Adiyogi Shiva Statue & Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, India – January 2019

What an extraordinary experience this was! I got my 200-hour basic Yoga Teaching Certification in 2014, so have not only practiced yoga, but have studied (and forgotten a lot of…) it and its origins. To be able to make a pilgrimage to this site in India – the birthplace of yoga – and to be able to practice some of the rituals there, was amazing. I MUST thank our exceptional host in Coimbatore, Dr. Kirshnakumar Ramachandran, for arranging this escorted visit which was infinitely easier than if Ben and I had tried to navigate it ourselves.

First we went to the Adiyogi Statue, which is just as captivating as you can imagine looking at the photos. The energy of all of the people walking around it, looking up at it, photographing it and each other was almost giddy. We also sat in meditation at the Yogeshwar Shrine in front of it, which felt very sweet and earnest, surrounded in the sounds of laughing and talking, and swirling with the cool breeze blowing though.

From there, we went into the Isha Yoga Center. First I waited outside while Ben went for a dip in the Suryakund pool. Then Ben waited outside while I went for a dip in the Chandrakund pool. The pools may be energized by consecrated rasalingas, but they are also energizing in that they are quite cold.   The women’s pool is designed in honor of the moon, so it is enclosed – dulling the sounds and light outside. And everyone in there is in some state of reverence. So it is also quite peaceful.

We were incredibly fortunate to then be able to attend a 25-minute sound bath in the Dhyanalinga meditation space, since they only take place twice per day. Sitting alongside dozens of other human beings, in the dark, with chants and music swirling inside of the dome, I was completely carried away.

In addition to the thrill of being there and the profound spiritual experience, I also felt an overwhelming sense of grace. Even though I know this site is frequented by international visitors, the large majority of people there were Southeast Asian, and I assume Hindu. To be an outsider welcomed into a sacred space, and to be welcomed to participate in rituals that are both sacred and familiar to the people around you is a true gift of openness, kindness and sharing.

From Wikipedia: ”The ADIYOGI STATUE is a 34.3-metre-tall (112.4 ft) statue of the Hindu deity Shiva. Designer Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, said that the statue is for inspiring and promoting yoga, and is named Adiyogi, which means ‘the first yogi’, because Shiva is known as the originator of yoga.”

From the Isha Yoga Center website:

To increase receptivity to the energies of the Dhyanalinga, visitors can take a dip in one of the two THEERTHAKUNDS (ENERGIZED WATER BODIES) on the premises. These pools are energized by rasalingas, which have been consecrated by Sadhguru. The Chandrakund, for women, is consecrated with a slightly feminine energy and the Suryakund, for men, is more masculine in nature. Taking a dip in these energized water bodies straightens out pranic imbalances, enhancing physiological and psychological wellbeing as well as heightening spiritual receptivity. The tremendous healing power of these waters has been attested to by thousands of visitors each year.

DHYANALINGA is a profound meditative space that does not ascribe to any particular belief or faith. A powerful and unique energy form, Dhyanalinga is a doorway to enlightenment and spiritual liberation. “Dhyana” in Sanskrit means meditation and “linga” means the form.

NADA ARADHANA is an etheric blend of vocals, singing bowls, drums and various other instruments. Nada in Sanskrit means “sound” and Aradhana signifies “devotional offering”.