There are memes making rounds that suggest there is an underground temple below the Adiyogi. I have put up a few in the featured picture above, have you seen any of them before? Tell me in comments. I found it amusing (and creative) when I saw it. However, I was not expecting 2 different visitors to Chikkaballapur Adiyogi ask about it when I was volunteering there, “is this all there is, we thought there was a way to go below Adiyogi to the underground temple” That’s when I had a jaw drop moment! The meme popped up in my mind and I was not sure whether to laugh or marvel that at least some people have been taking it seriously!
The Yogeshwar Linga Temple Below Adiyogi
As I was volunteering in the Yogeshwar Linga temple, I realized that well, there is INDEED a temple BELOW the Adiyogi. It is the Yogeshwar Linga temple. Much can be said about it but before I do that, here are some pics to create the right picture for you, otherwise you might still be imagining a subterranean chamber like the memes suggest. 😀
Understanding The Adiyogi Temple
The Yogeshwar Linga is the consecrated deity in the “Adiyogi Temple”. In all our traditional temples of note, we always see some examples of stunning architecture, either the tall gopurams or intricate carvings across the mandapams or colourful frescoes on the ceiling or something else. One insightful reason for this, as I have learned from Sadhguru, is that people need to feel a sense of wonder or awe as they enter God’s abode. These architectural wonders help the person forget the outside material world. They feel they have stepped into a different space and this diminishes the routine chattering of the mind and enhances silence and receptivity. By the time the visitor reaches the sanctum sanctorum where the main consecrated deity is, we hope they will be in a silent and accepting state of mind that has been wow’ed and humbled enough to bow down deeply.
I think for a lot of people Adiyogi definitely plays this role, they walk towards Him in excitement and reverence. Click a few pics, feel happy (hopefully not obsessed with pics) and then they will walk towards this temple mandapam below the Adiyogi with some humility and joy. The amazing natural vista and open space around the Adiyogi just multiplies this effect.
Sadhguru on the nature of the Yogeshwar Linga consecration
Yogeshwar Linga Temple Ambiance
Usually, the Yog Yog Yogeshwaraya chant is heard outside this temple mandapam as the visitors approach. The linga on the floor of the temple feels very approachable. And it has been made very, very approachable which I find fascinating. Usually, when there is not too much of a crowd, the volunteers coax devotees to approach the linga, take a pradakshina, bow down. Offerings are available and the devotees can purchase jala and pour it on the linga themselves.
As usual, this is a meditation space. The Saptarishis all carved in sitting cross-legged posture can give us company as we humbly settle into a comfortable sitting posture.
So, while there is no subterrenean pathway into the Adiyogi and below… there is a great temple experience packaged for the visiting devotees.
Logistical Information to Plan Your Adiyogi & Yogeshwar Linga Experience
Typically, the timings of Yogeshwar Temple and Adiyogi are 6am to 8pm. However, these can change on certain days like Mahashivratri, Saptarshi aarti or Sadhguru sathsangs or other big events. Usually, the administration will try to facilitate a Yogeshwar temple visit for the visitors as much as possible. But in certain cases, the temple does get cordoned off. In either case, Adiyogi is always open and visible very well even from a little way away.
You can check for any events on the website page: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/center/consecrated-spaces/112-feet-adiyogi though it has not been updated with details for Bangalore Adiyogi last I checked. You can also call the general Isha helpline number @ +91-8300083111
If you are at the Coimbatore Adiyogi, then don’t miss visiting the Dhyanalinga temple. There is also Linga Bhairavi temple and beautiful bathing kunds separate for men and women. Complete guide to plan your Coimbatore Adiyogi visit here. Details on planning your Bangalore Adiyogi visit here.
Offerings at the Yogeshwar Linga and Adiyogi
Jala abhishekam or flower offerings to Yogeshwar Linga
Pooja plate with coconut, agabattis, kapoor and flowers at Yogeshwar Linga temple mandapam
tying a black cloth to Adiyogi trishuls
Other offerings may be available depending on the day like lighting of 3 lamps or offering flower malas etc.. These offerings are not free. The cost of these offerings and type of offerings differ between Coimbatore and Chikkaballapur.
Adiyogi Divya Darshanam
You would have probably heard about the Adiyogi sound and light show that happens daily at 7pm in Coimbatore and Chikkaballapur, Bangalore. I have written detailed blog posts on the technological wonder it is and logistical guide to plan your visit.
To have a quiet and serene experience
Visit in the early morning hours for a cool and quiet experience. Later in the day it will get hotter and with more number of devotees the rules get stricter. And while you are there don’t miss having a spoonful of the teertham that is sacred water from the volunteer.
Enjoy your visit. Let me know if you have any queries.
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