A Day at the Isha Yoga Center
Well, hello to my readers. Its been a long time since I have written something. All thanks to my coursework :( But now exams are done and dusted and I am on vacation:) While on vacation, I visited the Isha Yoga Center at Coimbatore and indeed it was a wonderful experience. In this article, I would be sharing my experience along with the do’s and don'ts of the center, which would help you plan a smooth journey.
We boarded the West Coast Express from the Mangaluru Junction at around 11:45 pm and reached Coimbatore Junction by 7:10 am. Now Isha Yoga Center is approximately 30 kms from Coimbatore Junction, and you can reach there by a cab, auto or a bus as well. If you are planning a budget friendly trip, then bus is the best option. It costs only Rs.40–50 to reach Isha. If you wish to take a bus, a detailed travel vlog is given by Heena Bhatia, in her youtube channel. This is the link.
We were 8 in a group, with a good load of luggage which resulted in us taking a cab. The entrance of the Coimbatore Junction is packed with taxis and most certainly you will find one as per your convenience (mini, sedan, SUV you name it). The cost however is on the costly side. We paid Rs. 3400(Rs.1700+Rs.1700) for the ride(Junction to Isha, Isha to Junction). You can also check online for a better deal. The Isha website mentions that a cab can be booked through them as well. This is the website.
Now speaking about accommodation. We had booked a cottage at Isha weeks prior to our visit(2–3 weeks). If you are planning a one day trip, then book a room outside the center. But if you are planning on staying for 2 or more days then book a cottage in the Ashram. You can book a cottage in the website mentioned here. Remember, you need to book weeks prior to your visit, you can check the tentative availability in the website. We had booked three rooms belonging to Shivapadam 3 complex. The cost and the services offered in each of these rooms are mentioned clearly in the website.
The cab took us straight to Welcome point of the Isha Yoga Center. Next we had to go to the reception desk, where we needed to confirm our cottage booking with payment. Remember, payment for the cottages is done at the reception counter after they scruntize the details mentioned while booking. Once the payment is done, a tag is attached to our wrists as a mark of identification.
Next part involves a 10–15 min orientation session by the volunteers of the ashram. Here they mention the rules to be followed inside the ashram, the facilities available inside(cafe’s, departmental store, rejuvention center etc.), places to visit(Suryakund/Chandrakund, Dhyanalinga, Linga Bhairavi, Adiyogi statue), timings for each of these places. The volunteers are calm, composed and you can ask for their assistance anytime. Once we were thorough with the rules, we headed to our room. The rooms were far of from the main complex of the ashram, and walking would be strenuous. But don't you worry, the Ashram hosts shuttle services(buses that run every 20–30 min) that runs between the Ashram and the rooms and vice-versa. Here is a map for your reference
We first headed towards the Biksha hall to have our morning brunch. They have a strict rule here with respect to the timings. As mentioned in the image, the first batch starts at 9:50 am and the door closes at exact 9:58 am, the next batch starts at 10:35 am and the door close at exact 10:43 am, and the open batch(which we went) starts at 11:10 am and the door closes at exact 11:30 am. You need to be inside the hall within the close time, they will not open the door after this. Inside, you can eat slowly and there is no time restriction once you are in*. As far as I remember, the brunch had soaked peanuts, beetroot curry, white rice with spinach curry, a whole mango and buttermilk.
(* I have read in some reviews that the brunch and dinner are only for the people staying at the ashram, please clarify your doubts with the volunteers before proceeding further)
Note: There is a cafeteria inside the Ashram which serves sandwiches, fruit juice, ice-creams, meals and other lip smacking food. The food served in this cafeteria is clearly on the healthy side(for ex: brown bread used for sandwich, no sugar used for fruit juices) so you can go for it. Outside the Ashram you can find a number of eateries as well.
After a healthy meal, our next visit was to the Theerthakunds. Let me quote directly from the Isha website regarding these Theerthakunds.
To increase receptivity to the energies of the Dhyanalinga, visitors can take a dip in one of the two Theerthakunds (energized water bodies) on the premises. These pools are energized by rasalingas, which have been consecrated by Sadhguru. The Chandrakund, for women, is consecrated with a slightly feminine energy and the Suryakund, for men, is more masculine in nature.Taking a dip in these energized water bodies straightens out pranic imbalances, enhancing physiological and psychological wellbeing as well as heightening spiritual receptivity. The tremendous healing power of these waters has been attested to by thousands of visitors each year.The Chandrakund is embedded 30 feet below the ground, and approached by a descent of thirty-two massive steps. It is framed by gigantic granite stones and vaulted by a colorful mural depicting the Mahakumbha Mela. The Suryakund is 20 feet below ground level, contains three rasalingas and lies underneath a stunning 20 ft brass and copper sculpture of the sun.
So before visiting the Dhyanalinga, take a dip in these theerthkunds. The water is cold, yet energizing and refreshing. I guarantee you, a dip in these theerthakunds will have a special place in your memory palace. And yes, no swimming. Before heading to take a dip, all clothes which you wear have to be removed (innerwears as well), you will be a given a robe which you need to put on(like a lungi) and proceed. The robe is to be returned after the dip to the volunteers. A fee of Rs.20 is charged for the robe. Women need to proceed to the Chandrakund for the same.
After a energizing dip, we next headed to the Linga Bhairavi shrine and offered our salutations to the Devi. Outside the shrine you can buy prasadam(coconut laddu, Black till laddu, payasam etc.) to take along. Next we headed to the Dhyanalinga where people were allowed in batches. Once we enter the Dhyanalinga, we need to meditate/just sit silently inside, until a bell is rung which indicates completion(around 10–15 mins).
Later we headed back to our rooms for rest. At around 6'o clock in the evening, we went on to visit the Adiyogi statue. Many people visit Isha just to visit this magnificent structure. The main attraction being the laser show which moved me into tears of joy. I recommend you to not see any videos related to the laser show uploaded on the net, visit the place and enjoy the live performance.
After a joyful evening, we finally arrived at the Bhiksha hall for our dinner which again was top notch. We boarded the final bus at around 9pm which took us straight to our complex.
The rooms are serene. Hot and cold water, comfy bed with a blanket, wooden wardrobe and a table, water filters at each floor. Its worth the money.
With all the sweet memories in my mind, I drifted off to sleep.
If you are in search of peace, visit this heavenly abode without second thoughts
Om Namah Shivaya.
Note: I forgot to mention this point earlier. The place also has a gift shop(Isha Life), a cloth store, a departmental store and a rejuvenation center. Everyday there are events which anyone can take part into: for ex during our visit there was Om Namah Shivaya chanting at around 5:30 am,Isha Kriya from 9–4pm(every 30 min),Aumkar meditation and many more. I have also heard that we can trek to the hills(sacred walks)All of this will be mentioned by the volunteers, make sure you clarify all your queries then and there.