On the occasion of International Yoga Day, we find ourselves at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. Nestled among the mountains, this ashram of Sadhguru opens up a new realm of yoga and spirituality—serenity coupled with an introspective journey. Spending a day amidst dense woods and hovering clouds revealed yoga as a means to unravel the soul's knots.
The routine for seekers typically starts as early as 3 AM, but that time is reserved for personal reflection. Guests have their designated time at 5:30 AM. The day commences with Guru Pooja at the Suryakund Mandapam. From the cottage, it's a mere ten-minute walk to Suryakund.
Here, nothing feels artificial. People sit cross-legged on cool stone floors—from all ages, genders, and corners of the world. Soon, chants begin. Despite diverse accents and languages, the pronunciation in Sanskrit is strikingly pure. Then follows the chant of Om Namah Shivaya, maintaining a continuous rhythm, allowing participants to join or exit as they wish.
Amidst the chanting, some head to the back to practice yoga—seasoned visitors, previous attenders, or trainees from other Isha centers engage in their ritual. Others find solace in meditation.
Adjacent is the Suryakund, a sacred reservoir reserved for men's cleansing, while women have the Chandrakund a short distance away. Both contain a Shivalinga made of solidified mercury, emanating a distinct energy. Bathing here offers a lingering emotional respite rather than momentary pleasure.
Source: aajtak
The 150-acre ashram is sprinkled with shrines—small temples buzzing with spiritual energy. It's a unique endeavor to keep seekers connected with the divine continually. Visitors stop, smear sacred ash on their foreheads, and move on. Not far lies the Linga Bhairavi Temple.
Aarti commences around 7:30 AM. Like any temple, offerings for worship are available sans the usual hustle. Volunteers with 'Please Maintain Silence' boards mark their presence respectfully. Even a whisper prompts a gentle reminder.
Following Linga Bhairavi worship, I make my way to the eatery. The main ashram canteen, known as Bhiksha Hall, serves two meals daily, void of tea or coffee. For those craving a brew, the restaurant is a haven. I try Sukku Coffee—a caffeine-free concoction of roasted coriander, jaggery, and ginger, delighting even the most ardent tea-coffee enthusiasts.
Next up is Up-Yoga and Omkar Meditation. Think of Up-Yoga as a warm-up—a gentle preparation for deeper practice. Sadhguru himself illustrates the Omkar chant through video, followed by instructions from an ashram volunteer.
Brunch follows, mixing breakfast and lunch into three staggered servings. Punctuality is key, a minute's delay means missing a meal. In the grand hall, people align in sequence—pristine plates set out. Volunteers serve as signs for silent communication of acceptance or refusal. The sattvic meal includes raw vegetables, fruits, boiled lentils, and ample millets, favoring rice varieties over bread.
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
This hall forwards a lesson: gaze at the plated food for a few moments—easing the urgency and hunger-driven appetite into submission. A novel, effective approach.
Transitioning from Bhiksha Hall, we traverse to Dhyanalinga—a space predominantly closed off, accessing it through a single door. Volunteers chronicle the Dhyanalinga's foundation by Sadhguru, resonant with the energy of the seven chakras. The view around showcases lotus blooms and lamps with minimal lighting sufficient for safe passage. We settle into this calm aura.
In Dhyanalinga, we guide ourselves. There's no conduct manual or audio cues—simply seat yourself, eyes closed, immersed in meditation. A bell tolls regularly, an invitation for anyone needing to exit, or the choice to remain under trance till day’s end, undisturbed. It's no surprise that many meditate here for hours.
Source: aajtak
Outside Dhyanalinga stands a mighty sculpture of Nandi—the meditative expression on its countenance juxtaposing its alert stance, ready to heed Shiva's call. It presents an insightful lesson—balance vigilance with inner peace.
Our final venture was to Adiyogi, a primary lure for ashram guests. Standing over 100 feet tall, Adiyogi's statue strives to transition spirituality from mountains to streets—shifting connotations from distress to holistic wellness, as elaborated by Sadhguru in an interview.
Adiyogi's presence is crafted to elevate this awareness. Nearby stands the Yogeshwara Linga, and at dusk, a riveting 15-minute light and sound spectacle titled 'Divya Darshanam' narrates the Adiyogi saga, ancient yoga, and the Saptarishis. As the show commences, the gathered thousands hush in awe—a mesmerizing experience prompting prolonged quiet post-presentation.
The intriguing aspect of this place is the absence of forced silence—a beckoning pathway signals, urging unsolicited journeys toward yoga and spirituality.
