Adiyogi, Chikkaballapur – An Evening of Spiritual Bliss and a Visitor’s Guide

It was a sunny March afternoon in 2023 when we first visited Adiyogi statue at Chikkaballapur. It was an impromptu visit as we were at Nandi Hills. Despite being under construction, the place was buzzing with people taking pictures and videos under the sun. It felt more like a tourist attraction, and the connection we usually seek was somehow missing. We left, thinking perhaps this wasn’t our kind of place.

Fast forward to 2024, and we decided to give it another try when our family came to visit. It was a weekday evening, with only a few people around, and the constructions were already complete. As I stepped out of the vehicle and gazed at the black statue of Adiyogi, illuminated by the last rays of the sun, something shifted within me. I can’t quite explain it, but I knew I was in the right place, and it felt meant to be. What followed was an evening of spiritual connection and serenity. 

This article is a memoir of our surreal encounter and a guide for those seeking similar connections. 

Adiyogi and the sunset hues

Reaching Adiyogi, Chikkaballapur 

Adiyogi statue is part of Isha Centre at Chikkaballapur, located around 60 kms away from Bangalore. By car, it takes 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. 

The roads are in good condition and you can either travel by car, taxi, bike or even bus. Bus services are available from Bangalore to Chikkaballapur and then from Chikkaballapur to Isha Junction on a regular basis.

We visited both times by booking an outstation cab. The charges come to ~3000-3500 Rupees for a 6 seater SUV. And we had the cab to ourselves for around 6 hours including the return journey.

What We Loved

• The Location:

The first thing you will notice as you approach the last stretch of the road, is the monumental statue of Adiyogi sitting in a valley cradled by hills. Positioned to look divine from every angle, it seems to touch the sky. From the platform, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surroundings.

•  Sunset Views:

The Sunset looked most gorgeous on the day we visited with an Orangish hue engulfing everything, adding to the mystical vibe of the place. 

The place felt surreal at sunset

• Evening Chant: 

The chant of “Yoga Yoga Yogeshwaraya” before the laser show sets a profound spiritual tone, creating a beautifully immersive atmosphere.

• The Laser Show:

The best audio visual storytelling I have seen so far, and it is impeccably done. It is referred to as Adiyogi Divya Darshanam and it truly feels so.

Adiyogi statue lit up during the audio visual show

• The way this place is managed:

The entire premises are exceptionally well-organised, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. The grounds are clean and spacious, and best of all, there are no charges for Darshan or anything.

Our Experience at Adiyogi Chikkaballapur

We reached the place around 5 pm, just when the whole place was bathed in a Golden glow in the last rays of the sun. And were mesmerised by the first look of Adiyogi through the gates of Naaga Mantapa. As the sun began to dip, it positioned itself just behind the Adiyogi statue, creating an orangish aura around him. 

First view of Adiyogi through the gates of Naga Mantapa

Cradled by mountains and with the statue of Nandi in front, was the imposing statue of Adiyogi, sitting on an elevated platform and seemingly touching the sky. We did not realise when time flew away, while exploring the grounds and sitting down closing our eyes for a while. Even our little niece seemed to be engrossed in the mystical vibe of the place closing her eyes and praying.

As evening descended and the light faded, an announcement invited everyone to gather for the light and sound show. Dark clouds began to roll in, and as the lights were switched off, it felt like we were transported to another world. The black statue of Adiyogi under the dark clouds looked surreal. A cool breeze began to flow, and the chants transformed the entire atmosphere. Overwhelming emotions started bubbling inside of me, of surrender, love, gratitude and a connection I thought I had lost a long time ago. 

Just after the sunset when the place turned absolutely magical

Then started the light and sound show bringing the statue to life, with immersive storytelling in the background. As the story of Adiyogi unfolded on the statue through the magic of lights, goosebumps rose all over my body. Those 15 minutes passed in the blink of an eye, and everyone shared the same sentiment afterward—goosebumps while it lasted. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our evening, and we knew we would return for more, another time.

Ardhanarishvar form presented so beautifully with the play of lights. This was my favourite part of the laser show

Additional info and pointers for visitors

1. Adiyogi at Sadhguru Sannidhi, Chikkaballapur is open to visitors from 6am-8pm everyday. 
2. The light sound show, aka Adiyogi Divya Darshanam happens everyday at 7pm.
3. To make the most of your visit, I recommend starting from Bangalore by 3:30-4 pm depending on where you stay. Aim  to reach the place at around 5-5:30 pm so that you can enjoy sunset from there and also have some time to look around before settling down for the show.
4. Avoid weekends or holidays if you can. The place gets too crowded and it gets difficult to get parking space, especially during evenings. Also, there have been instances where the long queue of vehicles to the place have created inconvenience.
5. There is no dress code as such for visiting this place. But I would recommend to dress appropriately considering it is not just a tourist place, rather a spiritual one. 
6. Once the audio visual show starts, please settle down without blocking view of others. There is plenty of space in the ground and wherever you may sit, you will have a clear visual. Also, refrain from continuously using your Phone for photos or videos. 
7. The evening light and sound show is an open-air event. If it rains, the nearest shelter is the café. If you are planning to attend the light and sound show, keep this in mind and plan accordingly during the monsoon season. 
8. Washroom facilities are available at the location.
9. There is a small café in the premises offering juices, coffee/tea and small snacks. Additionally, many shops and eateries are present close by, just a few minutes drive away.
10. Stay facility is not yet available at Adiyogi, Chikkaballapur.
11. If you want to cover more places as part of your visit, then Nandi Hills and Bhoganandeeshwar Temple are good options.

Conclusion

That’s all from our side. In a world where pictures and videos often overshadow real experiences, we hope you find places that help you reconnect with yourself, offering moments of true peace and a respite from everyday worries. We have a select few places close to Bangalore that make us feel this way, and after this evening, Adiyogi at Chikkaballapur has rightfully earned its place in that list.

As Henry David Thoreau once said, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”, We hope you too find such special places that allow you to see beyond the surface and experience a deeper connection.

Do let us if you have already visited this place and how was your experience.

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