The Adiyogi Rath Yatra, organised by the Then Kailaya Bhakti Peravai, was inaugurated on December 22, 2024 in a grand ceremony in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue at Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore. The annual event begins a spiritual journey across Tamil Nadu, covering a staggering distance of 30,000 kilometres.
The Rath Yatra for the northern and western regions of Tamil Nadu was flagged off with an Arati by Thavathiru Perur Adheenam Marudasala Adigalar and Thavathiru Siravai Adheenam Kumarakurubara Swamigal. The initiative aims to invite people to participate in the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Isha while also providing an opportunity for those unable to visit Coimbatore to have a darshan of Adiyogi in their own villages.
This year, four chariots carrying the sacred form of Adiyogi will journey through the four directions of Tamil Nadu. Over the two months leading up to Maha Shivaratri, these chariots will traverse more than 1,000 villages, spreading spiritual fervour and blessings.
Speaking at the inauguration, Perur Adheenam explained, “While Shivaratri occurs every month, we celebrate Maha Shivaratri in the Tamil month of Maasi in a very special way. Traditionally, this festival has been magnificently observed in temples.”
“The Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Isha draw a massive crowd, not just from Tamil Nadu or India but from across the globe. To invite people to this extraordinary festival, the Adiyogi chariots begin their journey here, travelling through villages and towns,” he observed.
“Just as the presiding deity is present in temples, Adiyogi stands here, bestowing blessings from this place. The Adiyogi forms in these chariots, much like festival idols, travel from town to town, showering grace upon devotees. It is auspicious that this journey begins today. The work at the Isha Centre continues to grow day by day, moment by moment. I wish for Isha’s spiritual and community services to expand and reach greater heights.”
The Rath Yatra heading towards the eastern and southern regions was previously inaugurated by Dharmapuram Adheenam Sri La Sri Masilamani Desika Jnanachampandha Paramacharya Swamigal.