Dhyanalinga, Coimbatore
The Dhyanalinga is
a Yogic temple located
30 km (19 mi) from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
The temple was consecrated by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a yogi and
mystic. The temple is consecrated using prana prathishta and is
dedicated for meditation. Silence is maintained inside the temple. Dhyana
in the Sanskrit language means meditation and linga means form. Dhyanalinga is
claimed by the owners of the temple to be a powerful and unique energy form
created from the distilled essence of yogic sciences and the first of its kind
to be completed in over 2,000 years. The Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple offers a
meditative space that does not ascribe to any particular faith or belief
system.
Dhyanalinga
was consecrated by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a realized master, mystic and yogi,
after three years of intense process of prana prathishta. Measuring 13'
9", Dhyanalinga is the largest mercury based live linga in the world. In
the metaphysical sense, Dhyanalinga is a guru, an energy center of tremendous
proportions. All the aspects of life are enshrined in the form of seven chakras
energized to the very peak and locked. A doorway to enlightenment and spiritual
liberation, Dhyanalinga offers a sadhaka the opportunity to
perform sadhana ³ in utmost intimacy with a live guru, - an
opportunity traditionally available only to a select few.
Situated
at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, Dhyanalinga is a colossal entity
of eternal vibrations. The earth colors, the natural granite, and the fusion of
irregular surfaces and shapes creates an ethereal ambiance and an apt
atmosphere to receive the grace of the Dhyanalinga.
History
The
sacred land of India has been witness to the lives of countless Siddhas, seers
and enlightened beings. The Dhyanalinga is very much a part of this glorious
tradition.
Born
Jagadish Vasudev in Mysore, India, in 1957, Sadhguru was a precocious child
raised in a traditional home. From an early age, he possessed a unique passion
and purpose that has defined his life. Preferring the wonder of nature to
typical childhood games, ten year old Jaggi would venture out alone on long
treks through the surrounding mountains and forests for days at a time. Despite
excelling in his studies, it was always the profound beauty of life expressed
through nature that commanded his attention.
Sadhguru
first began studying yoga at the age of thirteen, his first teacher was Shri
Raghavendra Rao popularly known as Malladihalli Swami. At that time, his yoga
practices were a means of attaining peak physical and mental health. "I
never thought of yoga as a spiritual possibility, nor did the word 'spiritual'
mean anything to me," says Sadhguru. "I had no background like
this."
By
the age of twenty, Jaggi Vasudev had completed his college education and built
his own successful business in partnership with a close friend. He continued to
be a very active and adventurous outdoorsman - hang gliding, racing motorcycles
and organizing hiking expeditions into the mountains. One day, as he sat to
rest on a rock following a long hike in the Chamundi Hills, he had a spontaneous
experience of unbounded awareness which resulted in a dramatic and permanent
perceptual shift that altered the course of his life.
Following
his enlightenment, three lifetimes of memory descended upon him and he recalled
his life's purpose and his Guru's dream - the Dhyanalinga. From that moment his
only longing was to fulfill his Guru's will; his every action was directed
towards the consecration of the Dhyanalinga.
Dhyanalinga
has always been the dream of many enlightened beings, but the complexities involved
in its creation are such that it rarely materialized. No other Dhyanalinga is
known to exist in the world. The closest attempt to consecrate a Linga like
this took place almost one thousand years ago in Bhopal. The process, though
grand, failed in the final stages. Though it has always existed in the yogic
lore, there is no reference to a Dhyanalinga in the scriptures.
The
consecration of the Dhyanalinga posed a serious challenge to Sadhguru, as his
approach was based solely upon his intuitive understanding and mastery over the
spiritual process. Apart from the consecration of the Dhyanalinga, the
construction of this sacred space or as Sadhguru called it, a suitable ornament
for the Dhyanalinga, involved several intricacies. The design that was chosen
was very novel, and entailed a fundamentally new approach. The size of the
structure and the time schedules set, called for great dedication from the
thousands of volunteers and the workers involved in the construction.
Thus,
against all odds, on the 24th of June 1999, the Dhyanalinga was
consecrated, blessing the world by its Presence. And on the 23rd of
November 1999, Dhyanalinga was offered to the world.
For
Sadhguru, it is the fulfillment of his Guru's will.
Isha Yoga Center:
The
foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, forty kilometers from the city of
Coimbatore in southern India, serve as home for the Isha Yoga Center. Spread
across 150 acres of land, the ashram houses Dhyanalinga, Spanda meditation
hall, Isha Rejuvenation Center, Isha Home School, Yogic Hospital and also
cottages for visitors. The Isha Yoga Center, created under the aegis of Isha
Foundation is a popular destination attracting people from all parts of the
world and is unique in its offering of all the four major paths of yoga - Gnana(knowledge),
karma (action), kriya (energy), and bhakti (devotion).
The
architecturally distinctive Spanda Hall and garden, a 64,000 sq.ft pillar less
meditation hall and program facility is the venue for residential Isha yoga
programs and celebrations. The dominating feature of this space is the
exquisite wall mural painting, depicting the life of the first yogi, Shiva.
Measuring 140 x 12 ft, this masterpiece of art is the largest of its kind in
the world. The style of painting - a dying art from the temple town of
Guruvayur in the state of Kerala, uses only vegetable dyes and earth extracts.
Isha
rejuvenation is an initiative designed by Sadhguru to allow an individual to
experience inner peace and the joy of a healthy body.
Isha
rejuvenation offers a unique and powerful combination of programs, carefully
tailored and sequenced to bring vibrancy and proper balance to one's life
energies. This balance is crucial for healthy living as well as for preventing
and uprooting chronic ailments.
Isha
Home School, the vision and long-time dream of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev aims at
providing quality education in a home-like environment. Ensuring that fun and
adventure go hand in hand with learning, it makes education a process of
discovery and joy. The school, in some way, resembles the extended large joint
families of the past, wherein each person - whilst retaining his or her
individuality- is also an active part of an intimate microcosm of people of
different age groups, mental make-up and needs.
Isha Foundation:
Guided
by Sadhguru's vision, Isha Foundation is an outcome of the love and dedication
of hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the world.
Never
in history has humanity been as comfortable yet as insecure as it is now.
Advancements in physical sciences and technologies have resulted in greater
prosperity, but a sense of personal fulfillment and joy is tragically absent.
The sacred science of yoga is a powerful possibility to experience the inner
dimensions of life that give us the energy, passion and insights for a state of
boundless joy.
The
word Isha means the formless primordial source of creation and Isha Foundation,
a non-profit organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, plays a vital role
in the well-being of the individual and the world. Set up as a non-political
and non-religious organization, Isha Foundation does not promote any particular
ideology, religion, race, but transmits inner sciences of universal appeal.
Isha
Foundation functions through over 150 centers worldwide. Empowered by over a
quarter of million volunteers, the Foundation is engaged in initiating
multitudes into the science of inner well-being. In addition, it has also
pioneered several renowned initiatives for world peace, outreach programs for
life-term prisoners, destitute children, and embattled women. Also initiated
are several projects to serve as models for rural upliftment (Action for Rural
rejuvenation), education reform (Isha Educational Initiative), environmental
stewardship, and holistic and healthy living of the Indian people.
Driven
by a sense of oneness, love, and a deep longing to reach out and share, Isha
endeavors are entirely an outcome of the selfless dedication and the spirited
efforts of its volunteers. Spread around the world and belonging to different
nationalities and regions, this melting pot of cultures serves as a model for a
new paradigm of humanity.
Isha Foundation's other websites:
Architecture
A
large ellipsoidal dome covers
the sanctum sanctorum. The dome was
designed by architect Satprem Maïni and the Auroville Earth Institute, and
constructed by volunteers of the Isha Foundation using
only country fired bricks and cement stabilized mud mortar,
without steel or concrete.
The
dome is 76 ft (23.2 m) in diameter and 33 ft (10.1 m) in height.
The lingam is
13 ft (4 m) in height made of high density black granite.
The
Sarva Dharma Sthamba, located at the front entrance, functions as an icon of
singularity, with the sculptural reliefs and symbols of Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity, Jainism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Shinto
inscribed as a universal welcome.
In
ancient temples, the structure that houses the Deity is as important as the
Deity itself. The parikrama or the walkway of the temple,
the garbhagriha or the innermost shrine of the temple, the shape and
the size of the idol, the mudra held by the idol and the mantra (sound)
used for the consecration of the temple are the fundamental parameters of a
temple. These elements are matched and built according to a certain science
based upon an understanding of energies, thereby creating a powerful energy
situation and facilitating inner transformation. The energies of the
Dhyanalinga have been consecrated to last for more than 5000 years without any
dissipation.
The
elliptical dome that houses the Dhyanalinga is 76 feet in diameter and 33 feet
high. It was built without the use of any steel, cement, or concrete but with
brick and mud mortar stabilized with lime, sand, alum and herbal additives.
It's the only structure of its kind.
The
simple technology used is this -- all the bricks are trying to fall down at the
same time! But, the way the bricks are aligned and balanced, they can never
fall. The nature of this design ensures a lifespan of at least 5000 years for
the dome.
Dhyanalinga Construction:
The
dome that encloses the Dhyanalinga is a section of an ellipse - like a section
of the globe. The technical aspects involved in the making of the dome are very
interesting and its construction is an epic by itself.
It
was Sadhguru's wish that all the visitors to the Dhyanalinga be allowed
directly into the garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum. As a result,
the garbhagriha had to have a very large free spanning structure.
Conventional buildings built of cement, steel and concrete were ruled out, as
the life span of such structures was not expected to be beyond a hundred years.
Eventually, it was decided to build a dome using only traditional materials
like burnt bricks, mud mortar stabilized with lime, sand, alum and some herbal
additives. Huge blocks of granite were extensively used, eliminating steel and
concrete.
The
dome, weighing about 700 tons, measures 33 ft from the ground level and has a
diameter of 76 ft at the bottom. Approximately 250,000 bricks were used in
making this dome, each of which had to be measured to the millimeter. The first
course of brick starts at 13 degrees to the horizontal and the last course ends
at an almost vertical angle of 82 degrees to the horizontal. The base of the
dome is 20" thick and tapers off to 8" - the thickness of a single
brick at the top.
The
dome rests on a circular stone masonry wall 6 ft high including a ring of stone
lintels 2 feet tall. This entire structure is built upon a foundation that is
10 ft wide and 10 ft deep. The main entrance to the dome is in the form of a
stone vault 9 ft 6 inches wide and 8 ft tall. Twenty-eight ventilators are
placed on the top of the lintel beams with stone slabs arranged in the shape of
the triangle. These triangular stone ventilators at the base of the Dome
provide light and ventilation. The central opening is covered by a gold plated
Linga-shaped copper dome, which blocks direct light and acts as a ventilator at
the top. The copper Linga above the dome vents out hot air from the dome so
that the cool air passes in through the vault and ventilators.
Below
the lintel beam, twenty-eight energy cubicles called the 'aura cells' are
embedded in the inner wall. Each 'aura cell' is approximately 4' x 4' and
provides an intimate space for a person to sit and meditate facing the
Dhyanalinga.
Since
it was the first time ever that such a large structure was being raised without
any form-work, ring-beams, steel or concrete, each aspect of the building had
to be worked out afresh. This meant researching and experimenting to derive a
safe, viable and feasible methodology for each of the aspects, which resulted in
an interesting blend of ancient and locally available materials and techniques.
Burnt
bricks were placed in the elliptical shaped dome in positions determined
precisely by modern mathematics and verified by computer calculations. Granite
slabs from traditional quarries went through modern gang saws for precise
fitting. For the eighteen months it took to complete the Dhyanalinga
architecture from its foundation, the usually quiet and serene surroundings had
been transformed into, among other things, a brick kiln and a granite quarry.
For the eight weeks it took to construct the dome as such, it resembled a large
anthill - hundreds of people going up and down, gradually accomplishing a
mission much larger in size and importance than themselves.
The
entire structure was the vision of Sadhguru. The design was conceived by
Sadhguru in collaboration with Satprem (Auroville Earth Institute) and was
executed by Brahmachari engineers with the assistance of 300 local unskilled
laborers. Throughout the duration of the construction, a steady stream of
dedicated volunteers participated in the construction in large numbers, taking
time off from their work and family to participate in the making of this
offering.
The Outer Parikrama:
Dhyanalinga,
the distilled essence of yogic science, is a wonder, both in the physical and
metaphysical senses. This energy centre of tremendous proportions offers a
sacred space where transformation from the limited to the resplendent unbounded
can happen in an instant.
The
intricate pathway leading to the Dhyanalinga shrine communicates a sense of
sheer artistic and spiritual magnificence. The Inner Parikrama is specially
conceived to systematically prepare the devotees to better receive the energies
of the Dhyanalinga and experience deep states of meditativeness.
The
Outer Parikrama incorporates several mystical and aesthetic elements:
A
Reception Center, located at the southeast end, welcomes visitors and gives
them an introduction to the inception, making, and spiritual significance of
the shrine.
Behind
the dome, the monolithic Trimurthy Panel depicts the three fundamental
qualities essential for a human being's inner growth: Rudra, Hara, and Sadasiva.
Rudra is an intense state of mind. Hara is the quality of childlike
meditativeness. Sadasiva is an ever blissful state of being.
The Linga
Bhairavi is a highly expressive and exuberant feminine form of a linga. It
represents the Divine in its feminine manifestation - refined and raw, powerful
and colorful. Located at the southwest corner of the complex, this deity will
be an earthy, humane, and mother-like presence, an absolute woman of ultimate
proportions - whimsical and compassionate.
At
the northern end, the Chandrakund, with its powerfully consecrated
Rasalinga (mercury linga), is yet another splendid preparatory tool that
reactivates dormant life forces and directs them towards the Divine. This
energy-soaked water body embedded 35 ft. in the earth, is framed by gigantic
granite stones and vaulted by a colorful traditional mural depicting the Maha
Kumbh Mela. A bath in its vibrant waters greatly enhances spiritual receptivity
while having an uplifting effect on one's physical and mental well-being.
Nandavanam is
an enchanted garden of traditional and rare flowering plants – a magical
landscape of vivid tapestry, a multihued offering to the Dhyanalinga.
Two
specially conceived Sadhana Halls stand at the western side of the
complex as a unique and powerful space to impart transformative yogic
practices.
The
adjoining Audio-visual Gallery, a state-of-the-art multimedia facility,
provides information about the Dhyanalinga, Sadhguru, Isha Foundation, and its
myriad activities.
The
aesthetically lush Isha Gallery offers an exquisite collection of Isha
handicrafts, garments and accessories, portraits, books, audio-visual material,
and souvenirs, preserving the wealth of our artistic and cultural heritage.
Additional
mandapams and shaded pathways will interlink the complex and complete the
overall mystic ambiance.
The
vibrant, sacred space of the Dhyanalinga complex, with its various components,
will undoubtedly be a spiritual legacy of inestimable value for generations to
come.
Theerthakund:
In
India, it is tradition that prior to entering any sacred space; one is required
to wet the entire body to help make it more receptive to the energies of the
space.
The
Theerthakunds are subterranean tanks with solidified mercury Lingas immersed in
water, built as preparatory tools to enhance one’s spiritual receptivity before
entering the Dhyanalinga.
Since
ancient times, mercury has been an important substance in all kinds of
spiritual alchemy around the world. The Linga, or Rasalinga, weighing 680 kgs,
is ellipsoidal in shape and is 99.8% pure mercury solidified at room
temperature.
According
to the principles of modern chemistry, this kind of solidification is not
possible. But here, the Rasalinga has been solidified through the ancient
science of Indian alchemy.
In
March 2006, Sadhguru consecrated this Linga, energizing it through a powerful
process. This Linga will retain these energies almost eternally.
The
Theerthakunds, though basically used as preparatory tools to enter Dhyanalinga,
are very powerful by themselves. It straightens out the energy or the pranic
imbalances in a person, which leads to physical and mental well-being. Above
all, it creates a tremendous receptivity to imbibe the energies of Dhyanalinga.
A
subterranean tank located 35 ft (10.7 m) below holds a lingam immersed in
water. Followers claim that the lingam is made of solidified and 99.8% purified mercury.
The mercury is said to have been solidified at room temperature. Mercury has a
Freezing point of −38.83°C at atmospheric pressure, but ancient Indian alchemy claims
to have techniques to do so. These methods are said to have been used by yogis
to solidify the lingam at room temperature. People can take a dip in this
water before they go to the Dhyanalinga temple. A semi-circular brick vault
covers this tank, the inner sides of which have murals in
pure natural dyes with its theme depicting a Maha Kumbha Mela scene.
The Inner Parikrama:
The
Dhyanalinga architecture is geometrically a simple fusion of shapes, but
experientially a profound space for meditation. The peripheral dimension of the
structure is a congregation of modulated spaces subtly preparing the visitor
for meditation at every step. The unusual sunken reception engages the viewer
with the 17-foot white granite monolith, the Sarva Dharma Sthamba. Symbols of
major religions of the world are inscribed on three sides of this Sthamba
forming an appropriate sign of welcome for one and all, beyond religious
divide.
The
back of the Sthamba is inscribed with the schematic of the seven chakras of the
human body, in the form of lotuses that represent different levels of
consciousness. The chakras are flanked on either side by flowing forms of
snakes, representing the Ida and Pingala nadis, the masculine and feminine or
the logical and intuitive energy states. The central stem connecting all the
chakras is the Sushumna nadi, the principal channel of energy according to the
yogic sciences. A rising sun carved in stone, crowns the Sthamba and symbolizes
a new dawn while the pattern of fallen leaves beneath the sun symbolizes the
death of the past. The Sthamba area of the Dhyanalinga is built in the form of
a yantra, which is closed on three sides, giving the feeling of an open-arm
embrace to the visitor.
The
stone gateway or the Thorana is designed according to the principles of
traditional Indian Temple Architecture. It safeguards the Dhyanalinga and acts
as the main entrance. To reach the open pathway, the parikrama, the seeker
crosses the three entrance steps symbolizing the gunas - Tamas, Rajas and
Sattva, which are the three basic qualities of the mind. The unusual height of
the steps compels the visitor to press the soles of his feet on the pebbled
surface of these steps, which in turn activates certain nerve centers in the
body, making it more receptive to the energies of the Dhyanalinga.
The
parikrama, leading to the Dhyanalinga, communicates a sense of both artistry
and spirituality. It comprises of a central pathway flanked on either side by
covered aisles. Being open to the sky, the central pathway establishes a visual
connection between the entrance and the dome and reinforces the integrity of
the relationship of the spaces. The central pathway is flanked on either side
by covered aisles.
As
one enters the parikrama, on the left is the statue of Patanjali, the
celebrated author of Yoga Sutras and often regarded as the father of modern
yogic sciences. The eleven-foot tall statue is deliberately placed in a sunken
shrine, thus establishing the colossal identity of Patanjali in relation to the
dwarfed viewer at the same level. Sculpted in black granite, the statue depicts
a fusion of snake and man, symbolizing the divine nature of man evolving from
his earthbound nature. The sunken shrine depicts the snake below the earth and
the man above it. The snake, covering the head of the statue with its hood,
represents the raising of energies through the seven chakras – the objective of
yoga.
On
the right is the Vanashree shrine, the feminine deity of the Dhyanalinga and a
counterpoint to the Patanjali shrine. In contrast to Patanjali's sunken base,
the Vanashree shrine is placed at a higher level than the pathway. The
Vanashree, made of green granite, is a sculptural relief of a Peepal tree. A
gold leaf at the center symbolizes warmth and prosperity. The energies of the
deity are such that it is especially beneficial for women and children to
meditate in the vicinity of the shrine. The traditional Keerti Mukha, the
glorious face, finds its place above the shrine of Vanashree.
Six
artistically sculptured granite panels cover the aisles, illustrating the
stories of six South Indian sages who attained enlightenment. Each panel
captures a moment in these extraordinary lives. On the threshold are six images
of meditative postures each carved into a triangular form, which indicate the
Siddhi State of six spiritual chakras. The form of a yogi prostrating before
the Dhyanalinga suggests the sense of surrender that is required to enter the
Dhyanalinga space.
The
parikrama ends at the vaulted tunnel leading to the dome of the Dhyanalinga.
Carved on the threshold of the entrance are two snakes with a single raised
hood, indicating the non-dual nature of the Dhyanalinga. Over the vault is a
seven-hooded monolithic snake, symbolizing the seven dimensions of life
reaching the peak of consciousness.
The
natural granite, irregular surfaces and the shapes and colors that form the
Dhyanalinga create a very earthy and ethereal ambiance. Blending with the
surroundings and intensifying all elements of nature, it creates a smooth
prelusion to the warmth and womb-like feel of the Dhyanalinga dome.
The Dome:
At
the heart of the Dhyanalinga, in the Sannidhi or sanctum sanctorum, the
visitor finally stands before the immense and awe-inspiring Dhyanalinga.
Vibrating with the power of the primordial, casting its spell on all those who
enter its enigmatic presence, the Dhyanalinga towers up to a height of 13 feet,
9 inches. It rises out of the seven-coiled receptacle, the avudaiyar,
which has been designed in such a way that its total length is 13 feet 9
inches, the same as the height of the linga.
Surrounding
the Linga is the jalaseema, a water body that has a cooling effect on the
Linga and gives the impression that the Dhyanalinga is floating on water.
The
Dhyanalinga is made up of a single high-density black granite stone and the
Avudaiyar is made of white granite whose density is 30% less than that of the
Linga. Both the Linga and the avudaiyar are energized with the
qualities of the seven chakras; hence the Linga has seven copper rings and
the Avudaiyar is in the form of a seven-coiled snake.
The
Dhyanalinga is kept constantly wet, enabling meditators to easily receive the
energies emanating from it. Water drips onto it from a hemispheric copper dome
coated with gold, which is suspended above the Linga. The resonating sound of
water dropping over the Linga, the shimmering reflections of the oil lamps on
the golden dome, the subdued interiors, and the all-pervasive silence makes the
entire structure ethereal. The natural drought of air and the choice of natural
materials make the dome a cool and soothing space, which breathes through every
pore.
Events
At
Dhyanalinga, events and celebrations are about providing a conducive atmosphere
for spiritual growth rather than commemorating the rituals associated with
them. The occasions celebrated are chosen for the inner growth potential they
offer to the individual.
On
certain days and times, nature itself offers a more conducive atmosphere for
meditation. These days and times are used to create situations that enable
people to become more receptive to the energies of Dhyanalinga.
Nada Aaradhana:
An
offering of sound to the Dhyanalinga, Nada Aaradhana is an etheric blend of
vocals, singing bowls, drums and various other instruments amplified within the
reverberating Dome, transporting one into the timeless space of the
Dhyanalinga.
The
offering takes place twice during the day from 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. and
from 5:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. These times are recognized as special sandhya kalas
for meditators. A sandhya kala is a phase when nature undergoes
certain transitions and makes a person more receptive to something else.
AUMkar Meditation:
Visitors
coming to the Dhyanalinga can further deepen their experience by attending this
daily introduction to the timeless and powerful mantra "Aum".
This meditation is known to have transcendental qualities. It can bring peace
and balance to the meditator's system, and is known to relieve people from
numerous physical and mental ailments when practiced regularly.
The
event takes place from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm, and is open to all.
Amavasya and Pournami Days:
There
is a natural upsurge of energies in the human body on these days. As a result,
in the tradition, Amavasya (New Moon) and Pournami (Full Moon)
days are held as special days for the spiritual seeker.
Any sadhana performed on these days has a greater impact on the
system.
When
people see something as a higher possibility, when it touches them deeply, they
naturally want to offer something. In that state of offering, a person is more
receptive to what is available there. Twice a month, visitors are accorded the
rare privilege and honor of personally making an offering
of Ksheera (milk) or Jala (water) upon the
Dhyanalinga. Ksheera is offered from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Jala from
12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
As
the Amavasya vibrations are especially conducive for men, the
Dhyanalinga is open for them to meditate up to 1:00 a.m. on Amavasya nights,
and similarly, as the Pournami vibrations are particularly conducive
for women, the Dhyanalinga remains open for them up to 1:00 a.m. on Pournami
nights.
Pancha Bhuta Aaradhana:
The
bases of all creation, including the physical body, are the five elements. The
wellbeing of the body and mind can be determined by purifying the five elements
within the human system. This process also shapes the body to become a stepping
stone towards one’s ultimate wellbeing rather than being a hurdle. There is a
whole system of yoga called bhuta shuddhi, meaning purification of the
elements.
The
presiding deity for such a pursuit is Bhuteshwara, another aspect of
Shiva. Pancha Bhuta Aaradhana is an effort to bring down that
dimension of Grace of the Dhyanalinga upon the seeker. Starting from this Mahasivarathri,
the 14th day of every lunar month will be an opportunity to experience Pancha
Bhuta Aaradhana at the Dhyanalinga between 5:40 pm and 6:20 pm.
This
will be particularly beneficial for those who experience weak and unstable
constitutions, psychological instabilities, disturbed sleep, a constant sense
of fear, and will also be supportive for the fulfillment of one’s ambitions.
This offering will include an initiation with Abhaya Sutra, a consecrated
thread.
For registration, please contact:
Phone No.:
0422-2515345,
Mahasivarathri - The Night of
Awakening:
The
day before the Amavasya (new moon) of each lunar month is called Shivrathri.
Among all the Shivarathris of the year, the one that falls in the lunar month
of Magha in February-March each year is considered to be most auspicious, and
is celebrated as Mahasivarathri.
At
the Isha Yoga Center, at the Velliangiri Foothills near Coimbatore, yogi and
mystic, Sadhguru conducts a nightlong Sathsang. Over 6 lakh people from all
parts of the world gather at the ashram to participate in the celebrations,
which include Sadhguru's discourses and powerful meditations, interspersed with
musical performances by eminent musicians such as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit
Jasraj, Usha Utup, Sivamani, Dr.Bala Murali Krishna, Unni Krishnan, Sudha
Raghunathan, Bombay Jaishree and Pandit Shivakumar Sharma.
Location
Dhyanalinga
is situated 30 kms west of Coimbatore at the foothills of Velliangiri
Mountains, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere. Coimbatore, a major industrial city
in South India, is well connected by air, rail and road. All major airlines
operate regular flights to Coimbatore from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and
Bangalore. Train services are available from all the major cities in India.
Regular bus and taxi services are also available from Coimbatore to
Dhyanalinga.
Address:
Dhyanalinga,
Isha
Yoga Center,
Ishana
Vihar Post,
Semmedu
(P.O),
Coimbatore
641 114, India
Telephone:
091-422-2515345 / 091-422-2515346
Email:
info@dhyanalinga.org
The
Dhyanalinga is open to all from 6 am to 8 pm on all days
Accommodations
Isha
Yoga Center offers comfortable two and three bed suites.
Alcohol
and smoking are strictly prohibited in the premises.
Due
to the high demand for cottages, reservations should be made well in advance.
To make your reservation, please email or call us: ishastay@ishafoundation.org (+91)-422-2515470
Please
keep in mind that entry to Isha Yoga Center is only from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Connectivity
Driving directions from
Coimbatore city:
The
Dhyanalinga is situated 30 kms west of Coimbatore city. Take the Perur/Siruvani
Road through Ukkadam from Coimbatore. Drive past Alandurai and arrive at
Irutupallam junction and turn right from the Main Road. The Dhyanalinga is
another 8 kms from the junction (Irutupallam). Signboards giving directions to
the Dhyanalinga can be found all along the way.
Driving directions from Cochin:
Dhyanalinga
is about 200 kms from Cochin airport. Take the NH47 highway and drive all the
way to Coimbatore. Once you arrive at Ukkadam, continue driving on NH47 for
about less than 1km, and turn left on Perur Road. Continue driving on the Perur
Road past Alandurai and arrive at Irutupallam junction. Turn right from the
Main Road. Dhyanalinga is another 8 km from the junction.
Driving directions from Ooty:
It
is a 120-km drive from Ooty. Take the Main Ooty Road down to Coimbatore. You
will be driving past Mettupalayam. Arrive at Coimbatore City and drive towards
Perur. Continue driving on the Perur Road past Alandurai and arrive at
Irutupallam junction. Turn right from the Main Road. Dhyanalinga is another 8
km from the junction.