I travel a lot, many different exciting cities around the globe but still chose to share about this trip first. Why?
Because this trip is close to my heart, I went to Coimbatore in 2019 right after my under-graduation was complete and this is special because it was probably the last trip I could enjoy with family because I would later get involved in work and health matters. AND I went to a spiritual trip and loved it!? Even I can't Imagine this!!
Anyways, When I went there it was called "Coimbatore"; but now as per the new trend in India. Coimbatore is named to "Koyampuththur". This action is taken by government to discard English names of places and restore the Tamil version of all places, this came during the time when the World is fighting Novel Covid-19. I feel sad for local authorities who have to do this among all this chaos. (Source: NDTV)
Another reason for this city being special is once it was gateway to my School. Hence many bitter sweet memories are related to this city. Moreover, Cities of South India are so calming and relaxing specially after facing chaos of living in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai (Yes, now I live in these cities as My college is in Delhi and Bengaluru and Home in Mumbai)
This blog might seem like an Itinerary of Coimbatore the way I explored it recently, but this is how I prefer to travel with family.
So, let's start the adventure!
Before we start this blog will be one broing one because places we went to were prohibited for shooting, If you want to see those Images Contact me and I will share them with you. Can't make them public.
Our journey started form Delhi, we had flight at 10:40pm but Thanks to Air India, boarding started at 11:20pm and so we reached Coimbatore around 2:00am. What can be worse than being a north Indian in southern India at midnight, right outside the airport was a deserted city No Cabs or anything else. Gladly we got an Ola after 30 minutes.
Free Tip: When travelling in southern Part of India pre-book your hotel. Most of Staff won't be able to Understand Hindi and at times even English does not help. So after struggling our way we finally checked into hotel. Glad I have some clue about Tamil which helped me.
Next day Morning we started our trip, this was one spiritual trip as a known who arranged all for everything during the trip suggested this so we only had two places in mind to look out.
Dhyanlingam (Isha Yog Center)
Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Coimbatore
Morning around 9am we got up, we were late and tired because of late night flight and adventures in the city. So we got ready and as usual, Prakhar is late for Breakfast. Okay wait here. For all the food adventures I am writing a separate blog or this will get long and got ready. Will link when I upload, Subscribe to get notified.
Dhyanlinga (Isha Yog Center)
Here's some fact about this picture: This is the statue of Adiyogi which is 112.4 ft tall. It has been recognized as the Largest Best Sculpture by the Guinness World Records. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Founder of Isha Foundation; has designed the statue and was inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in 2017. This statue is magnanimous and it is worth it! When you walk inside the premises of Isha Foundation, the first thing you notice is the huge statue overlooking the entire property. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, this statue is a sight to behold! While moving towards Isha Foundation you can spot it on way!
How to Reach: We had or car so it was convenient for us. As told by local public and our sweet driver Public Transport is easily available from Coimbatore to reach here. We were staying in Gandhipuram, Center of City so it was a 60 minutes drive for us battling traffic of city.
From the Adiyogi statue, you need to use the traditional bullock cart to reach the Dhyanalinga. Or you can directly visit the Dhyanlinga. We visited Dhyanlinga first then Went to Adiyogi Statue.
What is Dhyanalinga?
Dhyanlinga is a temple inside the premises which has a huge dome and a lingam which is 13 mt in height. It is made of black granite stone and complete silence is maintained inside the temple. When you enter the temple, you are requested to sit and meditate for atleast 15 minutes and you can exit the temple only when the bell rings at the end of the 15 minutes. You may choose to sit longer. The temple welcomes all religions. And non believers like me to. This is all about channelizing powers of body and meditation therefore that was the only reason if you close eye and focus then you will love it for sure.
My Experience at Dhyanlinga
The route to this place was really lovely with green trees/vegetation on both sides. We reached the place in mid-noon with the scorching sun above our head. This place has to be maintained in complete silence. So they collected the cameras, cell phones other items in the entrance itself. It’s free.
For a person like me who has phobia of Reptiles looking down was the best option as Entrance and all over the temple there were sculptures of Snakes. This huge Snake was at entrance, which I somehow managed to Capture, edit and add to this blog. I feel so brave and proud of myself right now.
You are welcomed and greeted by the volunteers. If you are the first time visitor to Dhyanalinga, you will be shown a small documentary movie about Dhyanalinga. I would suggest you watch it.
Theerth Kund
Next is to have a dip in the holy pond to energize yourself and to dissipate the heat. You need to shower yourself before getting into the pond. They will provide you with a saffron color towel. You are supposed to remove all the clothing and wear only this towel. They charge Rs. 20 for each person.
The pond called “Surya Kund” is constructed 30 feet below the ground level. The depth of the water is 5 feet. This pond has three consecrated Lingams and an artificial waterfall. You are supposed to walk slowly into the pond, touch the Lingam with both your hands and take a dip in the water.
But if you are like me who is not comfortable then you can just get in water and wash your hands and leg and sprinkle some over your head. The water is so chill and so clear - I could see the toes, nails on my feet. It was as if I am watching through a magnifying glass. This is a surreal experience. I thought this experience is worth the visit to Dhyanalinga.
This above place is only for Men. There is a separate pond called Chandra Kund which is reserved for women visiting Dhyanalinga.
I strongly suggest you take a dip, whether you are religious or not. It’s a lovely experience.
Linga Bhairavi Temple
The volunteer explained that this is the feminine form of Lingam. You can worship Linga Bhairavi as you would do to other Hindu gods. There are requests made to her, in exchange for flowers and poojas. A typical Hindu establishment. I seriously do not see a need for this temple inside a meditation place.
I saw a lot of foreigners in saffron dresses doing poojas, offering flowers, doing meditations etc. A typical scene in an Ashram.
Nandhi
We saw a small beautiful artificial pond with Lillies and Goldfishes, on the way to Dhyanalinga and spent some time walking around the pond, watching the flowers and fishes. It was good. A big 15 foot Nandhi interrupted us on Dhyanalinga’s entrance. Its made up of a metal alloy, filled with herbs inside, consecrated by a ceremony. It was painted in pitch black color and looks majestic.
Sarva Dharma Sthamba
We saw Sarva Dharma Sthamba, just before the entrance, signifying singularity or union of all religions. This stone has the inscriptions of symbols of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Shinto welcoming people from all religious beliefs. I am not sure how many people actually notice this Sthamba. I did not see a single person looking or checking this out. If you are not with any volunteer then you may miss out on this. but this was my favorite thing, A symbol that teaches all religions are equal and humanity is the biggest religion.
Dhyanalinga
Finally, we are into Dhyanalinga. The side walls on the path to Dhyanalinga has stone sculptures depicting many scenes in Hindu mythologies. This is not congruent with the Sarva Dharma Sthamba we saw outside. The volunteers allow people to go inside Dhyanalinga in batches, every five minutes. There are 27 enclosures on the sidewalls of Dhyanalinga. You can either sit inside the enclosures or in the open space for meditation. The five minute time is for the people who just came to visit. If you want to meditate longer, you can do it. No one will disturb your meditation.
I was surprised to see the pillar-less construction of such a big dome. My surprise increased a thousand times when I heard that this was constructed without Steel & Concrete. This was built with the ancient Indian technique with brick, mud, lime, clay and some herbs. It is properly ventilated and illuminated - perfect for meditation. It is said that this structure will withstand for at least 5000 years. There was such a silence inside Dhyanalinga where I could hear my watch ticking. It was very serene.
“Just sitting silently for a few minutes within the sphere of Dhyanalinga is enough to make even those unaware of meditation experience a state of deep meditativeness.” - Sadhguru
I occupied one of the enclosures and started to meditate. I closed my eyes and focused on surrounding sounds, the experience was just serene and calming. I dont know if any energy or spiritual fact happens but inside the dome environment was so calm and cool that it is sure to take away your problems and calm your mind. I could only remind of four people I love the most and happy memories.
Why should You visit Dhyanalinga?
The architecture and construction techniques is nothing short of any other marvelous constructions in the world. It’s a must see if you like to travel.
The refreshingly chill holy dip in Surya Kund. This is the best and I loved it.
The biggest meditation place in the world, situated in the forest. If you are interested in meditation, then this is your Mecca.
You can book in advance and stay in the Dhyanalinga premises for several courses on yoga, meditation and mindful living.
Maybe I will visit once again to explore more. And couple of things which I missed.
Isha Foundation also has a canteen where basic food and tea, coffee can be found. There are cottages for those who would like to stay in the premises. They have meditation halls and an Isha shoppe. Do not expect a lot from the food, it is very basic, but I would suggest you to go and try something. It is one of the best food you will ever find. Every bite you can taste simplicity and eternal love of food rises, this is food that fills your soul not just stomach.
Perur Pateeswarar Temple
Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple, or the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Patteeswarar located at a distance of 9 kilometres from the city of Coimbatore. The grand temple has immense religious, cultural and historical importance for the followers and devotees of Lord Patteeswarar who visit from all over the world to offer their prayers. This temple is also commonly known as the temple dedicated to Lord Nataraj. The ancient artwork, paintings, sculptures and carvings attract art lovers too. Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple is also one of the biggest temples in Coimbatore.
One can explore the temple and observe its splendid artwork which is a specimen of ancient art and traditional architecture. Many devotees often claim a visit to the temple gives them a positive vibe and helps them reinvent themselves. The idol of Lord Patteeswarar is seen with a scar on his head that was given by Kamdhenu, and her footprint is also preserved inside the temple. A truly mesmerising one, do take some time out to visit the attraction when exploring Coimbatore.
Architecture of Perur Pateeswarar Temple
Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple was built according to the ancient traditional temple architecture of the 11th Century. The features include temple gateways or gopurams, the sanctum sanctorum housing an idol of Lord Nataraja and several halls with pillars. The entire structure is intricately carved and has paintings all over the walls and the ceilings. The pillars, in particular, have carvings that depict the various manifestations of Lord Shiva. A special feature of the magnificent temple is the series of stone chains on the ceiling. Inside the complex, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesh and a Swayambhu Shivalinga devoted to Lord Shiva. Statues of some deities are also sculpted inside the temple including Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Veena. The temple complex also has a tamarind tree inside the premise.
Cultural and Religious Significance of Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple
According to a Hindu Legend, Kamdhenu, the mother of all cows, had a calf that discovered a Shivalinga while grazing in grassland. The Shivalinga was believed to be of great religious importance, and a temple was built around it. It was later sanctified by Saint Sundarar and Saint Appar in their collection of devotional poetry named 'Thevaram' and was known as the Vaipu Sthalam. The idol of Nataraja in the hall named the 'Golden Hall of Dance', or the 'Kanaka Sabhai' is believed to be manifested by the lord to the Pattimuni, Gomuni and the Rishis. Other than the Thevarams, the temple has been mentioned in several other important historical and literary works of art. Thus, the temple plays an important role in the folk art that originated in the region. Some inscriptions also provide insights into the culture, the rituals, the customs and the lifestyle and its evolution since the 11th century.
For me the best part was finding Elephants, they happen to be my second favourite animals in World and I get happy by a look of them. We were lucky that when we went there it was their bathing time and temple authority let me help them. Prepartions of Rath Yatra were underway therefore could not spend much time with them. There were total 3 of them who could eat a whole Watermelon in one bite.
Very apt imagery of a beautiful place ! I'm surprised it's the first travel blog. It's certainly very Condé Nast worthy.