Six Adiyogi Rathams from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka arrived at the Isha Yoga Center on February 13, just days before the annual Mahashivratri celebrations, marking the end of months-long spiritual journeys across South India. Organized by the Isha Foundation, these yatras aimed to bring the essence of Mahashivratri to those unable to attend the main festival.
Rath Yatras Cover Extensive South Indian Routes
Five rathams traveled through Tamil Nadu, covering nearly 30,000 kilometres and visiting over 1,000 towns, villages, and historic Shiva temples. Another ratham embarked on a 70-day journey through Karnataka, traversing more than 1,000 kilometres and passing through towns such as Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Chikkaballapura before joining the others at the center. Each non-motorized chariot carried a seven-foot idol of Adiyogi and was accompanied by devotees performing chants, prayers, and yogic practices along the way.
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Engaging Communities in Mahashivratri Spirit
At various stops, local communities and spiritual groups welcomed the Adiyogi Rathams with traditional offerings like lamps, flowers, and fruits. The yatras also coincided with other Shiva pilgrimages, including processions honoring the 63 Nayanmars, the revered Shaivite saints. The initiative encourages wider participation in Mahashivratri by allowing people to engage with the spiritual celebrations in their own towns.
Culmination Ahead of Major Festival
Participants described the journey as both a physical pilgrimage and a deeply personal spiritual experience. The arrival of the rathams at the Isha Yoga Center aligns with preparations for the night-long Mahashivratri festival, featuring meditation, music, and spiritual talks by Sadhguru. Devotees from across India and abroad are expected to join, either in person or via live broadcasts, for one of the largest annual spiritual gatherings organized by the foundation.