A Traveler's Guide to the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore

The foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, forty kilometers from the city of Coimbatore in southern India, serve as home for the Isha Yoga Center. Created as a powerful center for inner growth, this popular destination attracts people from all over 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).

Getting There

The Isha Yoga Center is situated 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore, a major industrial city in southern India, is well connected by air, rail and road. Major airlines operate regular flights to Coimbatore from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Train services are available from all major cities in India. There are direct buses between Coimbatore and the Isha Yoga Center (View the timetable). Taxis can be booked from the airport as well as the railway station. Alternatively, you can contact the Yoga Center’s 24-hour travel desk to book a taxi to the center.

See

Dhyanalinga 

“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

“Dhyana” in Sanskrit means meditation and “Linga” means the form. The Dhyanalinga was consecrated by Sadhguru, a Yogi, mystic, and realized master, after three years of intense prana pratishtha (a consecration process that uses life energies). The first of its kind to be completed in thousands of years, Dhyanalinga is a manifestation of all the seven chakras energized to the very peak and locked to prevent dissipation. Within its space, the intense yet subtle energies allow one to experience the deepest states of peace and silence, revealing the essential nature of life itself. In the metaphysical sense, the Dhyanalinga is a Guru, an energy center of tremendous proportions and a doorway to enlightenment and liberation.

This unique energy form sits under a pillarless 250,000-brick dome structure.

Before entering the Dhyanalinga complex, visitors behold a 17-foot white granite monolith, the Sarva Dharma Sthambha, with symbols of nine major religions inscribed on its sides as a universal welcome to all.

The stone gateway or the Thorana acts as the main entrance. Beyond the Thorana rise the three unusually high entrance steps symbolizing the three gunas or qualities of the mind – Tamas, Rajas and Sattva.

Having ascended these steps, one enters the inner parikrama – the aisle which leads to the Dhyanalinga. On the left is the 11-foot statue of Patanjali, the celebrated author of Yoga Sutras, and on the right is the Vanashree shrine, a sculptural relief of a peepal tree representing the feminine deity of Dhyanalinga. Leading up to the entrance to the dome, six artistically sculptured granite panels line the aisles of the Dhyanalinga inner parikrama, illustrating the stories of six southern Indian sages who attained enlightenment.

Darshan Timings - 6 AM to 8 PM

Adiyogi – The Source of Yoga

“Adiyogi is the doorway to ultimate wellbeing and liberation.” —Sadhguru

Over 15,000 years ago, predating all religion, Adiyogi, the first Yogi, transmitted the science of Yoga to his seven disciples, the Saptarishis. He expounded 112 ways through which human beings can transcend their limitations and reach their ultimate potential. Adiyogi's offerings are tools for individual transformation, as individual transformation is the only way to transform the world. His fundamental message is that "in is the only way out" for human wellbeing and liberation.

Unveiled in 2017 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, this 112-ft-tall face – recognized as the world's largest face by the Guinness World Records – stands as an acknowledgement to the first Yogi's unparalleled contribution to humanity. It symbolizes liberation, representing the 112 ways in which one can attain to their ultimate nature through the science of Yoga.

Darshan Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Yogeshwar Linga and Saptarishis

Residing near the Adiyogi is the Yogeshwar Linga, which was consecrated by Sadhguru as a manifestation of five of the major chakras in the human system. The Yogeshwar Linga is a combination of ascetic discipline and exuberant ecstasy. Adiyogi, with the presence of the Yogeshwar Linga, has become a living entity.

In the backdrop of the Linga, the Saptarishi Panel is a masterfully engraved granite relief depicting the seven disciples of Shiva – Agastya, Atri, Angiras, Bhrigu, Gautama, Vasishtha, and Kashyapa – each holding a unique Yogic posture and mudra.

Special Offerings to Yogeshwar Linga: 9 AM to 6 PM

Linga Bhairavi

"Those who earn the Grace of Bhairavi neither have to live in concern or fear of life or death, of poverty, or of failure. All that human beings consider as wellbeing will be theirs, if only they earn the Grace of Bhairavi." —Sadhguru

Linga Bhairavi is the most exuberant expression of the Divine Feminine. Unique in her manifestation in the form of a linga, the eight-feet-tall Devi is the ultimate manifestation of the Mother Goddess – powerful and all-encompassing.

Consecrated by Sadhguru through prana pratishtha, Devi has three and a half chakras for stability, health and wellbeing. Fierce and compassionate at once, Devi nurtures her devotees, supporting all aspects of their wellbeing – physical, material, and most importantly, spiritual.

Various offerings and rituals that assist in every step that one takes in life are available here to allow devotees to benefit from Devi’s abundant Grace.

Darshan Timings: 6:30 AM to 1:20 PM; 4:20 PM to 8:20 PM

Abhishekam Timings: 7:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 7:40 PM

Teerthakunds

In India, it is a tradition to wet the entire body to enhance one’s receptivity before entering a sacred space. The Isha Yoga Center houses two Teerthakunds – the Suryakund for men and the Chandrakund for women.

A dip in these vibrant waters helps alleviate chronic ailments and diseases, straightens out energy imbalances, and brings physical and mental rejuvenation. Most importantly, the Teerthakunds serve as preparatory tools to enhance one's spiritual receptivity to the grace and energies of Dhyanalinga.

Both Teerthakunds are open from 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM daily.

Naga Shrine

The Naga shrine is situated in front of the Suryakund. The sacred serpent is significant in the spiritual process because of its ability to be still and its extraordinary sense of perception, especially for those seeking to explore mysticism. Flowers and dhoopams can be offered at any time of the day to appeal to the Naga’s grace.

Nandi

The 15-foot tall Nandi sitting at the entrance of Dhyanalinga is the largest of its kind in the world. Sculpted from metal and filled with a unique blend of sacred ash, herbs, and other ingredients, it radiates a special kind of energy. The Nandi is a symbol of eternal waiting, the essential quality for receptivity.

Trimurti Panel

The monolithic Trimurthi Panel located behind the Dhyanalinga depicts the three fundamental qualities essential for one’s inner growth: Rudra, Hara, and Sadashiva. Rudra is an intense state of mind, Hara is a quality of childlike meditativeness, and Sadashiva is an ever-blissful state of being.

Spanda Hall

The Spanda Hall is a meditation hall and program facility. Visually striking, with an expansive white marble floor and a free-standing pitched roof, the dominating feature of this space is the exquisite wall mural, painted using only natural vegetable dyes and earth extracts, depicting the life of a Yogi. Measuring 140 x 12 ft, this masterpiece of art is the largest of its kind in the world.

Adiyogi Alayam

Adiyogi Alayam is a program hall that has been specially consecrated and structured by Sadhguru to revive the science of classical Yoga in all its glory and purity. At the core of the Alayam is the Adiyogi, a consecrated linga. The energy of this consecrated form fuels one’s inner exploration of the Yogic sciences.

The vibrant space of the Adiyogi Alayam supports the Isha Hatha School of Yoga Teacher Training Program, a 21-week intensive program held annually in which participants from around the world are trained to teach classical Hatha Yoga. In addition, the Alayam provides a venue for introductory to advanced courses including Samyama, an 8-day silence program which enables participants to reach heightened levels of consciousness and experience explosive states of meditativeness.

Gaushala

In Indian culture, the cow is revered and seen as a symbol of wealth, strength, abundance, selfless giving, and a prosperous life. The Gaushalas at the Isha Yoga Center are an important step in preserving native breeds of cows. The milk from the cows nourishes the spiritual seekers and children living in the Isha Yoga Center. Visitors can participate in Gau Seva – considered one of the most sacred rituals since ancient times.

Sarpa Vasal: The Snake Entrance

The gate has a beautiful carving of a cobra on its central pillar, symbolizing the snake’s heightened perception and its significance for spiritual seekers.

Malai Vasal: The Mountain Entrance

The gate has an enormous rock weighing 235 tons perched above it. After the boulder was chosen by Sadhguru, it took Isha volunteers a month and a half to transport it over 400 km and position it on the gate.

Experience

Nada Aradhana

An offering of sound to the Dhyanalinga, it features an etheric blend of flowing vocals, singing bowls, drums and various other instruments amplified within the reverberating Dome, which enhances one’s receptivity to the energies of Dhyanalinga.

The offering takes place twice a day from 11:50 AM to 12:10 PM and from 5:50 PM to 6:10 PM. These times are recognized in the Yogic tradition as the sandhya kalas. A sandhya kala is a phase when nature undergoes certain transitions and makes a person more receptive to grace.

Adiyogi Divya Darshanam

Adiyogi Divya Darshanam is a powerful 14-minute video imaging show projected on the 112-ft Adiyogi. Accompanied by a narration on Adiyogi in Sadhguru’s voice, the spellbinding show is a major attraction, depicting Adiyogi’s contribution and offering to humanity.

The show takes place at 7:20 PM every day, is free, and requires no prior registration.

Pancha Bhuta Kriya

The basis of all creation, including the physical body, are the five elements – water, earth, air, fire and space. The Pancha Bhuta Kriya process makes use of the system of Yoga called Bhuta Shuddhi, meaning the purification of elements, to establish overall wellbeing of body and mind. It is particularly beneficial for those who experience weak and unstable constitutions, psychological instabilities, disturbed sleep, and a constant sense of fear. It is also supportive for the fulfillment of one’s ambitions.

Pancha Bhuta Kriya is offered every Shivratri inside Dhyanalinga and online (pre-registration required).

Amavasya and Purnima Offerings

There is a natural upsurge of energies in the human body on the days of Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon). As a result, they are held as days of significance for the spiritual seeker. On these two days, one can have the rare privilege of personally making an offering of ksheera (milk) or jala (water) upon the Dhyanalinga. Ksheera is offered from 6 AM to 1 PM and jala from 1 PM to 8 PM.

Purnima Abhishekam & Linga Bhairavi Procession

Every Purnima (full moon day) an elaborate Abhishekam of Linga Bhairavi Devi is celebrated with a vibrant offering of dance and music as part of the magnificent Purnima Pooja. One has the opportunity to offer this sacred Purnima Abhishekam for the good health, success, prosperity and overall wellbeing of one's family.

The Pooja is followed by a grand procession of the Linga Bhairavi Utsavamurti (a consecrated form of Devi). Devi embarks on a majestic journey to the Dhyanalinga. Here, a powerful Maha Aarti as well as a spectacular fire dance are offered.

Navratri

Navratri are nine powerful nights dedicated to Devi – a feminine manifestation of the Divine. Devotees can make an appeal for Devi’s grace through several auspicious Navratri Offerings, both in-person and online. This includes Devi Abhishekam, a set of 11 offerings made in a sacred ambiance of gratitude for the overall wellbeing of the devotees and their loved ones.

Yaksha

In an effort to preserve and promote the uniqueness, purity, and diversity of India’s performing arts, Isha Yoga Center annually hosts Yaksha, an exuberant 3-day festival of Indian classical music and dance by world-renowned artists. The name of the festival is inspired by Yakshas – celestial beings in Indian mythology.

Yaksha provides a common platform for master artists to perform and connoisseurs to see and appreciate these ancient arts. It is held every year in the month of February/March, culminating in the nightlong celebration of the Mahashivratri festival.

Mahashivratri

The day before the Amavasya (New Moon) of each month is called Shivratri. The Shivratri that occurs between February and March each year is considered to be especially auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivratri.

The unique planetary positions on Mahashivratri are such that there is a natural upsurge of energy within the human system. The night confers tremendous physical and spiritual benefits for one who remains awake through the night, keeping the spine erect.

Mahashivratri at Isha has evolved into the largest and most-watched celebration of its kind on the planet, with more online viewership than the Grammys and the Super Bowl, and lakhs joining in person. Explosive guided meditations and discourses by Sadhguru, music and dance performances, and the spectacular Adiyogi Divya Darshanam inspire everyone to stay awake, participate and reap the benefits of this potent night.

Learn

Free Yoga Sessions

Visitors of Isha Yoga Center can deepen their experience by attending free Yoga sessions held from 9 AM to 4 PM every day.

Aumkar Initiation

The session offers an introduction to the timeless and powerful mantra "Aum". This simple meditation can help strengthen one's physical and mental constitution and bring about tremendous balance and wellbeing when practiced regularly.

Upa-Yoga

Learn ten simple yet powerful practices that activate the joints, muscles and energy system, bringing ease to the whole system. It is a good starting point for those who are new to Yoga, and can be used as a preparation for other Yogic practices.

Isha Kriya

An introduction to Isha Kriya, a 12-minute guided meditation created by Sadhguru. When practiced daily, Isha Kriya helps brings health, dynamism, peace and wellbeing. It is a powerful tool to cope with the hectic pace of modern life.

Practice Corrections

For those visitors who have completed the Inner Engineering program, Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya practice corrections are also offered daily in English.

Yoga Programs

Isha Yoga Programs are offered throughout the year at the Center. You could come for 4 days and experience the Inner Engineering Retreat, a residential program offering many possibilities for inner growth and exploration. The Center also offers Isha Hatha Yoga programs, and advanced programs like Bhava Spandana, Shoonya Intensive, and Samyama.

Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

“In our Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, we bring back dimensions of Hatha Yoga that are almost extinct. Hatha Yoga is a very powerful way of life.” – Sadhguru

A 5-month residential program designed by Sadhguru and offered by Sadhguru Gurukulam, Hatha Yoga Teacher Training is an opportunity to learn and experience Classical Hatha Yoga and offer it to many others. It is Sadhguru’s vision to offer this ancient science in all its purity and make it available to every individual. The program commences on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, and is conducted in Adiyogi Alayam, an especially conducive space to learn and practice Hatha Yoga. Program aspects include powerful sadhanas, intensive training to teach Yogic practices, and various other complementary aspects. The curriculum does not include just the teaching of asanas, but ensures the trainees absorb the Yogic way of life. Upon successful completion of the program, the trainees are certified by Sadhguru Gurukulam to teach Hatha Yoga and will receive post-training support.

Sadhanapada

Sadhanapada, a part of Sadhguru Gurukulam, is a 7-month residential program for inner transformation offered at Isha Yoga Center, India. It is designed for those looking to establish balance and clarity, emotional stability, seeking spiritual growth, or to live an intense and energetic life.

Sadhanapada is offered without a fee and includes food and accommodation.

Sadhguru Academy – Leadership, Management & Public Policy

Sadhguru Academy offers the highest quality of leadership education by integrating external skill sets with tools for wellbeing. The Academy focuses on cultivating leadership as an innate and intuitive process – beyond strategies or techniques. Its guiding principle is the importance of first managing one’s own mind, body, and energies in order to manage external situations and people.

Its aim is to create leaders whose human potential has found fullest expression, who are deeply rooted in their inner wellbeing and are able to operate from a sense of inclusiveness, resulting in more incisive actions and decisions.

The Academy offers four programs each year: Insight, Brand Insight, Family Enterprise Excellence, and Human Is NOT a Resource.

Insight: The DNA of Success

The flagship program of Sadhguru Academy, Insight is a 4-day business leadership intensive to explore the science of scaling up one’s business and oneself. Led by Sadhguru, the program is an intense and exuberant exploration of how to enhance one’s ability to “see,” which is the most essential ingredient to lead a business to growth and expansion. The program also offers a rare chance to see through the eyes of successful leaders and experientially imbibe the DNA of Success.

Volunteer

Isha Foundation is a volunteer-based organization and gives volunteers worldwide who have completed Inner Engineering the opportunity to grow through selfless action. Volunteering allows you to have a profound experience of the Isha Yoga Center. It brings a deep sense of involvement and serves as a powerful tool for inner transformation. The main criteria is a willingness to get involved and give yourself to whatever is needed at the moment.

Individuals with diverse interests come to the Center to offer their skills and expertise and contribute to various social and environmental projects. In the process, they can imbibe the vibrant energies of the consecrated spaces, connect with the natural habitat, enjoy wholesome food, experience a healthy lifestyle, and engage in jubilant multicultural events.

Eat

Pepper Vine Eatery

The Pepper Vine Eatery is Isha’s very own cafeteria, open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. A steady supply of fresh fruit juices, milk, tea, coffee and snacks are available to visitors. A must-try item is the eggless cake, available in carrot, nut and chocolate flavors. A sweet and spicy confection, the aroma of this cake is something that lingers on long after.

Velliangiri Unavagam

Open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, this eatery serves southern Indian dishes, snacks, fresh fruit juices, milk, tea and coffee to visitors.

Stay

Cottages

Isha Cottages welcome guests into a relaxing space that blends rich, earth-tone hues within a simple, yet elegant setting. A distinctive interior design and Isha's own furniture line underscore the rustic and cozy feel of the guest units. The cottages aim at providing guests with a comfortable stay, to make the best possible use of the powerful ambiance of the Dhyanalinga. The stay includes two wholesome and nutritious vegetarian meals per day. Booking cottages at least two weeks prior to your visit is recommended, owing to the high frequency of visitors to the center.

Nalanda Conference Center

The Nalanda guest accommodations include well-appointed, air-conditioned guestrooms as well as spacious family suites with a personal lounge. It is open to meditators and guests who wish to simply be in the sacred space of Isha Yoga Center for a few days.

Overseas Visitors

If you wish to stay at the Isha Yoga Center, the first step is to register and create a visit request on the Overseas Online Portal. Make sure to have a recent passport size photo, passport and visa (if obtained) handy when registering.

Shop

Isha Life Store

Over the millennia, the Yogic sciences have evolved different ways of making every aspect of life into a possibility to become conscious – from everyday lifestyle choices to art, craft, music, food and clothing. Isha Life endeavors to bring this timeless Yogic wisdom into your daily life through carefully crafted offerings that enable you to Live Consciously.

Our ever-expanding range includes health and wellness products derived from ancient Indian medicinal systems, consecrated offerings, handcrafted decor, artisanal jewelry, personal care products, Yoga accessories, handwoven stoles and scarves, eco-friendly traditional Indian textiles and crafts, and Sadhguru’s books which make his profound wisdom available to all. Every product we offer is crafted with great care using natural materials that enhance physical, mental and emotional health.

Heal

Programs at Isha Health Solutions, located in the Isha Yoga Center, offer a truly holistic approach to health and wellbeing. These programs combine various Yogic practices, dietary guidelines, massage therapies, therapeutic baths and wraps, and rejuvenating tonics with traditional Indian Siddha and Ayurvedic healing systems.

The programs aim to restore balance to our life energies, promoting vibrancy and preventing and uprooting chronic illnesses. These programs are scientifically structured, uniquely combining allopathic, alternative, and complementary therapies with the ancient wisdom of various Indian medicinal practices.

Nestled in the powerful yet serene ambiance of the Velliangiri Mountains, Isha Yoga Center promises visitors an experience like no other. Come - unwind, recharge, and begin your journey of transformation.