Shiva – The Adiyogi

People typically approach the divine for protection and prosperity but in the Yogic culture, Shiva is worshipped as the destroyer. Find out the wisdom behind this seemingly strange approach. Goto page

One of the many names that Shiva – the Adiyogi is known by is Neelakantha or the one with the blue throat. Sadhguru explains the symbolism behind Shiva’s blue throat. Goto page

Find out why Shiva – the Adiyogi is known as the Mahadeva or the one who is above all gods. Goto page

Here are three interesting stories from the lore about Shiva and Vishnu: when Shiva lost his home to Vishnu, when Vishnu “rescued” Shiva and finally, a touching tale of Vishnu’s devotion for Shiva. Goto page

Shiva the Adiyogi was a fierce ascetic who became a householder to share his knowing with the world and create the spine of knowledge which is now known as Yoga. Goto page

Sadhguru reveals the legend of Ganga flowing from Shiva’s matted locks and what the story is trying to convey in a dialectical way. Goto page

Sadhguru tells the story of how Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head and reveals that contrary to popular belief, his head was not replaced by that of an elephant, but with the chief of Shiva’s otherworldly companions known as ganas. Goto page

Shiva refers to both “that which is not,” and Adiyogi because in many ways they are synonymous. Explore the stories and legends that surround this most prominent figure of Indian spiritual traditions. Goto page

India is the only place where our gods must dance. If they cannot dance they cannot be gods! This is.... Goto page

Sadhguru explains the symbolism of Shiva’s third eye and how clarity and perception arise when the third eye opens up. He also narrates a story related to how Shiva burnt Kama with his third eye. Goto page

Sadhguru looks at 10 different forms of Shiva from the yogic lore, and explains what they each represent. Find out about dynamic Nataraja, fearsome Kalabhairava, childlike Bholenath and more! Goto page

In the Indian tradition, Shiva has many forms, each representing a powerful possibility for inner evolution. Sadhguru looks at a few forms, and explains the basis of each of them. Goto page

Kids, youth, householders or ascetics, everyone’s a fan of Shiva. So just what makes Shiva so cool? Here’s 5 reasons. Goto page

In a vivid narration from Sadhguru, we take a look at the being who introduced yoga to humankind, the Adiyogi, the first yogi. Goto page

Over 15,000 years ago, Adiyogi, the first yogi, transmitted the science of yoga to his seven disciples, the Saptarishis. Goto page

In yoga, Shiva is not seen as a God, but as the first yogi, Adiyogi, and the first Guru, the Adi Guru. Goto page

The Adiyogi brought the possibility that a human being need not be contained in the defined limitations of our species. There is a way to be contained in physicality but not to belong to it. Goto page

We are planning to make Adiyogi an iconic presence in the world so that people understand that only enhancement of perception ultimately enhances life. Goto page

Sadhguru explains why Guru Purnima is so significant and tells us how this is the day Adiyogi transmitted technologies to evolve oneself beyond all boundaries. Goto page

Ascetics distance The stoic stance All this they bore And He could not ignore Seekers so intense Broke his obstinate stance Celestial sages seven Strived not in search of Heaven Goto page

Sadhguru in a moment of outpouring wrote these 7 pieces of verse in less than 10 minutes Goto page

A quiet Sea A quiet Day A quiet Mind But a raging Heart Blazing with Fire Of an ancient Sage. Goto page

Sadhguru looks at how Adiyogi, the first yogi, explored the mechanics of the human system with his first seven disciples over 15,000 years ago, and transmitted the yogic sciences for the first time. Goto page

This video looks at Shiva, the first yogi, and his contribution to raising human consciousness. Goto page

Learn about the Source of Yoga in the first of the Adiyogi Chronicles. Goto page

In the yogic lore, each of the Saptarishis, the legendary seven sages, imbibed and mastered 16 ways from Adiyogi after years of transmission. Goto page

Sadhguru looks at how Shiva, the first yogi and first guru is the greatest zen master. Goto page

What is the difference between Shiva and Buddha? Sadhguru says, the real question is, which aspect of Shiva did Buddha explore? Goto page

Sadhguru describes Shiva, the Adiyogi or first yogi, as the ultimate outlaw, because he is one who has touched that dimension which is beyond the physical. All laws are of significance only in the physical sphere or life. So in that sense, Shiva is the ultimate outlaw. Goto page

Sadhguru on understanding Shiva – not an intellectual philosopher, but a purely existential yogi. Goto page

Sadhguru explains, only when one explores his ignorance, knowledge can be born. Goto page

Sadhguru explains the significance of Kalabhairava, a fearsome aspect of Shiva Goto page

Is Shiva territorial or universal? In this conversation excerpt, Sadhguru explains that “Shiva” means that which is not physical. Goto page

Shiva and Parvati’s wedding was a royal affair since Parvati was a princess. And then came the groom, Shiva, dreadlocked... Goto page

Shiva’s names represent different dimensions of who he is. Here is a list of 108 names of Shiva and Sadhguru’s explanation about why Shiva seems to have so many names! Goto page

Sadhguru explains the symbolism of Shiva’s third eye and how clarity and perception arise when the third eye opens up. He also narrates a story related to how Shiva burnt Kama with his third eye. Goto page

Sadhguru explains the significance of the imagery of Kali standing on Shiva's chest. He tells us the story of how Kali once killed Shiva and what this symbolizes. Goto page

The word linga means “the form.” We are calling it “the form” because when the un-manifest began to manifest itself, or in other words when creation began to happen, the first form that it took was that of an ellipsoid. Goto page

The famous Bilvashtakam extols the virtues of the vilva leaf and Shiva’s love for it. Why is the vilva so... Goto page

Sadhguru looks at the legend of Badrinath, of how Vishnu tricked Shiva and Parvati, and the thousand-year-old history of the temple. Goto page

Sadhguru explains the significance of Shiva’s love and grief for Sati. Goto page

When shot with an arrow from Kama Deva, hired by Parvathi, the sudden spark of desire led Shiva to open his third eye. Goto page

Sadhguru narrates the story of Shiva’s wedding to Parvathy, explaining that Shiva is just life without pretension. Goto page

Sadhguru narrates the story of Punyakshi, the young maiden determined to marry Shiva. Goto page

Sadhguru narrates the story of Shiva’s arrival for his marriage to Parvathi. Goto page

Sadhguru speaks about Akka Mahadevi, an intense devotee beyond all social norms and reason. Goto page

Sadhguru speaks about Allama Mahaprabhu, who was so steeped in devotion to Shiva that he had literally become devoid of himself. Goto page

Sadhguru speaks about Devara Dasimaya, a poet-saint and devotee of Shiva from Karnataka, who was also a weaver. Goto page

Sadhguru speaks about Poosalar, a mystic and devotee of Shiva who lived most of his life in poverty Goto page

The story of a celebrated sage named Nandanar and the miraculous event that happened to him at a Shiva temple. Goto page

Sadhguru narrates the story of how Sati burnt herself up in the ceremonial fire after her father insulted Shiva... Goto page

Is Shiva merely a cultural icon or is there more to this ash-smeared yogi who is called Mahadeva – god of gods? Goto page

With Mahashivratri taking place on 21 February, 2020, the Isha Yoga Center is gearing up for this exuberant nightlong festival held in the presence of Adiyogi. Here are 12 things you need to know about the 112-ft Adiyogi before you visit. Goto page

The exuberant nightlong festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated this year on March 04th at the Isha Yoga Center. Goto page

Sadhguru looks at four significant places where Shiva has spent time, and elaborates on the power and energy of these spaces. Goto page

Sadhguru and Shekhar Kapur discuss the significance and symbolism of Nandi, Shiva’s vehicle. Goto page

Essentially, yoga means the science of erasing boundaries. From the simplest creature to the human being, in their most basic state of existence, their whole life is about fixing boundaries. Goto page

Why is the vilva leaf so revered? Sadhguru answers. Goto page

Sadhguru explains that when prepared properly, the sacred ash Vibhuti has certain qualities that enable it to be a great medium for transmitting energy. Goto page

The word “Shiva”, Sadhguru explains, means “that which is not” – a dimension which is not physical in nature. Goto page

Sadhguru explains why Adiyogi, who lived over 15,000 years ago, is vitally relevant in today’s world Goto page

Sadhguru speaks about the 42-day Shivanga Sadhana, which includes an initiation into the powerful Shiva Namaskar, and a pilgrimage to the Velliangiri Mountains. Goto page

Sadhguru about the importance of devotion, an enduring sweetness of emotion, with which your body and mind will function at their best. Goto page

Sadhguru explains that yoga offers tools for a person to break the boundaries of their individuality and know life in a larger way. Goto page

Sadhguru describes the all-inclusive nature of Shiva. Without any resistance, he embraced what all others rejected. Goto page

The Velliangiri Mountain is one of the most sacred places in India. Goto page

Sadhguru explains that Adiyogi gave so many tools for raising human consciousness because he foresaw that one day, all of humanity would take to yoga. Goto page

Listen to and Download a powerful rendition of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra by Sounds of Isha for Free! Also download an mp3 of the mantra being repeated 108 times. Goto page

“The significance of Adiyogi is he provided methods to evolve human consciousness that are relevant for all times.” ―Sadhguru Goto page

The Shiva Tandava Stotram was written by Ravana, the asura King and devotee of Shiva. Get to know how it came into being, the verses (lyrics) and their meaning. Goto page

The famous Shiva Panchakshara Stotram praises Shiva and the power of the five sacred syllables, na-ma-shi-va-ya. Goto page

Daridraya Dahana Shiva Stotram By Sage Vasishta Goto page

An ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or verses, typically arranged as sets of rhyming quartets. Goto page

In the yogic tradition, there have been numerous Shiva stories that impart invaluable wisdom in a dialectical fashion. Here are four such Shiva stories. Goto page