Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand in front of a 112-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva, the first yogi and the originator of yoga? If you are a seeker of spirituality, culture, or adventure, you will find all of these and more at the Adiyogi Shiva statue, the world’s largest bust sculpture, located in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
The Adiyogi Shiva statue is not just a monument, but a living symbol of the ancient wisdom and science of yoga, and a tribute to the source of this profound knowledge. It is a place where you can experience the grace and energy of Adiyogi, and learn how to transform your life with his teachings.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Adiyogi Shiva statue, such as its history, design, recognition, events, and benefits. We will also guide you on how to reach the statue, and what to do and see around it. By the end of this article, you will be inspired to visit this magnificent place and witness its beauty and power for yourself.
About Adiyogi Shiva Statue
Adiyogi means “the first yogi” or “the one who is not”. It is a name given to Lord Shiva, who is considered the first teacher of yoga, and the source of all the yogic sciences. According to the legend, over 15,000 years ago, Adiyogi transmitted his knowledge to seven disciples, known as the Saptarishis, who then spread it across the world.
The Adiyogi Shiva statue is a representation of this cosmic event, and a reminder of the potential that lies within every human being. It was conceived and created by Sadhguru, a renowned yogi, mystic, and visionary, and the founder of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising human consciousness and well-being.
The statue was unveiled on February 24, 2017, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, the night of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who praised the statue as a symbol of India’s rich culture and heritage.
The statue is a marvel of engineering and artistry, and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest bust sculpture in the world. It stands at a height of 112 feet, which is symbolic of the 112 ways of attaining to the ultimate that Adiyogi offered. It is made of 500 tonnes of steel and 1,400 tonnes of concrete, and is designed to withstand natural calamities and last for thousands of years. It faces south, which is a unique feature, as most Hindu deities face north or east. This is because south is the direction of death, or dissolution, and Adiyogi is the lord of dissolution.
Some of the facts and features of the statue are:
1. It has a circumference of 147 feet at the base, and a width of 76.8 feet at the shoulders.
2. It has a crown of seven snakes, representing the seven dimensions of yoga.
3. It has a third eye on the forehead, representing the eye of wisdom and enlightenment.
4. It has a crescent moon on the head, representing the cycles of time and the phases of life.
5. It has a trident in the hand, representing the three qualities of existence: creation, preservation, and destruction.
6. It has a drum in the hand, representing the sound of creation and the rhythm of life.
7. It has a fire in the hand, representing the power of transformation and liberation.
Why Visit Adiyogi Shiva Statue
There are many reasons to visit the Adiyogi Shiva statue, whether you are a devotee, a seeker, a traveler, or a curious soul.
Here are some of the benefits and experiences that you can gain from visiting the statue:
1. You can learn about the ancient and timeless wisdom of yoga, and how it can help you achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
2. You can participate in various events and programs that are held at the statue, such as the Mahashivaratri festival, the yoga sessions, and the 3D laser show. These events are designed to offer you a glimpse of the mystical dimension of Adiyogi, and to awaken your inner potential.
3. You can witness the stunning beauty and grandeur of the statue, and feel its presence and grace. The statue is surrounded by the majestic Velliangiri Mountains, which are also known as the Kailash of the South, as they are believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The statue is also illuminated by different colors at night, creating a spectacular sight.
How to Reach Adiyogi Shiva Statue
The Adiyogi Shiva statue is located at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. It is about 30 km from the Coimbatore city center, and 40 km from the Coimbatore International Airport.
The address and contact details of the statue and the Isha Foundation are:
Adiyogi Shiva Statue Isha Yoga Center Velliangiri Foothills Ishana Vihar Post Coimbatore - 641114 Tamilnadu, India
Phone: +91 8300083111
Email: info@adiyogi.org Website: www.adiyogi.org
There are different modes of transportation that you can use to reach the statue, such as bus, train, car, or flight. Here are some of the options:
By bus:
You can take a bus from the Coimbatore Gandhipuram Bus Stand to the Isha Yoga Center, which is about 2 km from the statue. The bus fare is around Rs. 40, and the bus frequency is every 30 minutes. The bus route number is 14D, and the bus stop name is Isha Yoga Center.
By train:
You can take a train from the Coimbatore Junction Railway Station to the Isha Yoga Center, which is about 2 km from the statue. The train fare is around Rs. 10, and the train frequency is every hour. The train name is Coimbatore-Palakkad Passenger, and the train station name is Isha Yoga Center.
By car:
You can drive your own car or hire a taxi from the Coimbatore city center or the Coimbatore International Airport to the statue. The car fare is around Rs. 500, and the car journey time is about 45 minutes. The car route is via NH948 and SH164, and the car destination name is Adiyogi Shiva Statue.
By flight:
You can fly to the Coimbatore International Airport from any major city in India or abroad, and then take a bus, train, or car to the statue. The flight fare varies depending on the origin and destination, and the flight journey time depends on the distance and stopovers. The flight code is CJB, and the flight destination name is Coimbatore.
The timings and entry fee of the statue are as follows:
- The statue is open to the public every day, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- The entry to the statue is free of charge, and there is no need to book in advance.
- The visitors are requested to follow the dress code, which is to wear modest and comfortable clothes, and to avoid shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.
- The visitors are also requested to follow the security and safety guidelines, which are to avoid carrying any sharp or flammable objects, and to keep their belongings with them at all times.
- The visitors can avail the facilities such as parking, restrooms, drinking water, and food stalls at the statue premises.
Places to Visit Near Adiyogi Shiva Statue
If you are planning to visit the Adiyogi Shiva statue, you might as well explore some of the nearby attractions that are worth seeing. Here are some of the places that you can visit near the statue:
Isha Yoga Center:
The Isha Yoga Center is the headquarters of the Isha Foundation, and the home of Sadhguru. It is a place where you can experience the various aspects of yoga, such as meditation, inner engineering, and hatha yoga. You can also visit the Isha Shoppe, which sells organic products, books, and souvenirs. The Isha Yoga Center is about 2 km from the statue, and you can walk or take a shuttle bus to reach there.
Dhyanalinga:
The Dhyanalinga is a powerful and unique energy form, created by Sadhguru, that offers a rare opportunity to experience life in its purest form. It is a dome-shaped structure that houses a 13-foot high linga, made of high-density black granite. The linga radiates a subtle and intense energy field, that can help anyone who sits in its vicinity to attain a state of meditation. The Dhyanalinga is about 3 km from the statue, and you can take a shuttle bus to reach there.
Velliangiri Hills:
The Velliangiri Hills are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and are known for their rich flora and fauna, and their sacred significance. They are also called the Kailash of the South, as they are believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The hills offer a scenic and adventurous trek to the top, where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek is about 8 km long, and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The Velliangiri Hills are about 10 km from the statue, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach there.
The Adiyogi Shiva statue is a remarkable place that showcases the glory and grace of the first yogi and the originator of yoga. It is a place that can inspire you to learn and practice the ancient and timeless science of yoga, and to transform your life with its benefits. It is also a place that can enchant you with its beauty and grandeur, and make you feel the presence and energy of Adiyogi.
If you are looking for a unique and spiritual destination in India, you should definitely visit the Adiyogi Shiva statue, and experience it for yourself. You will not regret it, and you will come back with a new perspective and a new purpose.
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Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon at the Adiyogi Shiva statue. Please share your feedback or questions in the comments section below, or on our social media pages. Namaskaram!