The major attraction for the first-time visitor is the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple Complex. The Temple Complex is a fusion of various elements, each of which is worth a visit. First park your footwear at the footwear stand. If you decide to leave them somewhere other than the designated area, your footwear may decide to walk off with somebody else. This is a temple complex and walking barefoot is the norm.
The first place to visit is the Nandi - a large metal sculpture of a bull, reclining in a posture that is simultaneously relaxed and alert. This in a way represents the qualities needed to enjoy meditation. Feel free to ring on the bells hanging around its neck before heading off to the next spot to visit. Move on to the audio/visual center where you will be shown a short introductory video which will give you a better idea of the temple, its background and history. The video is played alternately in both Tamil - the local language, and in English.
You can then begin a short walk around the Outer Parikrama of the Temple Complex. This is a circular path which runs around the main temple - the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple. The Outer Parikrama incorporates several mystical and aesthetic elements. The monolithic Trimurthi Panel located behind the Dhyanalinga dome depicts the three fundamental qualities essential for a human being's inner growth: Rudra, Hara and Sadashiva. Rudra is an intense state of mind, Hara is the quality of childlike meditativeness and Sadashiva is an ever blissful state of being.
dhyanalinga yogic temple
The Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple is a meditative space and is said to be the first of its kind to be completed in over 2000 years. It was consecrated in 1999 by Sadhguru and it does not ascribe to any particular faith and is open to all irrespective of their religion or nationality. It is open everyday, irrespective of national or cultural holidays from 6am to 8pm. Uniquely among Indian temples, it remains open even during eclipses. Entrance is free. Measuring 13 feet 9 inches, the Dhyanalinga is the largest mercury-based linga in the world.
The Inner Parikrama is the intricate pathway leading to the Dhyanalinga Temple. The first element that you encounter is the 17 foot white granite monolith, the Sarva Dharma Stambha. Symbols of nine major religions of the world are inscribed on three sides of this Stambha as a sign of welcome for one and all beyond religious divide. After crossing the Stambha, you enter the Inner Parikrama. On the left is the statue of Patanjali, regarded as the father of yogic sciences. On the right is the Vanashree shrine, the feminine deity of the Dhyanalinga temple. Six artistically sculptured granite panels cover the aisles, illustrating the stories of six South Indian sages who attained enlightenment. Each panel captures a moment in these extraordinary lives. The Parikrama ends at a vaulted tunnel that leads to the dome of the Dhyanalinga. The earthy colors, the natural granite, the attention to details and the shapes that form the Dhyanalinga temple create a warm and esoteric ambiance.
The elliptical Dhyanalinga dome that houses the linga itself is 76 feet in diameter and 33 feet high. It is a pillarless 250,000 brick structure and was built with brick and mud mortar stabilized with lime, sand, alum and herbal additives without the use of any steel, cement, or concrete. The technology used is this - all the bricks are trying to fall down at the same time but the way they are aligned and balanced ensures they can never fall. This design is similar to that of Roman arch bridges where the keystone ensures the stability of the bridge. The nature of this design ensures a lifespan of at least 5000 years for the dome. The natural draught of air and the choice of natural materials make the dome a cool and soothing space.
linga bhairavi temple
Right opposite the Trimurthi Panel and adjacent to the Isha Yoga Center is the Linga Bhairavi Temple which represents the Divine in its feminine manifestation. Located to the southwest of the Dhyanalinga Temple complex, this deity is unique in that it is in the shape of a linga. The Linga Bhairavi is focused on enhancing the physicality - the material well-being and health of an individual. The temple is open from 6:30 am to 01:20 pm and 4:20 pm to 8:20 pm, seven days a week.
Aarti
which is a ceremony of worship offered to the Devi thrice a day at 7:40 am, 12:40 pm and 7:40 pm. It is of approximately fifteen minutes duration and is open to the public. Unlike many temples in India where individuals from foreign countries are not allowed in, the Linga Bhairavi and Dhyanalinga Temples are open to all irrespective of nationality or religion. You can also make several offerings or Arpanas to the Devi on days that are of special significance to them such as the Netra Arpana, which makes a plea to Devi to fulfill desires and wishes. The Devi Abhaya Sutra is a specially consecrated thread which when tied around the wrist is supportive of oneâs ambitions and in removing fear or the Samarpanam which enhances general wellbeing for a person and their family.