Adiyogi Shiva is a 500 tonne and 34 meter tall colossal sculpture dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world. Located in the Isha Yoga Complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. This monument surrounded by beautiful hills quickly became a destination for many visitors. The sculpture was constructed with the idea to inspire and promote yoga, and the statue is called “Adiyoga” meaning “the first yogi” as Lord Shiva is known to be the originator of yoga.
Designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder and head of the Isha Foundation. The statue weighs around 500 tonnes. The complex is about 18 miles from the city of Coimbatore and can be reached by bus or taxi to the main gate, after which a walk or rickshaw ride takes visitors to the base of the statue. The 112 feet height of the statue represent the 112 chakras of the body that are used in meditation.
Adiyogi was inaugurated on 24 February 2017 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. He also launched a companion book, Adiyogi The Source of Yoga, written by Sadhguru. To mark the unveiling of the statue, the song "Adiyogi The Source of Yoga" was released by the Isha Foundation, sung by Kailash Kher, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi.
The statue is designed to depict Moksha, a theme in yoga culture. Despite the obvious connotations of Hinduism, the place is considered a secular place and the image is of symbolic inspiration.People of all races and religions are invited and encouraged to participate in the many cultural events and games organized under the shadow of the mammoth statue. The Parent Foundation organizes several talks, cultural events, lectures, dinners and outdoor games from time to time. At the base of the sculpture is a shrine that can be used for meditation and chanting. The place is bustling with tourists and locals alike, and you'll find people meditating or taking selfies with the elephantine figurine at all hours of the day. There is also a cafeteria that sells all-you-can-eat South Indian food at reasonable prices.
It is not a place of worship confined to a particular religion, but rather a meditation center that opens its arms to explore each person's inner beliefs.
Location: Booluvampatti, Tamil Nadu 641109, India
Visiting Hours: 6AM–8PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
How to Reach
The statue is situated in the Dhyanalinga complex. If you want to travel by public transport, you can take a state bus from Gandhipuram bus stand which sends a bus every 45 minutes to the gate of the complex. A 7-minute walk from the Dhyanalinga temple leads to the sculpture. However, if you are not willing to walk, there are modified bullock carts and open rickshaws available that can take you to Adiyogi.