I feel elated to write this blog as I recently completed visiting Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, which had been on my and my wife’s bucket list for a long time. The journey from being religious in childhood to slowly trying to understand spiritualism has been long for me. Though I call this a trip, it was the best escapade I have had from my hustling life to date. I experienced the tranquility I was anticipating before visiting this positive energy space. I love listening to Sadhguru and reading his books. Moreover, I am inclined towards reading spiritual books and gathering information about understanding the various aspects of spiritualism. Eventually, the desire to visit the ashram and experience the tranquility that many seekers and bloggers have shared in their blogs and anecdotes grew stronger. This blog aims to provide the necessary information seekers or travelers may need, rather than discussing spiritualism.
Table of Contents
Planning the Trip
I planned a 2-day trip to visit the ashram. There are two ways to explore the ashram premises: one as a day tourist who visits in the morning and leaves by late evening, and another by staying inside the ashram premises to experience the vibe and the simple way of living. Before deciding to stay inside the Ashram, I visited the official website of the Isha Yoga Centre and booked two Nadhi Cottages. This was a fulfilling family trip with my wife, my mother, and my father-in-law. The ashram offers a wide range of rooms, cottages, and dormitories for guests. The residential buildings are classified based on their proximity to the Dhyanalinga Shrine. The Nadhi Cottages are an array of cottages located approximately a 5-minute walk from Dhyanalinga.
It was a 3-day trip (including the return journey) that started on a Friday evening from Mumbai, reaching Coimbatore by late evening. The flight journey took approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching, we had pre-booked a hotel near the airport for spending the night since the last check-in time at Isha Centre was 9 PM, beyond which entry was not admissible. The sedan taxi driver, Mr. Ayappan (+91-7200068233), was cordial, polite, and an expert driver. We decided to go to the Ashram with him the next day, for which he gladly agreed to a fare of INR 1500/-. We left the hotel at 11.30 AM and reached the Ashram exactly at 1.05 PM, which was one of the check-in times to be decided in advance while booking rooms at the Ashram.
Arrival and Check-In
The booking procedure is simple: decide the number of rooms based on their availability, choose a check-in time slot, and make the payment. Once the payment is confirmed, an email with a link is sent to your email ID with the booking ID where you need to upload the KYC documents of the travelers/guests. Upon successful upload, another email confirming your booking is sent. Before arriving at the Welcome Point, you will cross the main gate meant for day visitors/tourists. Further ahead is the Chandravasal Gate where security personnel will ask for your booking ID. Upon verification, you reach the Welcome Point, a huge lobby consisting of 18-20 counters for preliminary check-in formalities and verification. If KYC is already uploaded, no re-KYC is required. However, if more than three guests are visiting, the website sometimes doesn’t have a provision for uploading documents of all guests. In such cases, the person's photograph and a copy of the address proof are obtained. Based on the type of accommodation you have booked, a waterproof wristband of different colors (mine was light blue) will be provided to the guests, which are to be worn until check-out from the premises.
Accommodation and Facilities
After completing the formalities at the Welcome Point, we walked towards the Nadhi Cottages, which were 200 meters away. Despite it being afternoon, the breeze was cool and the daytime temperature was pleasant (June). We entered the cottage premises and headed towards the reception counter where the cottage block (named after different Indian Rivers) was allotted along with the rooms. Since we had senior citizens with us, we were allotted adjoining rooms on the ground floor of the ‘Bhavani’ Cottage. Trolleys are available at the welcome point and the cottage reception in case you have a significant amount of luggage to carry.
The rooms are among the simplest and cleanest I have lived in. They are equipped with just basic amenities like a bed, side table, mattress, pillow, bed sheet, copper jug and glasses, mirror, table, chair, and luggage rack. The locks are computerized and accessible through an access card only. The washroom was equally neat and clean, with basic amenities like a bucket, mug, handwash, and toilet roll (if required).
The entire place has serenity embedded into it. The positive vibes can be felt if you are sensitive to the energies of people around you. We had lunch at the Peppervine eatery, located ahead of the welcome point and beside the courtyard with the lotus pond. The eatery is spacious, with a token system for purchasing food. It serves a variety of food like traditional Thali, snacks, fresh juices, tea, coffee, and delicious desserts daily, with the menu changing every day and displayed on a blackboard. It’s a self-service eatery where you collect your order from the counter and, after eating, deposit the plates and items in the dedicated counters. There’s no need to buy water bottles as there are plenty of water coolers with hot, cold, and room temperature water, cleaned and maintained daily. We ordered two South Indian Thalis (sufficient for three people), a bowl of Rasam Rice, fruit custard, and Coconut Pudding (a must-try).
Exploring the Ashram
Post lunch, it was time to explore the ISHA Life Store, which offers numerous lifestyle items produced by them for sale. There are two stores facing each other beside the eatery. One store is dedicated solely to clothes, while the other offers lifestyle products, books, art pieces, metal crafts, stone crafts, paintings, posters, fridge magnets, car magnets, incense cones, and more. I bought some clothes (particularly the dhoti pants seen throughout the campus), many books, incense cones, and souvenirs. Then, my wife and I took a brisk stroll around the ashram, visiting the Bhiksha Hall and ‘Shivapadam’ quarters. Multiple activities occur in the open fields, like group exercises and games. We sat beneath a tree and relaxed for a while before heading towards the quarters.
Evening Visit to Adiyogi Shrine
The evening was planned for visiting the majestic Adiyogi Shrine, situated in the open fields at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains – The Kailash of the South. The distance from the Nadhi quarters to the Adiyogi Shrine is approximately 1 km, separated by the approach road. To visit the site, we crossed the lotus pond courtyard, the Suryakund, another eatery, an array of shops selling local items, and the main “snake” entrance for day tourists and visitors. After crossing the road, a well-constructed path leads to one of Earth's most beautiful human creations. The walking distance is close to 400 meters, but bullock carts are available for transporting visitors for INR 20/- each. Two battery-operated carts are also available at the same rate, but they must be hired as and when available. The battery carts can be hired about 50 meters from the ticketing counter. The evening hosts a spectacular laser show at the Adiyogi Shrine at 7.00 PM sharp daily. Large numbers of day tourists and ashram residents gather for the show, so if planning to hire a bullock cart and be accompanied by senior citizens, it’s better to reach the spot at least half an hour in advance. Carry a bed sheet or newspapers for sitting as it’s an open field.
Words fail to describe the visual experience of seeing the 112ft Adiyogi Statue against the sky with blue-black hues. It was a windy evening, and the wind danced freely in the fields while Adiyogi’s serene presence complemented the landscape. The 20-minute laser show was breathtaking and immersive, a must-visit activity whether one is a day tourist or a resident tourist. After the show, the huge crowd disperses, so be cautious while leaving with kids and elders. Also, upon returning, bullock carts are unavailable, and you need to wait for the two battery-operated carts to transport you back to the ticketing counter. Additionally, keep track of Bhiksha Hall meal timings as all other eateries close by 8 PM. They are very disciplined with timings, so ensure you reach the eateries or Bhiksha Hall on time for the last meal.
The Morning Walk and Bhiksha Hall Experience
The next morning, awakened by the mating calls of peacocks that roam freely in the ashram, Harshita and I decided to revisit the Adiyogi Shrine. The serene morning walk to the statue was enchanting, with the early light casting a mystical glow over the landscape. Since photography is only allowed at the Adiyogi site, I took this opportunity to capture some beautiful shots while Harshita meditated in the tranquil surroundings. We spent nearly an hour there, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to our cottage.
For early tea or coffee enthusiasts, it’s advisable to carry tea bags and coffee pouches along with disposable cups, as potable hot water is available outside each cottage block. For brunch, we chose to eat at the Bhiksha Hall, joining the second batch of diners. The hall, capable of accommodating at least 1000 people, was filled with the soothing sounds of Isha Chants and Sadhguru’s voice. The simple yet delicious meal was surprisingly fulfilling, keeping us satiated for a long time. We decided to have dinner there as well, appreciating the sense of community and tranquility.
Experiencing Dhyanalinga and Linga Bhairavi
The primary purpose of our visit was to experience the energy and ambiance around Dhyanalinga. Many people have reported feeling a unique energy inside the dome, and I was eager to experience it myself. Before entering, a 5-minute video about the origin and importance of Dhyanalinga is shown to visitors. Once inside, we waited in the patio before being allowed into the sacred dome. The atmosphere was charged with a profound sense of peace and reverence.
I found a secluded spot to sit and relax, immersing myself in the environment as the ‘Naad-Aradhana’ began. The sight of the Dhyanalinga, with water droplets strikingly reflecting light rays, was mesmerizing. I spent about 15 minutes there, deeply absorbed in the experience.
Next, we visited the Linga Bhairavi Shrine, a short walk from Dhyanalinga. The triangular-shaped shrine, with its enigmatic deity, was awe-inspiring. The bright eyes of the Mother Goddess captivated us, and the hot prasadam (Payasam) was a delightful treat. The shrine, managed by priestesses, exudes a powerful feminine energy that complements the serene masculinity of the Dhyanalinga.
Attempt to Rejuvenate
We also attempted to book a rejuvenation therapy slot at the Isha Rejuvenation Centre. We visited the previous evening to book a slot, but the volunteer informed us that bookings could only be made the next morning at 9.30 AM. Due to our packed schedule, we missed the booking window, and all slots were filled by the time we returned. This activity remains on our to-do list for our next visit. Instead, we spent the afternoon relaxing in our cottage and took a leisurely stroll around the ashram, enjoying snacks at the Peppervine and sitting on the benches, doing nothing—a rare and cherished experience of pure relaxation.
Our last morning was spent enjoying a leisurely brunch at the Bhiksha Hall. We then proceeded to check out at 11.00 AM. I called Mr. Ayappan, our reliable taxi driver, who arrived punctually. With a heavy heart, we left the ashram, vowing to return for a longer stay and possibly enroll in one of the ashram's programs. The serene environment, positive energy, and profound experiences made this visit unforgettable.
Important Tips for Visiting Isha Yoga Centre:
Booking and Documentation: Ensure you book your accommodation well in advance through the official Isha Yoga Centre website. Upload all required KYC documents promptly to avoid any check-in delays.
Packing Essentials: Carry comfortable clothing suitable for a spiritual and serene environment. It’s advisable to pack light and include items like tea bags, coffee pouches, and disposable cups as hot water is available outside each cottage block.
Footwear: Since the Ashram involves a lot of walking, comfortable footwear is a must. Note that shoes are to be removed at certain places like Dhyanalinga and Linga Bhairavi.
Eateries and Meal Timings: Bhiksha Hall serves meals at specific times, and other eateries close by 8 PM. Plan your meals accordingly to avoid missing out.
Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle. There are ample water coolers with hot, cold, and room-temperature water available around the premises.
Photography: Photography is completely restricted in the Ashram except at the Adiyogi Shrine. Use this opportunity to capture the breathtaking sights there.
Transport within the Ashram: Utilize the trolleys provided at the welcome point and cottage reception if you have significant luggage. Bullock carts and battery-operated carts are available for transportation within the Ashram and to the Adiyogi Shrine.
Program Participation: If you are interested in participating in specific programs or rejuvenation therapies, ensure you book slots as early as possible as they fill up quickly.
Safety and Respect: The ashram is a place of spiritual practice and peace. Be mindful and respectful of the rules, and maintain silence in designated areas like Dhyanalinga.
Health and Wellness: The serene environment is perfect for meditation and yoga. Take time to relax, meditate, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings for a rejuvenating experience.
Visiting the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore was a deeply fulfilling experience. From the serene accommodations and delicious meals to the profound energy of Dhyanalinga and the majestic presence of Adiyogi, every aspect of our trip was memorable. The tranquility and positive energy of the ashram provided a much-needed escape from our hectic lives. Although we missed out on some experiences, like the rejuvenation therapies, we left with a promise to return. This visit not only deepened our understanding of spiritualism but also reinforced the importance of taking time to rejuvenate and connect with oneself.
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