can listen to Sadhguru’s speeches, watch his videos and even read his articles on the app. He covers several topics such as spirituality, business success, health and fitness and many more. The app also provides you with the opportunity to learn Upa-Yoga and meditation. Practising these will help you relieve yourself from stress and anxiety. This app is available in English and also in seven Indian languages; Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Gujarat.
You can keep yourself updated with Sadhguru’s schedule and the recent activities taking place at the Isha Centre through the app. To facilitate the visitors, a live map is included in the app so that it becomes easier for them to get driving directions with just a click.
For more details regarding the journey to the centre, accommodation, volunteering etc. kindly go through isha.sadhguru.org
The link to the official Facebook page of the foundation is www.facebook.com/sadhguru
You can send your feedback to apps@ishafoundation.org