Silence is a norm here. As we enter the complex we see a a huge black sculpture of a Nandi or seated bull in modern minimalist style. The sculpture depicts the rib cage and bone structure of the bull thus adding an element of verisimilitude to an otherwise iconic image. The Nandi is seated facing the Dhyana Lingam which is inside the covered dome within the complex. As photography is prohibited inside I could not take any.
All cell phones and cameras are to be deposited before entering the complex. The volunteers and serving devotees at the Centre are extremely courteous. Before commencing the perambulation of the shrine we are invited to view a five minute introductory video which explains the significance and symbolism of the various parts of the Centre. It also serves as a guide to behavior for visitors, There was no evangelistic or other content in the video seeking to “convert” the visitor to the views expressed by Jaggi Vasudev or Isha. It was just information on a take-it-orleave it basis! This is very professional.
The first point in the tour is the Linga Bhairavi Shrine. Female facial features are superimposed on an egg shaped Linga Roopam. The eyes, the red tilak and nose ring indicate the female energy flow. The Trishul is embedded in front of the idol at a slightly acute angle instead of the usual perpendicular. The shrine has no shikara or gopuram and like almost all other enclosures in the complex is shaped like a WWII nissen hut. The shrine, as such, is situated below the ground level and is approached by broad steps and wised platforms where devotees can sit. This ensures that all devotees get a good view of the altar.
The next pavilion is the Theerth Kund. A small pool akin to a swimming pool situated about 80-90 feet down. It reminded me of temple tanks in Kerala where covered steps lead down to the water. Inside this pool is a Mercury Shiv ling which almost spherical. For a fee one can enter the pool and hug the lingam. This is supposed to be good for your health. There very few visitors when we were there and we could have entered. But as we had no chage of clothes we refrained from entering.
Thereafter we made our way to the main attraction—The Dhyan Lingam. The publicity photos are apparently short at a wide angle and give the impression of a towering phallic symbol with a serpent twined around the base. In reality the dome is not as high as I expected and the Dhyana Lingam was not as awe inspiring as I had hoped it would be.
There are small recesses like catacombs around the lingam on the curving walls. Visitors who enter the shrine are made to sit in these recesses and meditate. The claim made by Centre is that a person can attain a state of bliss or ananda just by sitting there without trying to concentte or even attempting to meditate. Personally, I could not feel the connection. I spent the mandatory ten minutes alternatively closing my eyes or staring at the snake entwined phallus thinking and watching my thoughts. May be I am not ready for Isha or vice versa?
The passage that leads to the Dhyana Lingam shrine has bas relief images of famous devotees of Shiva like Meiporul Nayana, Poosalar Nayanar, Akka Maha Devi, Kannappa Nayanar and Sadhasiva Brahmendrar.
The food court and memento shop sell crafts and eatables. It was a bit surprising to find that an institution that advocates organic and natural food and a non-spicy diet is selling every type of junk food in its own official cafeteria. Why don’t they offer a taste of organic food in their own food court?
The entire place is commercialized and aimed at lightening the purse of the one-time tourist visitor. But it is all a good cause if we go by Jaggi Vasudev’s promise to convert the world into a eco-friendly green paradise.
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