By Shobha Rao Smilemaker

Nov 24: Adiyogi -- Yogeshwar Linga -- Sarpa Vasal -- Suryakund (for men) -- Nandi -- Trimurti -- Linga Bhairavi -- Saldana Halls-- Chandrakund (for women) -- Dhyanalinga -- Adiyogi

It was the second time that I was visiting the Isha Foundation Centre near Coimbatore and it was extra special to accompany my son on his first trip to the place.

The first sight of the biggest bust statue in the world - the 112 feet high Adiyogi was so awe-inspiring that we just needed to be silent to soak in the spiritual power of the place. The open lands around it with the serene Velliagiri mountains added to the magical charm of the place, as I quietly walked around the image and felt as if Lord Shiva himself was blessing me calmly in person!

In front of it was the Yogeshwar linga to bow to and I was surprised to see a foreigner priest next to it. I watched the sculpted images of the original sapta rishis and could imagine them passing on the amazing learnings of Lord Shiva to the next generations.

We then walked past the row of small shops that took care of the food and thirst needs of the devotees. The improvised bullock cart ride was another new sight for me.

Our next entrance was from the Sarpa Vasal gate. The presence of sculpted snakes all around the place is something that is not seen elsewhere. The snake is depicted something natural to be revered and not to be shunned. The Cameras are not allowed after this.

My son just has to take a dip at the Surya kund for men, the experience of touching the three mercury Shiva lingas in the cold waters is something that cannot be described in words.

As we walked further into the complex, the place seemed to filled with a sea of smiling volunteers. It was this general attitude of service that made this place extra special.

We saw the huge Nandi bull image, a depiction of the quality of devotion and patience that we need to imbibe in our lives too.

The Trimurti images of Lord Shiva, felt as if he was personally blessing us inside this utopia like environment.

I sat for sometime at the Linga Bhairavi devi temple which had a unique feel of the feminine Shakti power.

The two Sadhana halls were used by devotees for the yoga sessions or Om chanting sessions. The massive granite blocks seen on the compound walls and the amazing architecture of all the structures was something that I gave special notice to, thanks to the inputs of my architect son.

Since I was staying back, I decided to take the holy dip in the women's only Chandrakund at another time. And we went straight to the most powerful space in the centre.- The Dhyana Linga.

This highly consecrated linga resting on a big sculpted snake, with a mercury filled centre is not worshipped by the regular pooja methods. Instead people just meditate in silence around it, to activate all the seven chakras. Being amavasya day, we felt extra blessed to be able to climb up the ladder and pour holy water on it.

We also listened to the slow chanting and beat of drums at the evening nada aradhana session, which was another surreal experience under the impressive dome of the Dhyanalinga.

There was just about enough time for some quick shopping at the amazing Isha stores. We returned back to the Adiyogi and son caught the public transport back to the city.
I stayed back to smile and cherish the moments of our family with the spiritual power of this place.

Do visit the Isha Foundation Centre and imbibe the power of this 3.2 kms parikrama walk around all the sacred structures of the place.

Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.