• Know briefly about the rituals at the Bengaluru Center, required to enhance the energy levels.

It has been only a little over a year since the Sadhguru Sannidhi center opened in Chikkaballapur, 70 kms from Bangalore. The center boasts the grand 112 ft tall Adiyogi murty and two temples – the Yogeshwar temple below the murthy and the Naga temple which is the kshetrapaal of this center. In this short time, this center has already seen a host of timeless Indian rituals and traditions performed for various occasions.

Last month during the Holi full moon, the powerful Saptarshi Aarti was performed by the pujaris from Kashi Vishwanath temple. This is a powerful pooja performed on the Yogeshwar Linga with a host of offerings like flowers, rudraksha malas, bilva leaves and many more.

When Sadhguru visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple, his first experience of this process was very powerful. He describes the process as the creation of powerful stacks of energy. He says, “It is a technology. What they build up in this temple in that forty-five minutes to one hour is phenomenal. I’ve never seen anything like that anywhere conducted by priests.” 

This aarti is performed every year on winter solstice in December at the Yogeshwar Linga at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. Thereafter, in March at the Yogeshwar Temple at Sadhguru Sannidhi, Bangalore.

Earlier in the year, on 15th January, the center celebrated the anniversary of Yogeshwar Temple consecration and unveiling of Adiyogi statue. This day will likely be a grand occasion every year. This year a 21-foot Nandi and 54-foot Trishul were consecrated by Sadhguru. The Nandi has been installed in front of Adiyogi. The Trishula is yet to be installed in its designated space. (read more here)

Another major celebration happened last year in August on Naga Panchami. The historic troupe from Tulunadu performed the ancient ritual called Nagamandala pooja. Usually performed at temples and sacred groves of coastal Karnataka, here a lavish mandapam was set up effused with fruits and flowers. From torans of pineapples to pillars draped with areca nuts – the sight dazzled visitors. 

On the morning of Naga Panchami, the traditional Ashleshbali Pooja commenced in front of the consecrated deity. This was a 2-hour affair. In the evening, Sadhguru and other dignitaries including film actress Tamanah arrived for the main Nagamandala event.

Nagamandala is performed to receive the grace of the sacred serpent, or Naga, which is believed to bring various benefits, including spiritual growth. It is a vibrant mix of traditional music, dance, and singing around a mandala rangoli prepared on the floor of the mandapam. (know more here)

On other occasions, traditional performances like Theyyam and tribal dance have been performed by regional artists. Isha Samskriti School nurtures students in the ancient traditional arts, thus, they often put-up powerful performances of kalaripayattu and bharatnatyam.

As this center grows, devotees can hope to see many more such ancient Indian traditions on display.

Know more about Sadhguru Sannidhi Bengaluru here  Pictures courtesy Isha Foundation

Author Priyanka Dalal has a profound love for spiritual exploration and travel. She documents her adventures on her blog MapRoute and youtube channel InSpirituality