isha yoga center trip

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The Surreal Feel of Isha Yoga Center at Coimbatore, India

Written by Eesha Kabra.

“ Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together. ”

– B.K.S. Iyengar.

Our daily life is a tug-of-war between our mind and body. We may seem perfectly healthy externally and yet be exhausted on the inside or vice versa. I found yoga to be my way of achieving inner peace – like so many others!

Recently I started practicing yoga again since I have quite some time now during the start of the day and that’s when I started thinking back on how I was introduced to proper yoga practices. I first came across Isha Yoga Center in 2015 and I could truly feel the positive energy resonating in my body when I had entered the place. The memory hasn’t faded ever since.

Hearing About the Organization

Back in 2015, I was selected by my school to attend a national school intensive organized by SPICMACAY in Coimbatore. I was just in 7 th grade and I was overjoyed, after all, it was my first trip with my friends and of course with the companion teacher. I had no clue though that I’d get to learn the art of yoga here as well.

When we reached the event’s host school DPS Coimbatore we had our orientation and were given a time table for the next 7 days of our stay – which included 4 hours of yoga! Two hours for Nada yoga and two for Hatha yoga early in the morning for 7 days which at first sounded terrifying.

Also read,  Yoga for a Better Lifestyle 

I had to get up at 3 am in the morning every day for the yoga sessions which was a hassle at first but by the third day I was used to it and it did help my body to energize for the rest of the day. On the first day of yoga we were introduced to our gurus for Hatha yoga – trainees from the Isha Yoga Center. This is how I came to know of the place and their practices.

And so this routine continued for the rest of the days and I began appreciating yoga and enjoyed the sessions as we got to learn new asanas.

The Actual Visit

On the last day of the SPICMACAY program, we got the golden opportunity to have a little city tour and god knows how blessed I felt when I finally got to see the Isha Yoga Center.

After touring a few other remarkable places like the Gass Forest Museum and the G.D. Naidu automobile museum we hopped back into the van and started off for Isha Yoga Center. Located at the foothills of Velliangiri Mountains it was one of the most stunning sights I had seen, lush green surroundings and a cool breeze blowing which soothed our overheated bodies (although it was December the afternoons were extremely hot).

The place radiated peace and positivity. I was instantly relaxed after stepping down from the van. As it is, being a nature enthusiast I was enjoying the view but there was more to the feel of it than simple joy – it was a serene feeling.

The entrance to the main campus was a sandy path with the coconut tree plantations growing at one side and a bamboo fence at the other. At that time the ‘Sarpa Vasal’ hadn’t been constructed, which is the entrance gate now, so there wasn’t any “official entrance” although you knew you were entering the ground as you had to deposit your slippers and other valuables at the depository.

Upon entering we first saw a video introduction to the place and what different structures were meant for and were guided by a volunteer further into the campus.

The Suryakund

We then visited the Suryakund, a 5ft deep water bath, constructed for men to take a dip in. It had 3 Lingas in it and we were informed that taking a dip in the water helps to energize and relax the body as well as could help with healing some physical and psychological stresses.

Even though we couldn’t go all the way down to the premise (being an all-girls group), we could see from afar that it was an impressive construction and the roof was adorned with paintings and murals. The sun rays were glowing through the overhead and we saw that there was a beautiful metallic sun structure.

Also read,  Top 6 Yoga Benefits for Travellers

Moving on with the tour we walked down a flight of stairs into a small beautiful garden with a pond in the middle and a bridge connecting to the other end. It was almost 4 or 5 p.m. by then and we were a bit tired from walking around so we took a short stop to admire the view and to drink some water. There were lotuses in the pond which were literally glowing with the sunlight.

The Linga Bhairavi Temple

After that, we continued walking forward. Our guide told us that on the other end we would visit the Linga Bhairavi temple and the Dhyanalinga, which were the major attractions of the place and also we would get to see the Chandrakund.

However, before any of that, the first thing we saw was an enormous Nandi bull statue, one foot up as if it was ready to stand but also kneeling at the same time.

It was a five-minute walk to the Linga Bhairavi temple area from the Nandi statue. It was cloudy so there was a brief shade overhead and when we first laid our eyes on the temple it provided a striking sight. There was another statue we saw on the way into the actual temple, a figure of a man laying down on his stomach with one leg stretched out behind and the crossing over it. This form is called ‘ Sashtanga Namaskara’ .

The temple was smaller compared to the other places we had seen yet but that didn’t diminish its beauty. There was a black Linga Bhairavi statue which contrasted with the warm glow of a few lit up diyas and a volunteer told us that it was a temple dedicated to ‘women power’. We sat down for a few moments and prayed.

The Chandrakund

After offering our prayers we went to the Chandrakund (the women’s bath). I was most excited to see this one because I thought, irrationally, we might get to take a dip in. But that wasn’t possible because we had very little time on our hands and no change of clothes. Besides, I didn’t know if kids were allowed into the bath. So we went in as close as possible and enjoyed the ambience and pleasant coolness of the bath area.                                                                                                                                                                                        Lastly, we went to the Dhyanalinga – a dome-shaped low rise structure. Before the entrance of the dome was a small open corridor of sorts with shaded areas to sit and wait or meditate on either side of the path. The place was crowded at the time and we had to wait for some time before we got to enter the Dhyanalinga.

Inside the dome was extraordinary silence. You could literally hear even the slightest movement or a deep exhale echo through the Dhyanalinga and I was scared that I would cough and embarrass myself. We sat down for just two minutes, but it felt like ten to me. I never realized how impatient I was before and how difficult it was for me to sit with myself in silence for just two minutes.

We meditated silently and closed our eyes. I thought to myself how I could feel the energy flowing through me and tried my best not to squirm.

Shortly after, our teacher gestured us to exit as we were getting late.

Before leaving the campus we had some Prasad which was delicious and at the end briefly saw the Trimurthi statue.

Other Relatively New Attractions

In 2017 the 112 ft tall Adiyogi statue was inaugurated at the Isha Yoga Center by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  Adiyogi (Lord Shiva) is said to be the first yogi, who passed on his knowledge to his disciples – the Saptarishis

The massive sculpture made of steel is recognized as the world’s largest bust sculpture. A magnificent light show display called “Divya Darshan” which is held on weekends, Amavasya, and other important days also attracts many visitors to the centre.

Located right in front of the Adiyogi sculpture is the Yogeshwar linga which represents the five chakras of the body. Here offerings of water and Neem leaves can be made to the Linga.

Also read,  HOW TO STAY FIT WHILE TRAVELLING

My Overall Experience

That’s as far as I can remember from my trip but the experience will never leave my mind. I remember telling my friend that I wanted to stay a little longer. I was mesmerized by the energy I felt surging through me and was so grateful that I got to see the Isha Yoga Center and to learn yoga. It definitely impacted my lifestyle and when I got back home my mom told me that I was ‘glowing’.

I definitely recommend a visit to the Isha Yoga Center if you want to have a relaxing vacation and rejuvenate your mind and soul or simply admire the beauty and enjoy nature. I hope that you experience serenity as much as I did and enjoy the trip!

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23 thoughts on “ the surreal feel of isha yoga center at coimbatore, india ”.

Cool article. I had no idea there were different kinds of yoga, thanks for the informative piece, and the gorgeous pictures.

Thank you! The place is as gorgeous as the pictures ! 🙂

Thank you ! The place is as beautiful as in the pictures .. do try to visit 😉

Excellent article. I have been there few months ago, but we hardly spend time there. We only saw the Adiyogi and we left. Your article urges me to go again Thank you for sharing🙂

Yes ..there are many things to discover on their campus ! Thank you 🙂

It is really surreal. Tempted me to visit this place soon.

Thank you mitty ! It’s definitely worth a visit … A place to find inner peace after this lockdown 🙂

Wow, that’s a really really well written and informative article. I’d definitely like to visit it very soon, sounds like a second heaven✌️.

Definitely, yoga has a profound impact on oneself. 🙂

Eagerly waiting to read more such articles.

Thanks bro ! And you should visit … I’m sure you’ll enjoy the experience 😁

Thank you, Eesha, for sharing!

You’re welcome 🙂

Thank you so much for an enlightening post. I love the photos. I want to go there so badly now! Thanks again! 🙂

Definitely! It’s a great place to visit … Thank you for reading 🙂

A perfect one for me. Thank you for the insight on this beautiful place.

Most welcome 😀

Amazing… thanks for sharing this experience. To write and understand and share like this at such a relatively (compared to me haha) young age! It’s magnificent. Kudos and thanks for visiting my blog, super happy to find yours. I don’t travel much anymore though it used to be my favourite thing to do. (Now I mostly travel online — so it’s nice to read posts like these! :)) 💛 💛🙏🙏 xoxo

Thank you so much lia! I actually relate to that .. due to studies and now lockdown, travelling online and listing places to visit is what I have taken up😅

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Detailed Guide to Plan Your Adiyogi Visit, Coimbatore

The best way to visit Coimbatore Adiyogi is to stay at Isha Yoga Center for at least one day, and if possible more. This will give you the opportunity to see Adiyogi at multiple times of the day including early morning with very few people around. You can also leisurely explore the various temples, activities and soak into the vibe. If you have more days in hand you can do a health rejuvenation program or a yoga program and make it a much deeper wellness trip than just site-seeing.

Adiyogi is 30 kms from Coimbatore city. A day trip from the city would be restricting if you want to explore the full Isha Yoga Center properly. If you only want to visit Adiyogi, take a few pictures and grab a bite of food then half a day trip would be fine. The timings are from 6AM to 8PM. Needless to say, 6AM is a great time to be there in the early morning serene vibes and fewer public.

If you are looking for a guide to visit Adiyogi BANGALORE instead of Coimbatore, I am still working on it. But you can check this guide to get started .

In this video, I am showing you the exact layout of the place so you can plan properly. Think of the distances to walk / take transport when available and also how much time you can spend in each place as per your inclinations.

To give you a sense of the scale, the distance from Adiyogi to Dhyanalinga is over 1 km. So, you need to be prepared to walk quite a bit. Or wait for the bullock carts / shuttles that you can get on the way.

As you can see, there is a LOT to explore in the Adiyogi Ashram or rather the Isha Yoga Center. Covering it in one blog post is tough, but here is the attempt. I hope it helps you plan a much better trip to the first 112 feet Adiyogi statue (the second is in Bengaluru Adiyogi of which I will write another post because the dynamics there are significantly different).

Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center & Sadhguru

Just in case you DON’T ALREADY know, the famous instagram photo spot, Adiyogi is part of the Isha Yoga Center i.e. ashram of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of non-profit, humanitarian organization called Isha Foundation. The same person who initiated the very well-known Rally for Rivers movement across India and Save Soil movement around the world.

ChatGPT puts it very well, Through the Adiyogi statue, Sadhguru seeks to inspire people to explore the depth and potential of their inner selves, enabling them to live a life of fulfillment and balance. Overall, Adiyogi stands as a profound representation of the spiritual legacy of India and serves as a source of inspiration for individuals on their path to self-discovery and inner transformation. Sadhguru’s vision is to revive and transmit the ancient science of yoga in all its glory but in a way that is relevant and accessible to modern-day individuals.

Yogeshwar Linga, the Deity of the ‘Adiyogi Temple’

Every temple has a consecrated deity. When devotees come to see the Adiyogi statue, right below Him is a mandapam. This mandapam has a consecrated linga called the Yogeshwar Linga. Sadhguru has called this linga a heartless yogi because only 5 chakras were consecrated in this linga – Muladhara, Swadhistana, Manipuraka, Vishuddhi and Agna. No Anahata, the heart chakra. Thus, the heartless yogi.

So, when you visit the Adiyogi, if you wish to visit the garbha griha that houses the deity, then the Yogeshwar mandapam is where you should go. Usually, you can sit and meditate there. You can purchase some offerings. There is a non-stop chant going on there, which you can also chant….

Yog Yog Yogeshwaraya, Bhoot Bhoot Bhooteshwaraya, Kaal Kaal Kaaleshwaraya, Shiva Shiva Sarveshwaraya, Shambho Shambho Mahadevaya….

I have written a more detailed post about the Yogeshwar temple here.

Adiyogi Divya Darshanam, Award-Winning Laser Show

Daily at 7pm there is an award winning sound and light laser show directly on the Adiyogi statue. There is some chanting before it. The show is 14 minutes long. And after that there is a Yogeshwar Linga aarti. So, the total program is about 30-40 minutes long. It is definitely worth seeing at least once.

So, if you are planning a day trip then try to adjust so that you can see this show and then leave. If you are staying in Isha Yoga Center, it keeps things relaxed for you. After the Divya Darshanam you can go for dinner in the 8.15pm third batch. And then spend some late night quiet time with Dhyanalinga before retiring for the night.

Refer to this guide for timings , choosing your seat and other details on the Adiyogi Light Show.

Exploring Sadhguru’s Isha Ashram:

The entire ashram around the Adiyogi has a few noteworthy spaces that all visitors should IDEALLY visit. This includes first and foremost,

Dhyanalinga Temple:

Sadhguru took three births to consecrate this Dhyanalinga temple because the consecration of such a temple, with ALL 7 Chakras, is very complex. It is a long story. This video put out by the organization (very late to be honest) showcases the story well.

I would like to say that you should first visit Dhyanalinga and then IF time permits go to Adiyogi. However, for a lot of people, Adiyogi tends to be very impactful, while Dhyanalinga is not that impactful in their perception so I am not saying this. (though technically I already did 😀 ) Go with the flow of where and what all you want to explore.

Read my personal experience with Dhyanalinga on this blog .

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM. You may need to sit for a few minutes right outside the temple, as they allow people to enter inside in batches. Offerings: Lotus flower, dhoopam, linga jyoti lamp Activities: Nadha Aradhna, musical offering of sound to the temple. There is no traditional aarti in this temple. Nadha Aradhna happens twice a day 11.50am to 12.10pm and 6.20pm to 6.40pm. However, you need to enter inside and be seated at least 15 minutes earlier. So, on safe side enter the temple by 11.30am and 6pm depending on which slot you opt for.

Free yoga sessions are offered in the sadhana halls behind the temple in the first half of the day. Also, around 12 pm there is an Aum chanting initiation taking place. Pls check with any ashram volunteer for exact details.

Linga Bhairavi Temple:

Linga Bhairavi temple has 3 n half chakras consecrated, Muladhara, Swadhistana, Manipuraka and half of Anahata. With just half a chakra of Anahata, heart chakra, she has a gaggle of devotees who are totally all over her. Imaginatively, they keep following her everywhere and tripping over their feet in devotion. In reality, she has a gang of red saree clad women taking care of her. And these bhairangini maas, along with the plethora of rituals that are conducted in this temple paint a truly vibrant ambiance.

A while back, I wrote a longish post on another blog on this Devi temple, read it here .

Timings: 6.30 am to 8.20 pm. It is closed from 1.20pm to 4.20pm. Offerings: Daily aarti @ 7.40 am, 12.40pm and 7.40pm. This schedule changes during amavasya and poornami and certain other festival days – as there might be longer poojas inside which keep the temple closed for outside visitors.

Teerthakunds, Bathing Kunds for Men and Women:

There are two bathing kunds.

A large kund with a waterfall and three lingas is the Suryakund for gents. It is really pretty. Near it, there is a Naga panel where you can offer dhoopam and flowers. I suspect this Naga panel can communicate with the Naga shrine situated in the Bangalore ashram, but Sadhguru has not confirmed it 😀

There is another kund between Linga Bhairavi and Dhyanalinga temples – the Chandrakund for ladies. It is a deeper kund with a waterfall and singular linga. There is a beautiful naturally painted fresco on the ceiling, don’t miss that.

Bathing in these kunds can be wonderful experience. However, when there are a lot of crowds, there are the various concerns of hygiene because we need to change into common gowns that others would have worn before us. Ideally, visit during non-crowded hours. If you are staying in Isha yoga center, as I recommended earlier, take a dip at 7.30 am when the first batch opens.

The logic is that wetting our body before entering the temple, makes us a lot more receptive to the deity’s energies. So, you should take a dip, semi-dry yourself and change back to normal clothes, then visit the temples. 🙂

A few other spaces you can explore if you have the time and inclination, Isha Life Shop near the Dhyanalinga, PepperVine Eatery fancy sattvic eating outlet but priced on higher side, Kayantha Sthanam (if you are staying inside the ashram) is the place where rituals for the dead are performed, Spanda Hall or Adiyogi Alayam (if you are staying inside the ashram) are meditation halls with a nice vibe.

At some point we will also get the Kaal Bhairava Kshetrapaal temple , right at the gate to Adiyogi, at that point, pls add it to your list of must-visit whether or not I update this blog 😉

For 9 creative ideas to spend more time at Adiyogi and have a deeper experience, refer to this blog post .

Logistics: Adiyogi Deposit Counters, Transport, Eating Places, Parking & Other Nitty Grities

So, there are often confusions abound and depending on the crowd, security folks may or may not be very nice to talk to. Often, they get really frazzled and become quite rude to visitors who keep asking basic questions. Plus, they may not be comfortable in non-tamil languages.

Mainly, you need to keep in mind the distances , as I mentioned before, from Adiyogi to Dhyanalinga it is over 1 km . So, that is a LOT of walking, especially for Indian folks not used to fitness activities or for senior citizens, parents with kids etc…

Transport Adiyogi to Sarpa Vasal: Bullock Carts & Shuttles

Bullock Carts & Shuttles are available from the Adiyogi (or sometimes from the Adiyogi parking space) to take you to Sarpa Vasal. Unless you are prepared for a long walk, you should take this shuttle.

Should you keep your footwear, bags and belongings in the Car?

If you only want to visit Adiyogi, grab a bite of food and then head back out then you can keep everything in your car. Just keep a bit of money to grab some food. There are foodstals about 300 m behind Adiyogi. However, if you want to visit the rest of the Isha Yoga Center with the various temples I described above, then definitely keep your footwear and purse/wallet with you. You may also want to keep umbrella/caps/water bottle and few such items with you.

At the Adiyogi things are pretty relaxed, obviously mobiles and video/photo graphy is allowed. Sitting and eating, being loud, kids running around – all of that is fine in the area near Adiyogi (except Yogeshwar temple and the elevated parapet right next to Adiyogi). So, this is a great place for the group to relax and be free. However, this space is open air which means it would be super hot for a large part of the day with the sun shining bright especially in Summer!

In order to find a shaded place, you can walk, take a bullock cart or shuttle to an eating area that is halfway between Adiyogi and Sarpa Vasal. Or head to Sarpa Vasal directly, a 700 metres walk.

Sarpa Vasal

Sarpa Vasal is a gate to enter the Isha Yoga Center. There is a huge snake sculpture on it, that is why it is called Sarpa Vasal. The public Isha Yoga Center road passes here. So, visitors come via this entrance also. Public buses would also drop you in this area. From Sarpa Vasal one can walk, take a bullock cart or shuttle towards Adiyogi which is about 700 m. Or you can enter the gate and visit Dhyanalinga temple complex which is about 300 m.

Near sarpa vasal, some tree cover can be found. There is also the Moonram Pirai restaurant and the veranda outside it which is covered. Here you can be free and relax with your belongings. However, when you want to enter through the Sarpa Vasal to visit Dhyanalinga & other temples, that is when you will have to deposit your belongings except water bottles, umbrellas, purses/wallets at the counter opposite Moonram Pirai.

A lot of visitors get confused, because they are told that they can take their belongings to Adiyogi… but later at Sarpa Vasal they are asked to deposit. And then you can’t take it back to the car to keep it there, because Car Parking would be on the other side of Adiyogi about 800 metres away.

Surya Kund Mandapam: Shaded Spot to Sit & Relax

If you are looking for a shaded spot to rest and relax, the best place would be Surya kund mandapam which is right outside the Surya Kund, bathing kund for men. To get here, you will need to deposit the various belongings and come through Sarpa Vasal. After Sarpa Vasal there will be a counter to deposit your footwear as well. From there, the surya kund mandapam is only about 1 minute walk. This is also a good place to take shelter in rains.

Parking Place:

Parking place is about 300 metres from the Adiyogi statue towards the Malai Vasal or the Hill Gate of the Isha Yoga Center.

Malai Vasal:

This is the outside-most gate of the center, it is located in the village of Muttathvayil, on the road from Perur to Isha center. Most vehicles would come from this gate. Google maps usually shows this route from Coimbatore to Isha Center and Adiyogi, as the road is broader and traffic can move faster.

Very close to this gate the Kaal Bhairava kshetrapaal temple is set to come up. You can see the temple structure as you pass by towards the parking.

A few 100 metres ahead is the parking for the Adiyogi statue. If you choose to walk from Malai Vasal it will be quite a long distance. About 500 – 600 metres. It is a great walk, but it won’t give you the time to explore other stuff.

If you come to the Sarpa Vasal with your vehicle, there is NO proper parking. Usually, the Isha folks will ask you to drive to the Malai Vasal and park over there. Some vehicles park on the side of the road a little distance from the Sarpa Vasal – this is a really crappy practice. It can cause a LOT of inconvenience to people, so please don’t do this.

Where to Eat?

Moonram Pirai near Sarpa Vasal Velliangiri Canteen , just after Sarpa Vasal. This is run by the ashram. One can get reasonably priced light meals like pongal, vadai, idli and tea, coffee. I think they serve meals during lunch time as well. PepperVine, a swanky ashram eating place right next to the Dhyanalinga Isha Life shops. They have very sattvic cuisine but it is significantly pricier. Good if you are in the mood for some treats. During lunch time they serve a full south Indian thali for about 100 INR. Lots of Snack Shops from Adiyogi to Sarpa Vasal: Coconut water and ice-creams to heavier meals and fast food

Outside restaurants: Outside the malai vasal there are a few restaurants like Anandham and Tawa Club. You can check on google maps. Or just spot the boards on the way.

Useful Travel Information to Plan Your Adiyogi Coimbatore Trip

How to get there, Closest Airport: Coimbatore International airport. Take a private taxi for 1000 – 1500 INR. You can take a bus from airport to Gandhipuram bus station and from there take 14D to Isha Center. Closest Railway Station: Take a train to Ukkadam Coimbatore Junction. From there a taxi will cost about 800 INR to Isha Center. Or take a bus to Gandhipuram and from there take the 14D bus. Closest Bus Station: You can take 14D bus from Gandhipuram bus station of Coimbatore. It comes right to Isha Ashram. You can also ask the conductors at the bus stand for ‘Isha or Adiyogi bus’ they will guide you.

Best mode of transport: Take a private taxi or self-drive car. You can call the Isha Center to book their know taxi folk.

Isha Ashram Contact : + 91-8300083111 , this is the official page: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/center/consecrated-spaces/112-feet-adiyogi it is not updated with Bangalore Adiyogi data.

When to visit, Best day of week: Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends. Also, check for any festivals or events on the above contact details. If you are staying in the Isha Yoga Center, then even on weekends you can visit early in the morning and avoid the huge crowds. Best time of day: Early mornings would have lesser crowd. Evenings can also be good photo opportunities with the setting sun.

Stay @ Isha Yoga Center. Call on above number to ask about booking a room. They have rooms starting from 800 INR to 4000 INR. Dorms are only for those who have done Inner Engineering Isha program. Other stay options outside the ashram in this blog, it was written for mahashivratri but relevant for other trips also: https://maproute.in/isha-mahashivratri-accommodations-can-i-stay-in-the-ashram/

Let me know if you have any queries, I will try to address them. Hope you have a great Adiyogi visit. If you see me volunteering there, come and say Hi 😉

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My first visit to Isha Yoga Centre

I have been watching the Mahashivratri celebrations at Isha, live on television for 3/4 years now. The Sounds of Isha are hauntingly melodious. Adiyogi has his own charming spell. Amidst all this I had a thought of visiting this place someday.

My broad itinerary was drafted maybe 2/3 years ago and finally the trip happened in November 2019. After spending a few days in Ooty & Coonoor we moved to Isha Yoga Center, some 33 Kms from Coimbatore, for a couple of days.

I wanted to make the most of our stay there and that led me to do some homework. The best parts were; there is a residential facility available within the center and I managed to pick an auspicious date in November that allowed us to experience the divinity to the max we could.

The rooms are booked online and must be done well in advance as the demand is very high as there is a limited inventory. I had sent a request 2.5 months earlier for a confirmed room booking. When I did not get any revert on the status of my request even after 2 days, I did follow up. Later I realized my disciplinarian habit held me in good stead. Had I not followed up thinking we were to travel in Nov, we would have landed with no room.

There are two categories of room, AC & non Non AC with single/double/triple occupancy. We had booked an AC room, though one can do without it during Nov-Jan (still do correlate with weather status and your tolerance of heat / humidity)

No payment was asked for as these formalities are done upfront on check in. All you need is a "confirmed" booking status.

There are certain rituals & offerings that happen on certain auspicious dates. This year Kartik Poornima was on 12 November and it suited our visit plan perfectly. The days chosen allowed us to experience the usual like; dip in the Teerthakund , darshan & arti of Linga Bhairavi or Devi , meditation and Nada Aradhana at Dhyanalinga and visit to Adiyogi .

Only on amavasya (no moon) and poornima (full moon) are the devotees allowed to make the offerings of ksheera (milk) and/or jala (water) upon the Dhyanalinga , which meant we were fortunate to pay our obeisance through these offerings too. Being a full moon night, we were blessed to be a part of the immensely powerful and energetic Poornima Abhishekham followed by a grand procession of Linga Bhairavi utsavamurti with a maha arti in front of Dhyanalinga. Adiyogi's 'Divya Darshanam' happens on weekends as well as other auspicious days like poornima, amavasya, navratri .

The drive between Ooty to Isha Yoga Centre takes a minimum of ~4 hours. The travel time is highly impacted by the start time as the route is mostly through busy roads of neighboring towns/cities. The earlier you leave the better.

We reached the center in the afternoon and while my husband got busy with check in, I waited by our luggage. Suddenly, I heard a cheerful welcome "Namaskaram akka"(Akka is sister in Tamil). I had observed in their mails and read somewhere that one greets with a namaskaram and folded hands . I reciprocated the greetings and what came next left me amused....... The volunteers asked me which of my luggage was a gents bag and which was a ladies bag. My mind suddenly went back to things I had read about stay in Isha and could not recollect this one. I told them that the luggage was common to both. They then asked me go to their female counter part who would check all the luggage. Now this was getting a little absurd. I followed what they said and the young girl made me open every bag and did a broad level check.

Ideally there should be scanner to check the baggage considering security is important. A human checking each bag in a superficial manner does not serve the purpose and is simply wastage of time. Hopefully the luggage scanning machines will be installed there soon.

From my conversation with the girl who checked my bags, I got to know that there are two entrances to the Isha Yoga Center. One near the reception, where we were and other from the 'Sarp Vasal' entrance . The luggage scanning machines are there but no trolleys to carry your luggage. She seemed to be new volunteer as I don't think it was an accurate information. The entry point or car drop off point for all residential guests is where we got off. The 'Sarp Vasal' entrance was for day visitors visiting the center as well as to & fro path to Adiyogi premises for the residents. anyways, in a nutshell, its advisable to travel light and if possible not combine it with any other trip if you plan to stay there. A day trip is opted by many.

Once the payment is made you are given a wrist band that has necessary details of your visit and also helps security & volunteers identify your visitor type. The band is removed only when you leave the premises on check out.

We headed to our room with our luggage trolley. The keys were given by the reception at the entrance of that residential complex and since our room was on the first floor we had to carry our luggage thereafter. So lighter bags & lesser bags is another point to be kept in mind.

The rooms are very clean and nice. A lot of residential visitors are people who are undergoing an Isha course/program and they tend to stay for a longer duration. The room set up is in accordance. Since its not a hotel, it involves self service and certain pointers to remember like; carry your own towels and toiletries, keep some light bites or snacks. There is provision for hot water and its centrally regulated. Every floor has a water cooler and every room has a set of 2 copper glasses and a copper jug. There is a footwear stand just outside the room. Please remember to remove your footwear there before entering the room.

While on footwear, please note that when in Isha do wear a pair that is comfortable and easily removable. In most of the places footwear is not allowed so you actually land up wearing your slipper/shoe only when in open ground. Whether its your room, the check in reception, the eatery, the shops, the dining area, the teerthakunds or temple complex and even the space around Adiyogi & Yogeshwar Linga is a barefeet zone.

The room cost includes two meals every day - brunch and early dinner. Be very punctual to the timings shared, you would not want to miss it. However you do have a Pepper Vine eatery that is open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm for light snacks & beverages..... and those who have read my post on Adiyogi know another eatery which has more options. We had only one meal there in our 2 days stay........ Pepper Vine & Moondraam were our food haunts.

Once in the room we sat down to chalk out our itinerary. After much pondering we had our plan ready. We had 1.5 days to do as much as we could.

Day 1 (half day):

I had something to eat at Pepper Vine and then went to the Isha Craft Shoppe next to it. The Isha Shoppe is nothing short of a departmental store of handmade, organic produce. There is an exclusive shop for clothes as well.

When you go to the Teerthakund, the Linga Bhairavi temple and Dhyanalinga you cannot carry any bag, mobile or camera but don't forget to carry petty cash that you will require to give for the dip and offerings that you would like to make to Devi or Linga. There is a counter nearby where you can deposit your belongings. Please ensure to collect them before its closing time else it is sent to the swamiji and one will need to follow up with him. While on counters / lockers, I would like to share a couple of points. It is advised not to keep any valuables in the room, lockers are provided at the reception area of every residential complex. If you think you must, you can avail this facility. The room keys are to be dropped at the reception every time one moves out. Do keep the locker key carefully.

The Suryakund is 20 feet below ground level and has three rasalingas consecrated with masculine energy. A stunning brass and copper sculpture of the sun hangs high above it.

After some retail therapy, my husband went for his dip in the Suryakund (for men) while I waited for him near the beautiful Lotus pond. Once he was through his dip we entered the main complex.

We first stopped at the monolithic Trimurti panel which has Shiva in his Rudra, Hara and Sadashiva roop (form) from there I headed for a dip in the Chandrakund (for women).

After a dip in the energized pool we went to the Linga Bhairavi temple to pay our respects to mother goddess, witnessed the beautiful and power packed aarti and from there headed to Dhyanalinga .

At the dome we did our meditation and experienced the Nada Aradhana (sound offerings) . This meant we spent a good half an hour soaking in the energies of the Dhyanalinga.

My Chandrakund experience

" Essentially, Suryakund and Chandrakund are pools energized by rasalingas that melt away karmic blocks, and that allow you to experience Dhyanalinga. Taking a dip in these energized water bodies straightens out pranic imbalances, enhancing physiological and psychological well being as well as heightening spiritual receptivity. " – Sadhguru

You need to pay Rs 20 for the dip in the energy pool. The volunteers there will guide you on the process; changing into a robe given, showering (includes wetting the hair & robe), covering the hair in a net cap then moving towards the kund for the dip.

Huge steps take you down 30 feet where the healing pool is. There is only one rasalinga here that is consecrated with feminine energy. On one side is water cascading down like a waterfall. This too is a silence zone and volunteers here were Tamil speaking. I had a tough time trying to get a simple answer regarding the depth of the pool. all they did was ask me to be silent and go inside the pool in sign language! Thankfully I managed to get my answers from a girl who stepped out. It's about 4 feet.

The water was cool and clear. You need to touch the rasalinga with both your hands, go around it (as you would around a Shivling) and take dips. You may chant the name of God or mantra or simply remain 'present'. Its advised to be in the pool for at least 7-12 minutes. Once I was through the dips, I let the cascading water simply fall all over me and then stepped out.

You are to wear your clothes over wet body & hair, Apparently a wet body is more receptive of energies in comparison to dry one . You need to follow the given instructions with regard to the robe and net cap, once you remove them.

I enjoyed the time spent taking my dips and chanting Wahe Guru & Om Namah Shivaya. I felt refreshed as I stepped out of Chandrakund and walked towards Devi temple.

My Linga Bhairavi experience

" One who earns the Grace of Bhairavi neither has to live in concern or fear of life or death, of poverty, or failure. All that a human being considers as well being will be his if only he earns the Grace of Bhairavi " -- Sadhguru

One look at her and I was lost in her inexplicable energy. Simple yet beautiful. She is 8 ft tall and resides in a triangular abode . Two big eyes and a brilliant third eye catch your attention. We payed our obeisance to Linga Bhairavi and participated in the evening arti which was a beautiful.

At that time I did not realize that Devi had the most effect on me . The aura and energy is something I cannot describe in words. Her powerful presence was felt during the mesmerizing Poornima grand procession & maha aarti. That's when I realized that I was enamored by her divinity.

My Dhyanalinga experience

" Anyone who comes within the sphere of the Dhyanalinga cannot escape the sowing of the spiritual seed of liberation. Just sitting silently for a few minutes within the sphere of Dhyanalinga is enough to make even those unaware of meditation experience a state of deep meditativeness " -- Sadhguru

Before stepping into the profound meditative dome, that stands without a single pillar of support, we saw a short introductory AV on Dhyanalinga.

We were made to sit in the aisle that leads one to the main space waiting for our turn to enter the powerful space. The volunteers there showed the below information on placards in Hindi, English & Tamil regular intervals ( silence zone so other modes of communication used )

" ....To maintain the silence and sanctity of the space, a bell rings every 15 minutes to indicate when you can enter and leave. One must stay for at least 15 minutes to allow the experience of Dhyanalinga energies....."

"....To experience the Dhyanalinga, sit and gaze at the linga for a few minutes. Then close your eyes, palms facing upwards, resting upon your lap...... "

The inner parikrama (aisle space) of Dhyanalinga has some beautiful sculptured granite panels and deities. Six panels illustrate the stories of six South Indian sages/devotees* of Shiva who attained enlightenment like Akka Mahadevi, Poosalar, Sadashiva Brahmendra, Kannappa Nayanar, Meiporul Nayanar, Sadhyaguru Parabrahma .

There is a beautiful and symbolic black granite statue of Patanjali** , as half human and half seven hooded snake. The snake hoods rise above the statue representing raising of the seven chakras which is the objective of yoga . There is a pretty (feminine) deity, Vanashree ; in form of a peepal tree made of green granite and a single golden leaf right in the center symbolizing warmth and abundance .

The bell rang signalling our entry inside the Dhyanalinga dome. The serenity of the place is unbeatable. The Dhyanalinga looms large and leaves you awestruck. I made the lotus offering and sat down, remembering to look at the linga for a few minutes and then closing the eyes to meditate.

Now I am neither someone who meditates nor someone who has a traffic jam in the head. I believe I received what was duly mine and am sure it has touched my life in its own subtle way.

I preferred just gazing the source of energy but as guided I did try to meditate. I closed my eyes and tears rolled down . There were no thoughts and no emotional roller coaster. Once the tears stopped I kept my eyes open for the rest of the time. For me that 1 min experience was unexpected and calming.

The 15 mins were through and the bell rang. We stayed on as we wanted to be part of the Nada Aradhana . All this while my husband was in deep meditation and he was completely oblivious of things around. I had to softly nudge him once the sound offering was over and it was time to leave.

We stepped out and it felt like we were coming from a different world altogether.

" We owe our spiritual wealth not just to the sages, seers, masters, and enlightened beings who walked the path, but also to the community that nurtured them. In our tradition, serving spiritual seekers and monks has always been of utmost importance. This can be a path in itself. The most beautiful expression of this is the Annadanam– the sacred offering of food .” -- Sadhguru

It was time for dinner so we headed to the Bhiksha Hall where meals are served. The seating line for men and women is separate. You are to maintain silence in the dining hall so I landed communicating with signs. There is a regime that is followed which has its roots in Ayurveda . I will suggest you take a small portion of the food items, repeat it with a second helping and avoid food wastage. Once you are through your meal you are to wash the utensils used by you in the designated area.

A day before and day of Poornima and Amavasya, everyone is encouraged to spend sometime under the moon light to get the most of the powerful energies of the moon. The lights of all the residential complex is kept off for at least a couple of hours. Though we were tired we stayed out in the moonlight chit chatting and watching life within Isha. Once the lights were on we headed back to our room and within a few minutes were off to slumber land.

Day 2 (Kartik Poornima)

It had been raining since wee hours of the morning, I woke up my husband early that day as he had to go to the Dhyanalinga to make the ksheera or milk offering which was to begin at 6 am.

I was ready by the time he was back, Our first stop was Pepper Vine followed by Isha Shoppe where we picked up souvenirs and gifts for friends and family too. We left our shopping bags in our room and headed towards Adiyogi, a good 20 mins walk.

My Adiyogi | The First Yogi | The Originator of Yoga experience

We spent a good time there, made offerings to the Yogeshwar Linga , enjoyed a bullock cart ride, visited the Isha Nursery there and bought saplings of medicinal tulsi/basil, lunched at Moondraam Perai and came back to our room. We rested for an hour, then went to the Pepper Vine eatery for evening tea and cookies, did our cab booking for airport drop for next morning at the reception. We both were looking forward to the grand procession & aarti of Linga Bhairavi utsavmurti and we had to be early to get a good seating. We could not participate in the Maha Abhishekam; the previous day we had gone to get ourselves registered but it was already full. Those who wish to be a part of it are suggested to do the registration much earlier.

My experience of grand procession & maha arti of Linga Bhairavi utsavmurti

" ....So once a month, she comes out and makes some direct contact with the Dhyanalinga because her sustenance is dependent on that. The future generations of caretakers must ensure she always comes out on Pournami and makes that contact. Even if rain is pouring, she must still come out. It does not matter if there is a flood, she must still come out. This is essential for her survival, otherwise she will deplete. She likes to be strong, energetic and beautiful. But if she depletes, she will go into a fit, and it is not good to have her that way. She will spew well being for all if kept full and vibrant " --- Sadhguru

Please do watch both the parts for a wholesome experience of the poornima procession and arti of Devi.

This is one experience I shall never forget. Grand, powerful and moving. The shamanic drum beats , the splendor of maha arti, its dance and music ....... all of it, so vibrant and alive. I remember watching it with a constant smile and the music gently swaying me to it haunting beats.

If you ever plan a trip to Isha Center do so around full moon to experience this. The chanting of "Ye Devi" as they carry the Linga Bhairavi utsavmurti with lyrical gait, men carrying reg flags, torches and fire poles burning bright, sound from the conches, trumpets, drums and huge bunch of anklet bells add to the vibrancy, men dressed like warriors perform the Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art.......... its a sight to behold, with the divine all around to feel.

" The Maha Aarti is not just beautiful – the visual impressions and sounds make it an overwhelmingly exuberant experience if you allow it. This is what human life is about – breaking your limitations and expanding your horizons ." – Sadhguru

Even today if I close my eyes I can see the entire procession and the feel the overwhelming vibrancy. That's Linga Bhairavi for me....... beautiful, untamed, powerful, and full of life!

In an enchanted state we headed towards Adiyogi for the Divya Darshanam and Yogeshwar Linga arti. We had our dinner at Moondraam Perai and called it a day.

Early next morning we left Isha with loads of blessings, divine energies, memories ...........

While we were there, the place was bustling with people, the reception area looked like a thronging mandi early in the morning :) A large number of people from across the globe are part of the programs offered; there are folks who simply go to volunteer ; some are now part of the Isha Yoga Centre for good. There was a group who was there for a (destination) vivah / wedding and had some celebrities like Sonu Nigam & Meiyang Chang amidst them.

Photography is allowed only around the Nandi and in the Adiyogi premises. I could hear birds chirping but what to do ..... no clicking! The photos shared in the post are either mine (if my name is on it) or googled. The photos/ videos are clicked/ shot on mobile.

* You can read the story of the devotees here https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/wisdom/article/the-devotees-of-the-dhyanalinga-parikrama

** author of Yoga Sutras

^ Q: Why are there so many downward flowing snake sculptures?

Sadhguru: In the yogic culture, the snake is used as a symbolic representation of higher dimensions of energy. This is because the movement of Kundalini is very similar to how a snake moves when it is provoked. This is why in many energy spaces, you will see depictions of snakes. Generally, you will see snakes depicted as moving upward because you are seeking the divine. But in the Dhyanalinga, you will see cascading snakes coming down because it is a shower of divinity, it is not in search of divinity. There is a shaft of grace – grace is spilling down. It is to indicate this that in a subtle way, we have depicted this cascades of snakes.

Some informative links:

https://www.ishafoundation.org/Isha-Yoga-Center/accommodation.isa

https://www.ishafoundation.org/Isha-Yoga-Center/visitor-information.isa

https://www.ishafoundation.org/Isha-Yoga-Center/Isha-Lunar-Calendar.isa

https://www.ishafoundation.org/Isha-Yoga-Center/travel-information-isha-yoga-center-india-isha-foundation.isa

....and, if you like what you just read, do ‘like it’ & ‘share it’. Also do not forget to ‘ follow my travel blog ' to remain updated about newer posts!

HAPPY TRAVELLING!

Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe

This was first published in TravelerInMe

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Seven Surreal experiences at Isha Yoga Center

F or weeks, we have been waiting for this day. Our day trip to Isha Yoga Center ( Google Map directions ) on foothills of Velliangiri mountains – also known as Kailash of the South. We had signed up for the Ashram visit program organized by Isha volunteers. 

After a hectic day’s work, both Chanchal and I met in Kormangala and proceeded to St John’s Medical College Bus Stop to board the bus to the ashram. Throughout the night journey, the bus was abuzz with enthusiastic Isha volunteers talking about their experiences, sharing stories, singing along, watching Sadhguru’s sermon videos, et all. It almost felt like the kind of euphoria one associates with juvenile boys and girls out on their first unsupervised excursion with moonshine to boot. Only that this group was just high on life.

Reaching Isha Yoga Center in the wee hours

Early morning, by 5:00 a.m. we reached the gates of the ashram. Towering stone plinths and pillars with snake carvings welcomed us in. In the subtle darkness of the dawn, we were given our Ashram visit ID-cards, men and women of the group were asked to head to different sides of the ashram to get fresh, take a bath and carry out their morning yoga or kriya. We were asked to meet at 7:20 AM at the grand Nandi statue.

After freshening up and taking a shower, I was on my own. Exploring the place around our stay area. Mesmerized by the green cover, the bio-diversity and mooing of cattle from the ashram’s cattle farm, numerous trees in fruition and blossom. I just strayed here and there, looking at a tree, glancing at a flower, hearing the call of morning birds, smell of the earth drenched in the overnight dew, absorbing the view of the Velliangiri mountains.

The tree around had a gentle girth, As raw mangoes and may flowers rejoiced their birth, The call of the myna and the humble sparrow, Pierced the clutter of life, like a cosmic arrow.

The day unfolded and was drenched in surreal experiences.

I learned one could also stay over at the ashram cottages. I will be back to do exactly that. Information on stay options and more .

1. The grand Nandi at the entrance to Dhyanalinga

The Nandi Bull, sits overlooking the entrance to Dhyanalinga. He just sits there, without anticipation or expectation, challenging our relationships with the supreme, by example contradicting everything organized religions have done to dictate and define one’s equation with the divine.

The majestic bull weighing well over 20 tons is made of small pieces of metal pieced together to form a hollow shell and then filled with carefully concocted mix of sesame seeds, turmeric, soil and certain other things.

2. Visiting the Linga Bhairavi Shrine

We queued up to enter the shrine of Linga Bhairavi . There were some rituals or perhaps an Aarti going on inside. At the entrance, on the ground, there is a sculpted figure of a lady in the astanga pranama with her left leg half folded over her right leg and her forehead to the ground in total submission.

I entered the shrine along with Chanchal. I paid my obeisance to the deity — the divine feminine. I did not feel a moving force or nor was I overwhelmed as most people around seemed to be. Around me, many people were teary eyed, visibly moved, overwhelmed and humbled. Since I did not experience any of that, I felt removed from everyone there who seemed to be absorbed in that movement. I did, however, notice and gleefully observed the beautiful sari motif that was painted on either side of the wall emerging from the deity — giving an illusion of a sari being worn by the deity herself.

I do humbly submit my wife’s experience in her own words, which was very different from mine.

Chanchal’s view: The day had started early and after my yoga and Shambhvi Kriya, I was ready for my day at the ashram. We were to start with the visit to Linga Bhairavi temple. This was the second time I was going to visit the temple. The moment we queued up to enter, I was filled with lot of emotions – memories from my last visit, love for the lady inside, excitement of meeting her again ~ all together with a hint of fear. Yes, fear! Fear before I take my leap of faith. I knew I would have no control on myself once I enter the shrine. My last experience had taught me that this is one place I give in totally and am overwhelmed to the core. This leads to an extremely emotional and devotional state which I  have only experienced at this place. I am most vulnerable here and yet most safe. Tears just do not stop falling. I was also not sure how Bala is going to behave seeing me in that state.  

Within few minutes, I was exactly in the state I was thinking about. Tears just did not stop falling from my eyes. I was extremely calm. There was a strange yet comfortable pressure between my eyebrows. The intensity of the pressure kept increasing and tears kept coming.

After the darshan and meditating there for a while, my tears stopped. Bala was around me throughout, quiet and calm.

We both knew words are useless at such places.

After tying the haldi thread on the pole within the temple, we all bowed down again to the Mother and came out all calm and blissful.

3. Energizing dips in Theerthakunds : Suryakund and Chandrakun

In line with ancient Indian practices, before entering into the Dhyanalinga, we were asked to take a dip in one of the ashram’s sacred water bodies. These are called TheerthaKunds — Suryakund for men and Chandra Kund for women. A dip in these sacred water bodies is known to heighten one’s receptivity to spiritual experience.

I entered the Suryakund, into the cold water body. It took me a while to feel comfortable with the cold water. It was a surreal experience, in that huge subterranean water body with a huge Sun symbol hanging from the super high ceiling. There were Lingas submerged in the water that one could touch. I spent about 10 minutes in there and walked out. I walked in with a lot of questions, walked out calm and for most part settled in my mind.

Curious, how Chanchal’s experience was in Chandrakund.

4. The deep meditative experience at Dhyanalinga

Alright, let me say it. Strong skepticism runs through my veins. In my day job, I take pride in my professional skepticism. Walking into the Dhyanalinga entry point, I was a bundle of questions and doubts about the whole experience. Entering into the Dhyanalinga after taking bath in the Suryakund, I was calm. So mixed feelings.

At the entrance, there is a stone pillar that has symbols of all major world religion carved on it. Clearly announcing that people of any faith, religion or otherwise are welcome. It is open to everyone, it is an inclusive space and not an exclusive one.

We were made to sit at the aangan or mitham of the sanctum for 15 minutes quietly without uttering a word. A sort of like a preparation for what was inside. In the waiting area, all I could feel and hear was my breathing. Then slowly, we were ushered into the Dhyanalinga meditative space. A huge circular space with a spherical dome and a towering Linga atop a coiled serpent at the center.

I sat there with others in yoga mudra, with eyes closed. I lost track of time. I felt deeply calm and the only realization was that my physical body needed work. I could feel the spasm in my weak upper back muscles – perhaps signalling to me that to experience this space in a deeper way, I need to work on my body first. Then comes everything else.

Despite my deep skepticism for anything that does not arise from my own experiences, I did have an experience. I felt balanced for hours and days to come.

5. AUMkar Chanting session

We were ushered into a hutment where two Isha Yoga teachers were waiting for us and there was a large television which played “AUM” chanting training video by Sadhguru. The journey from OM to AUM is perhaps one from ignorance to awareness. We have been trained from childhood to pronounce the sound as OM, not knowing what it meant except revere it as something divine.

I learned that it is AUM – AAAAAA–OOOOOOOO-MMMMMM. The primordial sound of the universe. The only three sounds that we can make without activating our tongue. So these three sounds are the building blocks of all sounds and vibrations. Every other sound is just adaption of AAAA, OOOO and MMMM. If you do not believe this, try it.

Coming to my experience, when I chanted these three sounds with my eyes closed in yoga mudra, I was able to observe within me the vibrations these sounds generated. It reverberated within me for many hours.

Read more on AUM chanting for the thirsty

6. The grand Adi Yogi and Yogeshwara Linga

Late afternoon, we started walking towards the Adi Yogi Statue and Yogeshwara Linga . The sun was beating down hard, the farther away from the Ashram we walked the more harsher the sun seemed. Just then we realized it was because of lack of tree line. Inside the ashram, it was a biodiversity sanctuary. Outside was just open field.

In about ten minutes or so, we reached the Adi Yogi Shiva statue. First, we paid obeisance to the Yogeshwar Linga and then walked up the stairs to take a closer look at the 112-feet Adiyogi Shiva statue. It is recognized as the “Largest Bust Sculpture” by Guinness World Records and was inaugurated by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Maha Shivaratri Day – 24, February 2017.

Just like the Nandi Bull at the entrance of Dhyanalinga, the larger than life AdiYogi statue is made of small pieces of metal melded together. For the longest I thought it was made of stone. Now knowing it is made of steel, somehow it feels different.

The Yogeshwara Linga has been consecrated without the Anahata (heart chakra) — representing an emotionless and totally inclusive Yogi.

Our entire group, did some group meditation and chanting in front of the statue and Yogeshwara Linga. I was of course busy between capturing my own thoughts and capturing vibrant moments.

7. Nutritious and satvik food at Biksha hall

Winding down our day at the Isha Yoga center with some some fulfilling and nutritious food served at the Biksha hall. On inquiring a bit, I got to know that on an average the Biksha Hall feeds over 2,000 people at every meal time.

When we entered, we learned we were supposed to be silent and not utter a word. In silence, we filled our plate with piping hot delicious looking food and sat down the floor to eat. Men and women were seated separately. Each morsel, after a tiring and yet energizing day seemed like a blessing. With gratitude and a lot of appreciation, we had our food. I must say, the food was delicious – certainly this alone can be a reason to visit the Isha Yoga Center.

Chanchal and I exchanged notes that how we made a good decision to spend our Sunday at Isha. We thoroughly enjoyed our experiences.

Now, I do want to leave you all with a few things to ponder on.

Anything that happens on a massive scale in our country brings an ecological scare. On visiting the AdiYogi Statue area, I have the same concern. I looked around at a vast stretch of flat land in front of me as I stood at the podium besides the Adiyogi statue.  

A ginormous parking lot, vast open and nearly barren fields, soaring tourism bringing over 20,000 people every weekend, general lack of civic sense in many of us is a collective scare. What is going to happen to this supposed green belt? How soon can we make the area green? What role can we play to make sure the delicate ecological balance is maintained and nurtured.

Some tips from a conscious mind (something I know everyone at Isha Yoga will welcome):

• Keep the precinct clean, do not throw garbage or plastic waste on the pathways.
• Keep commercialization at bay, avoid hyper development including hotels, motels and eateries.
• Keep planting trees, we need more green cover in this world.
• Keep animals, don’t exploit them. Walk instead. We actually witnessed one bullock pulling a cart that was long and big enough to seat over 10 people.
• Keep your mind curious, lest today’s awareness becomes tomorrow’s rigid belief.

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Biyer (Balaji S. Iyer)

8 thoughts on “ seven surreal experiences at isha yoga center ”.

Thank you for sharing…

Enjoyed the pics and the lovely write ups (which to me really helped a richer deeper understanding a sense of the essence of the place and my understanding would not have been the same without these helpful narrations)

Some of my Aha moments after reading the blog post :

Below is me sharing a bit (yes its a long verbose write up and yet its only a bit 🙂 ) of what personally the pondering , viewing and reading through this blog, pics , graphical representation, visual forms, led to for me ( my immediate and firstmost experience ) And whether Correct/Incorrect , its again simply only me sharing a bit of what understanding occurred and felt to me like as a message being pointed out / shared/ communicated by the symbolic/graphic/visual/written statue/forms/words n pics of this blog taken together) and experienced these as possibilities , certain ideas thoughts/ viewpoints/ occurences to ponder on , that maybe were the messages symbolically being pointed out /communicated by these spaces, forms .

Nandi in front of DhyanLinga ************************************ A) Its possible to witness give Dhyan /attend to/ give attention to without anticipation or expectation while keeping the eyes open

B) Its possible to to witness see and yet remain unchanged within ( tumeric, sesame, soil unchanged) Can remain still without any response , remaining removed away from and unmoved to whatever occuring in front of the eyes of attention / dhyan aka whatever is occuring (or non occuring ) in the inner “metaphysical” space chamber of dhyan/attention aka inside the DhyanLinga chamber .

C) The dhyan linga sharir and the dhyan linga chamber, these terms n words maybe in a wider loosely defined way be understood to literally refer to to the “the one receiving (yoni) and the one giving (ling) attention(dhyan) in the womb space /chamber of awareness .

D) The chamber itself is maybe a symbolical 3D representation of the “unseen with physical eyes” yet universal “metaphysical” chamber of dhyan /attention/awareness that is accessible and common and same to all. (That is its a common space irrespective of time , origin, person, place , age, caste, religion, education, background, color, nationality, gender , irrespective of whether ours or others etc etc ) This “metaphysical dhyan chamber ” is the chamber wherein any alive sense ( whether individually or collectively or in groups ) can, may , has, and will experience anything .

E) The experiencer who enter the dhyan /awareness chamber can be aware of, can/may attend to movement , stillness, sensations, emptiness, structurs , forms , thoughts , emotions, intellect, reason , silence etc etc …..Everything that can happen, is happening , happens , or has happened or will happen , is birthed and formed and experienced within this womb n chamber of Dhyan.

My ponderings (that occured on reading through your blog )….continued…

Adi Yogi Statue ******************

F) The two pictures of the open fields and grounds (titled ” Open Fields Enroute – Open Grounds Around- the Adi Yogi Statue) and the text that mentions that the Statue has been made without the anahat heart chakra spoke to me that a colllected condensed complete 100% awareness (symbolised by the collected drop in the third eye place) that is pure awareness , ( No heart chakra -emotionless ) pure awareness that is awareness with no memories, no imaginations, no experiences : And that is simply the unlimited empty awareness with the ability to be aware and the ability to focus the awareness) can be standing in the this land of the hearts/fields/ emotions/plantations around )and yet know that it is seperate and not the field .

This pure awareness and both of its abilities aka Ability to attend , Ability to focus , direct attention are limitless , unconditioned , untouched, formless and infinite (like the unchanging sky above this field ).

G) The field around maybe be in whatever state: unplanted / fallow /empty (like the empty fields or empty air spaces near the statue ) or planted/full (as those fields /land further on that has different kinds of trees) and yet with the movement of (face n awareness eye directed upward ) this centred focussed fully 100% and upturned awareness ( expericing , attending to , knowing , seeing its expansive unchanging truth can remain unmoved , smiling , motionless irrespective of whether what is planted or not planted in the field irrespective of whether we plant(ed) it, or someone else plants(planted) something or not. Ever restful smiling and serene .

H) In this manner, with this technique /method possible to physically , mentally , emotionally in a literal and/or metaphysical focus face beyond to a state wherein do not align with do not identify focus to the absence /presence of anything these fields of awareness : any physical, intellectual, emotional, /metaphysical objects , forms , cultivation (in the broadest sense of the word) , remain unaffected to the presence ( absence) of whatever possibly in these fields ( across time that is past, present, future).

And thus, fully aware, focussed to this truth remain present, calm, serene, smiling , unchanged, unconditioned awareness even admist this field irrespective of what planted / unplanted , activity(inactivity) ,crops feelings, thoughts, responses, emotions (heart) ideas, flows, processes , structures , crops , plants of being, thinking, feeling, or doing

The ashram looks beautiful, but I am more concerned now that there has been immense interference with nature. Indians are known to be cruel to animals and women. But if trees are cut down and the forest lands of animals and tribals are encroached upon to build ashrams, then spirituality is completely dead in India. What remains is hogwash. Now I do not know much about Isha foundation, but from your photos that seems to be on forest land. If that is true how can Pashupati be happy with singing and chanting of greedy humans when His other non-human children are crying day in and out for basic survival necessities?

You have not been to the place. In fact in that whole area, the ashram and a private betel nut plantation are the only forested areas there. Maps show that the place has been barren for decades. Now after Adiyogi has come up, Isha is planting trees along the sides of the road leading to Yogeshwar and the Adiyogi statue and they are growing well – just over 2 year old trees. Most of the trees on the hill are also newer ones planted by Isha.

I echo the ecological conerns Anuja. I am curious if anyone who recently visited the ashram can throw some light on how things stand today. More greener, less greener? Other inputs and updates!

A very well written article… I being part of the same group, experienced a unique presence of divine aura and vibe. .In the ashram. .. Each and every structure so carefully designed, moulded , consecrated.. Hats of Sadhguru and his team of volunteers …

Glad you liked the write-up. I echo your views on the ascthetics and the energy around the ashram. Hopefully, more and more people will get to experience it and hopefully this blog will encourage more people to visit IshA Yoga Center.

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Isha Foundation Bangalore & Nandi Hills | Complete One day trip guide!

Isha Foundation Bangalore with Adi Yogi statue near Chikkaballapur is now open to the public. Though it is still under construction, you can visit the place and see the exquisite Adi Yogi statue, Yogishwara Linga shrine and Naga mantapa.

You can combine this place with perennial favourite Nandi Hills for a lovely one-day trip.

Here is a detailed one-day trip itinerary for visiting Isha Foundation Bangalore near Chikkaballlapur and Nandi Hills from Bangalore.

If you want to go only to Isha Foundation Bangalore, it will be a half-day trip from Bangalore. You can check this link for complete details – https://traveltwosome.com/isha-foundation-chikkaballapur-a-complete-guide/

Alternatively, you may do isha in the first half and nandi in the second half of the day..

We strongly recommend not planning this trip on the weekend / Public holiday due to heavy crowds and traffic jams, especially on the road from the highway leading to Isha Foundation Bangalore.

Weather Alert – This is summer and day times are hot. Cover well and drink a lot of water and be well hydrated.

Another option is to leave leisurely around 12 PM. Have lunch in Nandi Upachar and visit Nandi Hills first. After Nandi Hills and Temple go to Isha around 5.30 PM explore the place and stay back for the lovely laser show which happens between 7.15 – 7.30 PM. Finish that and have dinner on the way and come back home.

You may also combine Isha Foundation with other exciting places nearby instead of Nandi Hills. Look for details in the Travel Tips section.

The summer months will be hot during the day. Please cover well and drink a lot of water.

Now let us go into details 😊

We went to Isha Foundation Bangalore a few months back which has the Adiyogi statue and Naga Mantapa. The place is situated near Chikkaballapur on the Bangalore – Hyderabad highway. Chikkaballapur to Isha Foundation distance via National Highway which is the best road is 12 KMs.

The location of the centre is in a bowl surrounded by rolling hills. The place is under construction. However, the Adi Yogi statue is complete and so is the Naga Mantapa. It will however take another year or two for the whole project to be completed.

The Circuit – Bangalore – Nandi Hills – Bhoga Nandishwara Temple – Isha Yoga Centre Bangalore – Bangalore

Google map of the circuit – https://goo.gl/maps/Q8RGZgc44ZoiRLGL6

Distance – 181 KMs

Road condition – Excellent.

  7 AM  – Depart from home. For those who are in North and East Bangalore, it is easy to hit Airport Road. For those of us staying in South Bangalore you have to either wade through the city or go via NICE road and exit at Tumkur road. Take the first available U-Turn and then turn left at Peenya junction and continue on Outer Ring Road till you reach Airport Road.

8 AM  – You can have your breakfast in  India Paratha Company  or  Nandi Upachar  or  Srinidhi Vaibhava on the highway.

9 AM  – Depart for Nandi hills. Drive on the highway for a few kilometres and then turn left at the prominent signage. Drive on the good road and follow the signage. As you start climbing the hill, the road turns curvy with few hairpin bends. Make sure you drive safely.

10 AM –  Arrive at Nandi Hills. Spend two hours exploring the hills – Tippu Drop, Shiva temple, the birthplace of Arkavathy river, Cubbon house – the British bungalow built for Lord Cubbon, check out a few viewpoints – The KSTDC restaurant has some fabulous views.

12 Noon  – Depart from the hill and come to Bhoga Nandishwara temple in Nandi village. A lovely temple built during the Vijayanagar period – 16th century -, it is a photographers’ paradise. The huge Temple tank and surroundings are peaceful. Appreciate the sculptural heritage of the temple.

1.30 PM  – Depart temple. Head to Hotel Ruchira for lunch.

3 PM – After lunch drive to Isha Yoga Centre. 30 minutes of drive through the village and hilly terrain circumventing Harihara Hill will take you to the parking area of Isha Yoga Centre. As you enter the village look out for lovely ponds in the stone quarries on the right side! The last three KMs on the hilly terrain are now complete and the road is good.

After parking your car walk to the Naga Mantapa. The parking area is still not complete and may become slushy when it rains.

A 10 feet Nagadeva statue is impressive. You can buy flowers at the ” Offerings stall” for Rs 20 and worship the god yourself. The view of Adiyogi statue from here is beautiful as the mantapa is on high ground.

After Naga Mantapa, you can walk down for a closer look at Adi Yogi statue. The place is now done and one can go closer to the statue as in Isha Yoga Centre at Coimbatore. This place may become popular as ” Adiyogi Chikkaballapur” in future!

On 15 Jan 23, there was a consecration of Yogeshwra Linga and the inauguration of Adi Yogi statue. The statue looks like this now.

4.30 PM – Depart for Bangalore. On the way you can have coffee/tea/Snacks at Nandi Upachar or Srinidhi Vaibhava or Nandagokula

Travel tips

• This is an easy drive and one day trip. If you want to do only Isha Foundation Bangalore, then go straight on the highway and turn to the place from the highway after Chikkaballapur. This can be done as a half-day trip. Nandi Hills to Adiyogi statue is 40 KMs
• Avoid weekends if possible as both places will be very crowded and traffic jams after you turn from the highway are common on weekends.
• The Isha Foundation Chikkaballapur is open from 6 AM to 8 PM every day.
• Visitors to Isha can take part in the many offerings and processes available at the Yogeshwar Linga and Naga shrine, and experience the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam every evening.
• There will be a laser show every day between 7.15 PM to 7.30 PM at Isha Centre. You may stay back if you wish to.
• If you have a few hours’ breaks at Bangalore airport and do not know how to kill time, you may hire a taxi and pay a visit to Isha Ashram Bangalore.
• At present, the Isha Foundation Bangalore is under construction. There is no cover. Wear Good Walking Shoes . Carry a good hat . It will be hot in the afternoons, especially in summer. The place is not elderly/physically challenged-friendly at present. Elders have to stay at Naga Mantapa.
• The place has good restrooms.
• Isha Yoga Centre can be clubbed with other interesting places like Avalabetta , Gudibande Fort or Lepakshi for a one-day trip instead of Nandi Hills.
• If you have time and energy, you can do a short climb to the Shiva temple atop Harihara Hill.
• If you have time, you can also visit the lovely Devanahalli Fort and Tipu Sultan’s birthplace which is dot on the highway.
• Check out the special offer on Sadhguru’s books set on Amazon 👇

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the entry fee for Isha Foundation Bangalore?  – There is no entry fee for Isha Foundation Bangalore
• Where is Isha Foundation located in Karnataka?  – Isha Foundation is located in the village of Avalagurki near Chikkaballapur at a distance of 50 KMs from Bangalore.
• Does Isha provide free food?  – No. However, there is a restaurant in the ashram.
• Can we visit Isha without booking?  – Yes. On a few special occasions like Maha Shivaratri, one has to register on their website. Registration is free. Please check their website for details
• What is the dress code for Isha Centre?  – There is no dress code as such. However being a spiritual place, visitors are expected to dress decently.
• What are the timings of the Adiyogi laser show?  – The timings are from 7 PM to 7.15 PM.
• What is Nandi Hills famous for? – Nandi Hills is famous for its cool and salubrious climate, lovely views of the neighbouring landscape from the top of the hill and gardens. At the foothills, there is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva known as Bhoga Nandishwara temple
• What is the best time to see Nandi Hills ? – Early mornings on weekdays is the best time to visit Nandi Hills

Want to explore more around Bangalore? Please click on this link – 26 One day Trips with detailed itineraries you can do from Bangalore.

We thank you for stopping by and checking out this post on Isha Foundation Bangalore. We hope you liked it.

May we request you to share it with your friends and inspire them to travel?

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10 comments.

Whether ksrtc have a one day trip to this place,from Bengaluru? If so Pl detail

No. As of now it is not there. You have to go to Chikkaballapur and then hire an Auto

Very Useful tips and guide

Thanks Shanker

Excellent and very useful.Thanks

Thanks Ganesh

Looks like a fantastic getaway to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul amidst the serene Isha Yoga Centre and the captivating Nandi Hills!

No need for any tour company or tour guide. You can hire a taxi and visit the place yourself.

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Mukundha Tours & Travels

Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore Holiday Tour Packages – Yoga Class

Isha Yoga Foundation Best Family Tour Packages

Experience the positive energies of  Isha Dhyanalinga Temple, Linga Bhairavi Temple, and the Soorya / Chandra Theerthakund. This package includes transport cost to/from Isha yoga center, breakfast, sports, library, traditional games, nature walk, cycling trails, Yoga Classes , In-room barbeque, mountain view pool cottages or garden view cottage. In a simple word to describe, this place looking like a wow .

Sounds of Isha – Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya Chant – Play It

They provide free yoga classes in weekly basis. Also conduct the paid class in bangalore branch. They provide programs like   paths of yoga, kriya energy & free yoga classes everyday .  we also arrange one day trip to Isha foundation to explore all the area & places inside isha with best price.

Stay Inside Isha Cottage – Pre Book Your Rooms!

Isha Yoga center 360° Virtual Trip – Street View

Adiyogi Shiva statue At Isha Yoga Foundation

Isha Foundation is a volunteer run, international nonprofit organization by Sadhguru . Look the Isha Yoga center 360° virtual trip with street View. Book Now!

Isha Yoga Center Trip – Place For Peace

Also we offer Car Rental service from Coimbatore Airport to Isha Yoga Center . we can arrange car, taxi service to isha center from Bangalore, Chennai and Puducherry (Pondicherry).

You can shop yoga clothes, rudraksha, copper bottle, body care, food, health, décor, spiritual books in Isha Shoppe. Online Shopping also available. We offer budget Isha Tour package also. F ull time volunteers are there to help you at at anytime.  We also arrange Isha Foundation, Adiyogi Shiva Statue Chikkaballapur Bangalore Tour Packages.

Isha Yoga Center Opening Hours: 6AM – 8PM

Celebrate MahaShivRatri 2025 at Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore on 26th February with us.  Book now!

Mahashivratri 2025 at Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore

Wednesday, February 26,  2025  : 6 pm – Nightlong

Stay At Isha Foundation Coimbatore (Charges)

Recently Isha provide 7 types of accommodations available in different standards range from INR 1000 – 5000. To get confirm room booking, kindly inform before 30days.

• Nadhi Standard
• Alayam Standard
• Shivapadam 3 Standard
• Brahmaputra Standard
• Nadhi Executive
• Nadhi Family Cottage
• Nalanda Deluxe
• Nalanda Family Suite
• Shivapadam 4 Standard
• Shivapadam 4 Family Cottage

Isha Yoga Temple Bus Timings From Coimbatore

 How To Reach Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore

You Can Reach Coimbatore by Road, Train & Air. Bangalore To Coimbatore Isha Yoga distance – 364.7 km. From Chennai To Isha Yoga Coimbatore distance – 505.9 km,  Its in the boundary of Velliangiri mountains, T amil Nadu.

Isha Dhyanalinga – Best place for mediation.

Why Choose Mukundha Tours? 

We are local experts with over 10 years in tourism. We know the Isha Yoga Center inside out more than google and offer top-notch guided tours led by native guides. Enjoy premium service with the best price guarantee.

Note : The Child below 5 yrs will be considered as complimentary. Not valid during festivals and long weekend for packages. T & C apply.

• Group-size 1 to many (Price may reduce based on strength)
• Destination Isha Yoga Center - Coimbatore
• Mode of transport Cab Service Available
• Season Time All months
• Food Menu Indian Style
• Hotel Type Luxury Resort / Cottage in Isha Foundation
• Activities Biking & Cycling Jeep Ride Jungle Safaris Sight Seeing Temple Visit Yoga
• Trip Type Ayurveda & Yoga Tour Packages in India Budget Tour Packages Eco Tourism Family Tour Packages Historical Temple Tour Holiday Tour Packages Luxury Holiday Packages Retirement Tour Packages Traditional Tour Packages

Tour Itinerary

360° overview, isha foundation itinerary.

* Arrive at Coimbatore Railway station/Airport/Bus.

* Road travel to Cottage inside Isha Foundation.

* Check into the allocated room & get refresh.

* Visit Isha Yoga Centre (Opening Hours: 6AM - 8PM).

* Evening return back to Resort.

* Overnight stay at Resort room inside Isha Yoga Center.

* After breakfast go to nature walk

* Visit Poondi Sivan Temple

* Visit Siruvani waterfalls (Worlds 2nd tastiest water)

* Return to resort & check out

* Drop to Railway station or Airport

Isha Yoga Tour Includes

• (For Stay outside Isha)
• Break Fast, Dinner
• Travel Guide
• Indian Traditional Resort
• Native Foods

Isha Yoga Tour Excludes

• Parking Fee (Except Isha yoga center)

Surya Kund – Isha Yoga Center

Wonderful place  Well maintain They charge rs 20/person  Hygienic

Linga Bhairavi Temple – Isha Yoga Center

Isha foundation – 112 feet adiyogi statue.

Great statue located on a peaceful  location  good  place  for  family  outings

Dhyanalinga – Best place for mediation.

isha yoga center is around 40KM from Coimbatore Airport via Siruvani Main Rd and MDR81. The travel will take 1 h 5 min. We offer car rental service at FLAT 10% discount on age above 50 years.

Isha Yoga Center Opening from Morning 6AM to Evening 8PM. Bairavi temple is closed before 6PM based on the pojaa. You can get the info from the help desk in the Sarpa Vasal (Entry to isha foundation)

We can book rooms inside Isha Yoga Center, but need to inform Before 1 month of the journey. And we can tell you availability of Nadi Cottages & Nalanda (Deluxe Accommodation)

tour visiting isha yoga center coimbatore,

isha yoga center bus timings,

isha yoga center coimbatore stay charges,

things to do at isha foundation,

isha stay registration,

isha yoga route map,

isha yoga coimbatore timings,

coimbatore airport to isha yoga center. Contact us for all answers.

• To reserve a cottage, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Cottages can be rented for a maximum of 10 days in a 60-day period.
• The standard check-in timings are 8 AM, 1 PM and 6 PM, and checkout timings are 6 AM, 11 AM and 4 PM respectively.

Pets are strictly prohibited.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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How To Get To The Isha Yoga Center From The Coimbatore Junction

Table of Contents:

Which time of day is ideal for visiting the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore?

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev founded it. Tip Times: 6 a.m. m. to 8:30 p.m. m. The schedule starts at 5:30 a.m. for visitors staying at the yoga center. m. to 10 p. m. With at least two weeks’ notice, you can reserve a room at the center.

Discovering new things is what makes travel enjoyable. The thrill of discovery and the joy of testing the limits of your world come with setting foot somewhere you’ve never been before.

There are, however, some methods that are preferable to others for starting your voyage of discovery once you have reached that uncharted territory. Follow these instructions to gain a fresh perspective on the world.

• Go on a food tour to learn about a new city. The simplest way to take a tour, discover the local specialties, and—best of all—get great advice that isn’t just “local” advice for tourists but occasionally lessons for a lifetime is through a food tour.

How do I get to the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore?

Road, train, and air travel all provide convenient access to Coimbatore. Free direct buses to Isha Yoga Center are available from Coimbatore Bus Station. 30 km, or a 90-minute drive, separates the Coimbatore airport from the Isha Yoga Center. One-way taxi fares to the ashram from the airport are Rs 1,000. Cached.

Spiritual seekers from all over the world congregate at Isha Yoga Coimbatore to pursue the spiritual path in this sacred space for self-transformation.

An extraordinary location might lead to a situation inside of you that you had never thought humanly possible. You must reach a higher level of consciousness before you become too frail or old.

Isha living. Isha is the name for the primordial, formless source of creation.

How should I dress when visiting Isha Ashram?

Only white or orange clothing is permitted for participants. If you want, you can purchase clothing at Isha Yoga Center or IshaLife.com. At the Isha Yoga Center (ishalife.com), white clothing is offered, including track pants, pajamas, and kurtas. Isha Yoga Center (ishalife.com) is the only place to buy orange tops.

Sixty days prior to the program, the following foods should be totally avoided:

Eat more kanji (porridges such as Sanjeevini, Ragi, and Millets) and natural foods (fruits, salads, sprouts, nuts). You absolutely must include 50 percent natural foods in your diet. It is best if you only eat natural foods. As much soaked groundnuts (peanuts) and sprouted green gram can be brought in.

Refer to the Samyama confirmation email that you got from Isha for the complete rules.

In Coimbatore, how much does a taxi cost?

13/km; additional hours cost 100/hour.

Red Taxi is pleased to have launched its services in Tamil Nadu’s engineering and textile hubs. The city of Coimbatore, also called Kovai, has a variety of landscapes, temples, greenery, and lakes. Red Taxi provides several all-inclusive trips to these incredible locations at competitive prices. In addition to having several prosperous textile businesses, Coimbatore is also a thriving business hub with spinning mills and other industries. With our luxurious rides created to give you the best, Red Taxi also offers business trips and intracity rides. Red Taxi consistently offers prompt and effective service, whether it’s a cab for an airport transfer or a cab from the train station.

Red Taxi is the place to go for reasonably priced luxury rides, offering a variety of cab types and flexible packages to suit your needs. Call us at 0422 4567890 to make a quick and easy Coimbatore taxi reservation, or use our mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.

With our reasonable prices and luxurious rides, Red Taxi has elevated the standard of Coimbatore’s taxi services. Shopping in Coimbatore, a textile hub, will be simple thanks to Red Taxi’s affordable rental car services. We also specialize in providing out-of-town taxi services because there are many nearby tourist attractions.

Isha Ashram’s cottages are priced at

850 INR per day is the cost of the Nadhi Cottages. A room can house two people. Included are two meals per day at the bhiksha hall. The cost per day for the Nalanda Deluxe Cottages is 2400 INR.

I recently traveled to Coimbatore and spent four days at the Isha Yoga Center. This article aims to educate readers on how to travel and stay on a tight budget.

When flying, you can reserve an Uber auto to take you from the Coimbatore airport to the Gandhipuram bus station (auto fare: 100–130 INR). Drop off only at the Gandhipuram bus terminal if you’re traveling by bus. From the Gandhipuram bus terminal, there are direct buses that run to Isha Center. The cost of the ticket is 40 INR. If not, you can always order a taxi. (To book a taxi, call the Isha travel desk at (422) 2515430 or send an email to travel [email protected] .)

The schedule for buses from Gandhipuram to Isha Center can be found at the link below. (Copy, then click the browser icon to.

Is Uber less expensive than a taxi?

Uber is typically slightly less expensive than calling a traditional taxi. Uber prices are typically up to 40% less expensive than standard taxi prices. When additional expenses are taken into account, Uber fares in some instances can be almost twice as much as taxi fares.

The price of an Uber ride depends on where you are in the city, how far you are going, and/or how long it takes to get there because it has a pricing structure that is similar to that of traditional taxicab companies. Additionally, some of these will depend on the Uber service level you select (see our UberX vs. UberSelect vs. taxi service UberTaxi vs. UberBlack article).

Just a heads-up that we have affiliate relationships with some of the services we’re reviewing here, so if you go to one of them and make a purchase, we might get paid. On techboomers.com/how-to-support-techboomers, you can read more about how this works.

For example, your driver must pay to use toll roads, pick you up from the airport, drop you off there, or find a parking space.

In Coimbatore, does Uber exist?

• In Coimbatore, make a reservation for an Uber ride.
• With Uber, travel preparation is simple. Compare transportation options and check out the local events.
• Check out all the cities where Uber is offered if you’re moving elsewhere.

Book a ride with Uber in Coimbatore to complete your plans right away. At any time and on any day of the year, you can request a ride up to 30 days in advance.

What is the admission price to the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore?

• The best of Ooty in 2 days (2D/1N) is $5350. The best of Ooty, Bandipur, and Coonoor in 3 days (3D/2N) is $8250.
• For Dhyanlinga, the hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 30 AM–1 PM.
• Entry Fee: Free; for Nadhi Cottages, Rs. 600–1500 per day.

Isha Yoga Center is an ashram located at the foothills of Vellaiangiri on the outskirts of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India, at a distance of 32 km from Coimbatore and 16 km from Siruvani Falls. It is one of the top tourist destinations near Coimbatore and the home of the Isha Foundation.

How far is Coimbatore Junction from the Isha Foundation?

Isha Yoga Center is an ashram located at the foothills of Vellaiangiri on the outskirts of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India. It is 16 km from Siruvani Falls and 32 km from Coimbatore. It is one of the top tourist destinations near Coimbatore and the home of the Isha Foundation. Cached.

Isha Yoga Center is an ashram located in Tamil Nadu, India, at the foothills of Vellaiangiri, 32 kilometers from Coimbatore and 16 kilometers from Siruvani Falls. It is one of the best places to visit close to Coimbatore and the home of the Isha Foundation.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev established the Isha Yoga Center, which is run by the Isha Foundation. The ashram, which is situated on a vast expanse of lush land covering 150 acres, is committed to promoting personal growth and establishing a state of wellbeing. A vibrant, multi-national community of Brahmacharis who volunteer their time on a full-time basis lives in the spacious, serene residential complex. It draws visitors from all over the world as part of Coimbatore tour packages because it offers all four major paths of yoga: kriya (energy), gnana (knowledge), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion).

The center, which is surrounded by dense forests and close to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is home to a 64,000-square-foot meditation hall and program facility as well as the architecturally distinctive Spanda Hall and garden. The center’s 112-foot-tall bust of the Hindu deity Shiva, known as Adiyogi, is the first thing that visitors notice when they arrive. It has been recognized as the largest bust sculpture in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Shiva is regarded as the creator of yoga, hence the name Adiyogi, which translates to “the first yogi” for the statue. The statue’s 112-foot height alludes to the yogic tradition’s mention of 112 different paths one can take to free themselves from the cycle of rebirth and death. Along with that, it stands for the body’s 112 energy points.

Does Isha permit jeans?

Dress Code: Appropriate attire includes long shirts that cover the upper arms and thighs, as well as ankle-length pants for both men and women (no capris or shorts). To ensure your comfort and to show respect for the culture, please refrain from wearing anything too tight.

The cost of a taxi from Coimbatore International Airport to Isha Yoga Center is *..

Type of Taxi Model Taxi FareAC Economy Tata Indica Starts from $1,544, AC Sedan Toyota EtiosStarts from $1,617, AC Minivan Toyota Innova starts at $3,911, and full-size vans start at $4,911.Tempo Traveller starts at $6,038.

What is the Isha Yoga dress code?

For both men and women, please always wear clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and midriff.

60 days prior to the program, the following foods should be completely avoided:

Please refer to the email Isha sent you as a Samyama confirmation for the complete rules.

How much does a hotel in Isha cost?

850 INR per day is the cost of the Nadhi Cottages. Rooms accommodate up to two guests. Two meals each day are provided in the bhiksha hall. The cost of the Nalanda Deluxe Cottages is 2400 INR per day.

I recently took a trip to Coimbatore and stayed for four days at the Isha Yoga Center. This article aims to educate readers on how to travel and stay on a tight budget.

If you’re flying, you can reserve an Uber auto to take you from the Coimbatore airport to the Gandhipuram bus terminal (auto costs: 100–130 INR). If you’re taking a bus, only get off at the bus terminal in Gandhipuram. From the Gandhipuram bus terminal, there are direct buses that run to Isha Center. It costs INR 40 to purchase the ticket. Alternatively, you could always order a taxi. (To schedule a taxi, please call the Isha Travel Desk at (422) 2515430 or email travel [email protected] .)

The bus schedule from Gandhipuram to Isha Center can be found by clicking on the link below. (Copy, then open in your browser.)

Which railroad station is closest to the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore?

Coimbatore Junction The closest railroad station to Coimbatore is Coimbatore Junction, where trains from important cities halt. Cached.

The Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore is a division of the Isha Foundation, an international non-profit devoted to fostering human potential and run entirely by volunteers. The center is ideally situated for pursuing one’s inner journey because it is surrounded by stunning hills, unspoiled forests, shimmering rivulets, thrilling waterfalls, and abundant wildlife in one of South India’s most picturesque regions.

A vast area of 150 acres of lush land makes up the center. A person’s physical and spiritual transformation is furthered by the presence of buildings like the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple, Spanda Hall, the Isha Home School, and the Isha Rejuvenation Center.

Location: Near Coimbatore’s outskirts, in the foothills of Velliangiri.

How do I get from Coimbatore to the Sadhguru ashram?

From Coimbatore, travel through Ukkadam on the Perur/Siruvani road. At the junction of Irutupallyam, continue driving past Alandurai. The main road should be turned right. Irutupallyam is 8 more kilometers away from the ashram. Cached.

Related Articles:

• How Big Is The Coimbatore Isha Yoga Center?
• Can I Stay At The Coimbatore Isha Yoga Center?
• Getting To The Isha Yoga Center
• How Do I Access The Isha Yoga Center?
• Where Is The Isha Yoga Center
• Can You Remain At The Isha Yoga Center?

NOAH BRYANT

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8 Day Hatha Yoga Program

Your physical health, your psychological wellbeing, and your spiritual possibility depend on how well aligned you are with existence. Essentially, Hatha Yoga is towards establishing this alignment. - Sadhguru

29 May - 5 Jun 2024

The 8-day Hatha Yoga program is a wonderful opportunity to learn four ancient and powerful practices that bring forth tremendous support to the system.

Upayoga  is a powerful set of 10 practices that activate the joints, muscles and energy system.

Surya Kriya  is a potent 21-step yogic practice of tremendous antiquity, designed as a holistic process for wellbeing.

Yogasanas  are a set of powerful postures to elevate one’s consciousness and manipulate energies.

Bhuta Shuddhi  is a process of purifying the 5 elements within the human system.

Frequently Asked Questions .css-uvhesy{font-size:px;}

Anyone 15 or above can register for the 8-Day Hatha Yoga Program.

Surya Kriya

Yogasanas (Beginner)

Bhuta Shuddhi

Currently, the program is available only in English. There will be no live translation for the program.

The program starts on 29 May 2024 and you can check in

one day before.

Check-in: Between 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on 28 May or 7:00 AM to 12:00

PM on 29 May

Check-out: After 3:00 PM on 5 June and before 12:00 PM on 6 June

If you wish to arrive earlier than 28 May or stay beyond 12 PM on 6 June

at the Isha Yoga Center, please book your accommodation

separately. You can do so at cottage.isha.in

Participants have the opportunity to go through the Bhuta Shuddhi initiation process as part of the program. To take part in this, each participant needs to bring a Bhuta Shuddhi kit. It can be purchased online from IshaLife.com . It can be shipped to your home address or collected at the Isha Life store in Isha Yoga Center upon your arrival. If you have already learned Bhuta Shuddhi, please make sure to bring your existing kit.

White clothing is mandatory during the program. Participants are requested to bring a minimum of 8 sets of white clothes as laundry facilities will not be available during the program.

Participants are requested to bring their own yoga mats. Those who wish can also purchase one online from IshaLife.com or at the Isha Life store at the Isha Yoga Center upon your arrival.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. It will close depending on the number of applications received.

It is required to attend all the sessions of the program.

Check your Spam/Promotions/Other folders in your email. If you still haven’t received the email, kindly reach out to isha.co/apgcbesupport .

Please check your spam folder. Also, ensure you are using the same email ID for the registration as well as to communicate with us.

If you still haven received the receipt, please write to us at isha.co/apgcbesupport .

Please do not attempt to pay again. Ideally, the amount should be credited back to your account within 24 hours. In case of issues, please reach out to  isha.co/apgcbesupport .

You are eligible for an 80% refund up to 4 days before the start date of the program. Please write to us at  [email protected]  to request a refund.

You can refer to our Terms and Conditions to know more about our refund policy.

Yes, you can register for the same program within 1 year of the originally registered program’s start date.

Please read our Terms and Conditions regarding re-registration to know more.

Participants will sleep inside the program hall. A separate, dedicated space for luggage will be provided.

Yes, bedding will not be provided as a part of the program. All participants are required to bring their own bedding and blankets.

Two wholesome, vegetarian meals will be provided daily, as well as a hot drink or kanji in the afternoon. The first meal is at 10:00 AM and the second is at 7:00 PM.

You need not have completed any Isha programs prior to attending the 8- Day Hatha Yoga Program.

Only registered participants can attend the program.

The session will start at 5:30 AM every day and continue until 9:30 PM, with a few breaks during the day. Given the intense schedule, it will not be possible to work during the program.

Angamardana

“Angamardana” means gaining complete mastery over the limbs, organs, and other parts of the body. True to its name, this practice revitalizes the body on all levels including the muscles, circulatory system, skeletal structure, nervous system, and the basic energy system.

There is a whole system of yoga called Bhuta Shuddhi, which means “purification of the elements.” The wellbeing of the body and mind can be established by purifying these five elements within the human system.

Through Yogasanas one can transform the body and mind into a possibility for ultimate wellbeing. Yogasanas are not exercises, but rather subtle processes to manipulate one’s energy in a particular direction.