Are you looking for a peaceful escape from Bangalore city? Just a short drive away lies the Isha Foundation Adiyogi Center, home to the majestic 112-foot statue of Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s principal deities.
When we visited from Bangalore, we were immediately struck by the calm and serene atmosphere that envelops the center. As we approached the Adiyogi Shiva statue, the sheer size and serene expression of the deity left us in awe.
Let’s explore Isha Foundation Adiyogi, a must-visit attraction in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka and for anyone visiting Bangalore.
Isha Adiyogi Center, Bangalore
Table of Contents
How to Reach Adiyogi from Bangalore?
By Bus
Direct buses from the Majestic KSRTC bus stand to Adiyogi are not available. From the Majestic KSRTC bus stand (platform 1A), you have to board a bus to Chikkaballapur first (INR 70) and then hop on another bus from Chikkaballapur bus stand to Adiyogi (INR 30). Alternatively, from the Chikkaballapur bus stand, you can hop on an auto for INR 50 per person for one way. Several auto drivers can be seen shouting “Isha Isha” seeking attention from the passengers.
By Air
From Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (IATA Code: BLR), hop on a bus that goes via Chikkaballapur bus stand. From there, you can either go by bus or auto as explained above. On the other hand, you can hire a taxi from the Bengaluru Airport and directly reach Adiyodi.
By Train
Chikkaballapur Railway Station (Station code: CBP) is the nearest railway station close to Adiyogi. Six trains leave from different parts of Bangalore to Chikkaballapur. These trains run from Monday to Saturday and not on Sundays.
We recommend boarding train 06387 (KSR Bengaluru – Kolar DEMU Special) which leaves KSR Bengaluru railway station at 8:35 AM. On your way back, choose from the six trains based on the time you spend at Adiyogi.
From the Chikkaballapur railway station, walk towards the KSRTC bus stand located just 750 m away and board the bus to Adiyogi.
By a Private Vehicle
The Google Maps location to Adiyogi is correct. If you own a vehicle, you can directly navigate to Adiyogi.
BMTC Isha Adiyogi Tour Package
This roundtrip BMTC package to Adiyogi is a steal deal. For INR 500 per person, Air-Conditioned special buses are operated on all public holidays and weekends from Kempegowda Bus Station. Buses depart from Kempegowda bus station Airport shuttle bay every day between 11 AM and 9:30 PM on the same day.
Online booking for the Isha Foundation tour is mandatory. Choose “Kempegowda Bus Station” and “BMTC Isha Package Tour” in the “starting-from” and “going-to” options. You can also select the seats of your choice while booking.
The Isha Foundation BMTC package tour takes an entire day to cover the following five places (in order).
- Bhoga Nandeeswara Temple
- Kanive Basavanna Temple
- Sir.M.Visweshwaraiah Museum and Samadhi Muddenahalli
- Rangasthala Ranganatha Swamy Temple
- Isha Foundation (laser show included)
Timings
Open from 6 AM to 8 PM on all days.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for Adiyogi temple. You can visit Adiyogi for FREE.
Parking
An ample amount of paid parking space is available at the entrance of the Adiyogi Shiva statue in Bangalore.
Park only in the dedicated parking. Parking on the side of the roads or in front of the shops is strictly not allowed.
- INR 20 – two-wheelers
- INR 50 – four wheelers
- And more for buses and other vehicles.
Cash, UPI, and card payments are accepted for parking payments. Fast tag is implemented as well.
Best Time To Visit Adiyogi
You can visit Isha Adiyogi at any time of the year but the best time to visit is during the morning and evening hours.
If you want to escape the crowd at Adiyogi yet witness the light show, choose to go on weekdays, as the weekends and public holidays are very crowded.
Network Availability
Jio and Airtel offer good connectivity at the Isha Foundation Chikkaballapura. You will have a strong signal no matter where you go in this region and be able to reach out to anyone easily.
ATM Availability
There is only one ATM available on the premises. There are no entry tickets. Since parking and other payments are accepted in UPI and cards, cash is not necessary. However, we highly recommend you carry a few bucks with you.
Dress Code and Footwear
There are no dress codes as such. Since Isha Foundation is a spiritual center and a holy place of worship, dress conservatively. Wear dresses covering your knees and shoulders.
Footwears are not allowed on the premises. Footwear needs to be kept at the counter close to the two-wheeler parking. A token with a number will be given to you. Your footwear can be collected on your exit by returning the token, towards the right of the Adiyogi statue.
Restroom Availability
Clean and well-maintained restrooms are available on the premises. INR 3 is charged for using the restroom facilities.
Where To Stay?
We visited as a day trip from Bangalore. However, Ravi Hills Homestay is the closest property to Adiyogi temple. Here are a few other recommendations located close by.
- Sri Krishna Inn ($)
- Bloom Hotel Bengaluru Airport ($$)
- Summer House Nandi Foothills ($$)
- Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills – a Tribute Portfolio Resort ($$$)
- JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa ($$$)
Restaurants near Adiyogi
There are a couple of vegetarian restaurants in the Adiyogi premises. They serve both south Indian and north Indian cuisines. A few snack shops and juice stalls can also be found close to the Isha Yoga Center.
Things To Do At Isha Adiyogi, Chikkaballapur
1. Naga
Right at the entrance, Naga (serpent) is the first spot you’ll see. Naga is a powerful deity consecrated by Sadhguru for health, prosperity, overcoming obstacles, and exploring the mystical dimensions of life. You can do Sarpa Seva, a pooja done on the 112 serpents carved on the Naga shrine.
2. Adiyogi
The main attraction is the most celebrated Adiyogi Shiva statue. Adiyogi stands at an impressive 112 feet, symbolizing the 112 methods he provided for achieving well-being and understanding one’s true essence. Adiyogi is considered the Adi Guru or the First Guru from whom the Yogic tradition originates.
Adorned with a white tilak on the forehead, a crescent moon, earrings, a necklace, and a snake around the neck, the statue features half-closed eyes with a gentle smile on face. His beauty radiates composure, enveloping you in a sense of calm as you gaze upon it.
It was inaugurated on 15th January 2023 by the chief minister of Karnataka. There is ample space to do meditation and yoga in front of the statue.
3. Laser light Show
Every day between 7 and 7:15 PM, a video imaging show with colorful light is projected on the Adiyogi Shiva. The audio by Sadhguru narrates the story of Adiyogi and how the science of yoga was offered to human beings. The laser light show is called Divya Dharshanam.
4. Offerings to Yogeshwar Linga
You can buy at the counter located close by and offer flowers, deepam (lamp), sacred water, coconut, etc to the Yogeshwar Linga found in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue. A volunteer will guide you in doing the offerings.
Five nagas surrounding the Yogeshwar Linga are the manifestation of five chakras in the human system. Photography is strictly prohibited in the Yogeshwar Linga area.
5. Free Yoga and Meditation Classes
At the Adiyogi Yoga Center, you can immerse yourself in a variety of programs designed to deepen your understanding of yoga and meditation. The center does not teach only physical yoga postures; rather it also focuses on a holistic approach that encompasses the body, mind, and soul. You can register for free sessions here.
The Isha Foundation conducts yoga and guided meditation sessions on Inner Engineering at various places across Bangalore.
6. Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Isha Foundation, refer to the official site for more information about the requirements, duration, and more.
7. Maha Shivaratri Festival
Maha Shivaratri is the annual festival celebrating the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. It was the day when Lord Shiva performed his divine dance called Tandava. Unlike the other festivals celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated all night long and falls in either February or March. Special poojas and events are organized at Adiyogi during Maha Shivaratri.
Future Projects at the Isha Foundation, Chikkaballapura
Sadhguru aims to establish several consecrated spaces, educational institutions, residential facilities, and more in the coming years benefiting millions of spiritual seekers.
Important Points To Remember
- Adiyogi Chikkaballapur is a strictly no-drone zone.
- Construction of the residential houses, educational institutions, and other facilities is still in progress.
Support or Helpdesk Contact
Mobile number: +91 8047103311
Email: sadhguru.sannidhi@ishafoundation.org
Places To Visit Nearby
Kaurava Kunda or Harihara Betta from where an aerial view of the Adiyogi can be seen is a must-visit. Nandi Hills, Skandagiri Hills, Avalabetta, and Gudibande Fort are also worth visiting.
If you find this guide useful, share it with your friends and family and encourage them to visit.
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