Coimbatore or Koyamuthur is a beautiful city located at the base of Velliangiri Mountain on the Western Ghats. Apart from the lush greenery and scenic beauty, people also visit this second largest city of Tamil Nadu for a view of the world-famous Adiyogi statue. It is included in the Guinness World Records as the largest bust statue of the world. It is actually a statue of Lord Shiva, who is also called Adiyogi because of his continuous meditation. It is built within the premises of Isha Yoga Complex of Coimbatore was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24th February 2017, during the holy celebration of Maha Shivratri. He also launched a book titled “Adiyogi - The Source of Yoga”, written by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on this occasion. A song with the same title was written by Prasoon Joshi, the renowned Indian lyricist and it was sung that day by Kailash Kher, the notable singer and music composer on Indian folk music style.
Prime Features Observed In The Site Of Adiyogi Statue
- This huge Adiyogi Shiva statue is sculpted from a huge mass of steel weighing 500 tones. The height of this statue is 34.3 meters or 112 feet without the plinth while its length is 45 meters and the width is 7.62 meters. The height of 112 feet symbolizes the 112 ways of attaining Moksha or salvation, as per the Yoga culture of India. It is also believed that 112 chakras or focal points on the human body, as described in ancient Yoga practices can be the reason for this particular height of this statue.
- This gigantic statue is designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, who is also the founder of the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore. According to the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, Lord Shiva is believed to be the original preacher of Yoga, for which he is called Adiyogi. Thus, Jaggi Vasudev decided to establish this huge sculpture of Shiva on the campus of his Yoga centre.
- A Shiva linga is installed in front of this statue, which is made sacred with a special puja. This linga is named Yogeshwar Linga and now attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over the country to offer puja here.
- A light and sound show on Lord Shiva is another attraction of this place, which was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. This show is featured on the meditation of Shiva as the Mahayogi, keeping in line with the theme of Moksha or ultimate salvation, which is a prime part of the Isha Yoga Foundation’s preaching.
- Though it is basically known as a Hindu pilgrimage site, people belonging to other religions can visit here merely as tourists. Different cultural programs, discussions, outdoor and indoor games, open discussions, and meals are arranged regularly for the entertainment of tourists flocking to this place. People love to spend time in the shadow of this gigantic statue and take selfies before this huge sculpture. There is also a cafeteria within this campus, where people can relish various vegetarian foods of South India.
Isha Yoga Foundation has also built another Adiyogi statue in Tennessee, USA. But this statue has the height of only 21 feet and it was inaugurated in 2015 within the campus of Isha Yoga studio there.
True Meaning Of Adiyogi As Per Ancient Scriptures
According to the ancient Yoga scripture, Shiva was the Adi Guru or the first teacher of Yoga or meditation. He taught this yogic science to the seven sages together known as Sapta Rishis, on the bank of Kanti Sarovar, a glacial lake that existed at that time near to Kedarnath Temple. These sages then spread this valuable knowledge among mankind, for the betterment of their spiritual condition and the way of living. This precious knowledge of Yoga was written in books, which were translated later in several languages. These instructions on Yogic methods were written in ancient scriptures, like Shiva Sutras and Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, where readers were taught how to gain absolute control over the body and mind for attaining salvation. It is believed that this Yoga science was later taught in North India by Guru Gorakhnath and it was preached in South India by Rishi Agasthya. Thus, Lord Shiva is the Adiyogi who handed over this knowledge of Yoga science for the benefits of all human beings. So he is also called Jagadeeswara or the Lord of the Universe, Yogeshwara or the Lord of Yoga, Parameshwara or the Supreme God, and Sarveshwara or Lord of everything.
Specific Symbols Associated With Adiyogi
Adiyogi Shiva is always seen seated in a meditating posture, called padmasana or lotus pose. He smears his entire body with ashes or vibhuti, which represents the nothingness of the universe. The crescent moon on the head of Lord Shiva represents his control over all celestial objects. The three eyes of Lord Shiva represent the sun, moon, and the fire; alternatively, his eyes symbolize the past, present, and future as he can see everything. The large snake coiled around his neck represents the divine energy present in all creatures. The flow of the holy river Ganga from the matted hair of Shiva is the sign of purification. Most of these symbols are sculptured in the famous Adiyogi Shiva statue and also explained in the light and sound show featured here every day.
Due to the vastness and super elegance of the Adiyogi statue, it is now included in the campaign of Incredible India, which is organized by the Tourism Ministry of India. Thus, this statue inspires people to learn the Yoga techniques for the improvement of the inner self of a person. Many people participate in the discourses on this tourist spot, organized by Isha Yoga Foundation every day. Lots of tourists and local people come here for learning meditation at the base of this statue while chanting some Sanskrit mantras or enchantments. Thus, this place always remains crowded with people interested in learning all Yoga science techniques for their spiritual betterment.
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