Coimbatore: Nestling amidst the rolling mists, thick vegetation and the blue mountains of Nilgiris lies this international public service organization namely Isha founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. It strikes a note of universality and brotherhood. The Isha foundation practices the ancient principle that the body is the temple of the spirit. and that good health is fundamental for spiritual development. The foundation has many social and spiritual activities to its credit in the Isha Yoga centre at the foothills of the Velliangiri mountains roughly 30 kilometers from Coimbatore.The Isha Yoga Centre comprises of the multi-religious temple, the Dhyanalinga, the Spanda hall with the sprawling area of 64,000 square feet and a yogic hospital which administers cures for various illnesses by way of yogic and natural healing methods.

The significance of Dhyanalinga

The uniqueness of this temple is that it does not belong to any particular belief or faith. It embodies the distilled essence of yogic science. Just sitting silently for a few minutes within the sphere of Dhyanalinga is enough to make even those unaware of meditation to experience a deep state of meditativeness.One can feel the divine energy that overflows from this divine form. Unlike other deities, the Dhyanalinga is energized of all the seven chakras raised to the very peak and locked to prevent dissipation over time by an intense process called Prana Prathista.

As we enter the temple stands the Sarva Dharma Sthamba denoting its multi religious nature. Beyond the Sthamba lies the three high stone-pebbled steps to increase our receptivity. On the left hand side we see the 11 feet high statue of Patanjali, half snake and half man-the father of yoga. On the right hand side we see Vanashree depicting female energy in the form of a peepal tree. A gold leaf at the center symbolizes warmth and prosperity. there are six artistically sculptured granite panels covering the aisles which illustrates the stories of six South Indian sages who attained enlightenment. The temple has a cave like structure, the mouth of it being a seven-headed snake made out of a single stone. The garbhagriha is circular in its shape with a 39 feet high ceiling and a width of 76 feet to its credit. The Dhyanalinga towers to a height of 139snd is the largest mercury based live linga in the world. It has seven copper rings to denote the seven chakras of a human being. The linga rests on a coiled snake with seven layers called Avudaiyar..There are twenty-eight energy cubicles called the 'aura cells' are embedded in the inner wall to enhance the meditative vibrations. The atmosphere is one of absolute quietude with just the sounds of nature around. The exception being the nadha aradhana, an offering of sounds made during specific times of the day to open up oneself and allow the energies to work.

Another unique feature of the Dhyanalinga is that its energies help in fostering spiritual growth and evolution of a person. The Dhyanalinga will radiate seven different qualities

of life on seven days of the week by which one may derive various benefits. The experiences was exotic, awe-inspiring and rejuvenating

The Theerthakund

The Theerthakund lies adjacent to the temple The Theerthakund is a water tank which has a solidified mercury lingam, immersed in water to enhance the receptivity in a person before entering the sphere of Dhyanalinga.A holy dip in it straightens out the energy or the pranic imbalances in a person, and has benefits in both the physical and mental levels. If we stay there for 7 to 12 minutes, we can see a great sense of vibrance and rejuvenation in the body.

Getting there
Isha Yoga Center is situated 30 kms. west of Coimbatore at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere. Coimbatore, a major industrial city in South India, is well connected by air, rail and road. Airlines operate regular flights to Coimbatore from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Train services are available from all major cities in India. Regular bus and taxi services are also available from Coimbatore to Isha Yoga Center.

 

Isha Shoppe

 

In this small but smart shopping hut we can find the items like Cotton Clothes, Bags, Metal items, Jute items etc.

Accommodation

Isha Cottages are available by prior booking only. it is recommended that you book at least 2 weeks in advance of your visit. Each cottage can accommodate between one and three people and is fully furnished with an attached bathroom. A few rooms are air-conditioned and can be booked by prior arrangement for an extra fee.  Further details can be noted below.

Isha Yoga Center Contact Details

Isha Yoga Center,
Velliangiri Foothills,
Semmedu (P.O.),
Coimbatore 641 114, India
Telephone 091-422-2515345
Email: info@ishafoundation.org
Further information can be got on www.ishafoundatio.org and www.dhyanalinga.org

Food

The yoga centre provides two meals a day, brunch at 10 am and dinner at 7 pm for the residents and guests who are staying in the accommodation provided by the centre. There is a canteen facility which provides snacks, coffee and tea for the guests.