Maha Yogi, Adinath, Yogeshwar, and Adiyogi are some of the names of Lord Shiva. He is part of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha, that controls the cosmic universe. Shiva is the destroyer who possesses the power to eradicate all evil from the Universe. Few are aware of Lord Shiva's deep connection with Yoga.

1. Who is Adiyogi? The First Yogi and
Source of Yoga
Maha Yogi, Adinath, Yogeshwar, and Adiyogi are some of the names of Lord Shiva. He is part of
the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha, that controls the cosmic universe. Shiva is the
destroyer who possesses the power to eradicate all evil from the Universe. Few are aware of
Lord Shiva's deep connection with Yoga.
Many theories and legends have established Lord Shiva as the Father of Yoga. Lord Shiva is
believed to have laid down the holistic utility of Yoga for the body, mind, and spirit. Many Hindu
scriptures and theories revere Lord Shiva as Adiyogi, the world's First Yogi.
Who Was Adiyogi?
In the yogic tradition, Adiyogi is considered the first yogi and the originator of yoga. The word
"Adiyogi" translates to "the first yogi" or "the primal yogi" in the Tamil language.
According to Hindu mythology, Adiyogi is believed to have transmitted the science of yoga to his
seven disciples, known as the Saptarishis, thousands of years ago. He imparted them with the
knowledge and techniques to explore and attain spiritual enlightenment. This event is said to
have marked the beginning of the yogic tradition.

2. Adiyogi is often depicted as a meditating figure, usually shown with matted hair, an
ash-smeared body, and a serpent coiled around his neck. He is considered the ultimate symbol
of spiritual liberation and represents the divine union of masculine and feminine energies.
The significance of Adiyogi extends beyond mythology and religion. He is revered as a profound
source of wisdom and inspiration, emphasizing the importance of inner exploration and
self-realization. Adiyogi is widely venerated by practitioners of yoga and spiritual seekers who
seek to deepen their understanding of the self and attain higher states of consciousness.
Also read: Top 3 Patanjali Yoga Sutras for Balanced Life (With Meaning & Examples)
Role of Adiyogi in Yoga
1. Transmission of Yoga:
Adiyogi is believed to have transmitted the science of yoga to his seven disciples, the
Saptarishis. He shared the knowledge and techniques that encompassed various aspects of
yoga, including asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation, and spiritual
wisdom.
2. Science of Inner Transformation

3. Adiyogi emphasized that yoga is not just a physical exercise or a set of techniques, but a means
for inner transformation and self-realization. He taught that through dedicated practice,
individuals can attain higher states of consciousness and realize their true nature.
3. Union of Opposites
Adiyogi emphasized the importance of embracing and balancing the masculine and feminine
energies within oneself. He highlighted the significance of harmonizing the polarities of life, such
as activity and stillness, effort and surrender, and strength and grace.
4. Five Elements and Human Potential
Adiyogi taught that the human body and the universe are interconnected. He explained that the
human system is essentially made up of the five elements (Panch Bhutas)—earth, water, fire,
air, and space—and by understanding and harmonizing these elements, one can unlock their
full potential.
5. Importance of Meditation:
Adiyogi also focused on the practice of meditation as a powerful tool for self-discovery and inner
growth. He taught various meditation techniques to help individuals calm their mind, cultivate
awareness, and experience deeper levels of consciousness.
6. Non-Dogmatic Approach
Adiyogi's teachings were open and inclusive, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. He
encouraged seekers to explore and discover their own truth, emphasizing the need for personal
experience and direct realization rather than blind belief.
Also read: Different Definitions of Yoga (From 15+ Scriptures & Roots of Yoga)
Key Yogic Techniques Attributed to Adiyogi
1. Hatha Yoga
Lord Shiva’s Hatha Yoga focused on the purity of the body by using correct Yoga techniques.
The various physical postures that Lord Shiva taught Goddess Parvati and the Saptarishi were
part of Hatha Yoga.
Most of the modern-day practices of Yoga follow the teachings and principles of Hatha Yoga.
The teachings of Hatha Yoga portray the importance of meditation, dietary regulations,
breathing techniques, physical exercise, and postural alignment in cleansing your body
adequately.

4. 2. Mantra Yoga
Mantra implies a chant that people usually repeat or recite while meditating. Lord Shiva
introduced Mantra Yoga to teach the concept of mental cleansing with the help of Yoga. Lord
Shiva was the creator of the syllable Om, which is one of the primordial sounds of the cosmic
universe.
Om is a widely used syllable in various Hindu mantras. Mantra Yoga helps improve the focus of
a wandering mind, thus allowing it to pursue its true goal of enlightened living. Mantra Yoga is
more profound than physical Yoga as it will enable one to explore their subconscious and
elevate it to a higher spiritual plane.
3. Laya Yoga
Lord Shiva developed the concept of Laya Yoga to attain the ultimate aim of human life; union
with the Cosmic Universe. Hindu religious teachings discuss the idea of spiritual enlightenment
in human life.
Laya Yoga includes meditation techniques and other spiritual activities that will help to elevate
one’s life to a better spiritual plane. Laya Yoga helps activate and harness fixed energy points
within the human body.
4. Raja Yoga
Raja is the Sanskrit word for king. The king is always the best and at the top; similarly, Raja
Yoga is the highest aim of Yoga. Raja Yoga is also the name of the techniques and practices
one must perform to attain bliss and harmony. Laya Yoga assists in activating dormant energies
inside our bodies.
Raja Yoga is the journey that takes these energies from their lowest point to their maximum
potential. While doing so, these energies pass through various points in the body known as
Chakras. Lord Shiva resides in the Chakra, where the power takes its most potent form within
our body.
Also read: 18 Life-Changing Bhagavad Gita Shlokas (Verses) With Meaning and Lessons
Historical Context of Adiyogi
Connection between Adiyogi and the Indus Valley Civilization
Yoga is ancient, but how old is it? Many people ask when Yogic postures were invented in India.
The answer is complex, but evidence confirms its connection to Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
sites. Both places were inhabited from 3300 to 1300 BCE, meaning it's over 5,000 years old, as
the records found.

5. The most crucial evidence is the idol of Pashupatinath, or Lord Shiva, recovered from the
Harappan site. The posture of the idol is similar to the most common Yogic posture, which is still
being followed.
In the ancient Indian scriptures, Pashupatinath or God Shiva is considered Adi Yogi, so if we
connect the dots, we find that the Harappans were Shaivite and were aware of Yogic postures.
This is an eye-opening revelation that many people don’t know.
The Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro people were Shaivaite and spread across the Indian
subcontinent. Despite various languages and cultures, the source of divinity– God Shiva—is
common across India. The Harappan civilisation and Yoga had spread worldwide, and traces of
Yogic cultures can still be found buried in some parts of the world.
References to Adiyogi in ancient Indian texts and scriptures
Adiyogi taught the yogic science to the seven sages together 15000 years ago on the bank of
Kanti Sarovar, a glacial lake that existed at that time near Kedarnath Temple. These sages then
spread this valuable knowledge among humanity to better their spiritual condition and living.
This precious knowledge of Yoga was written in books, which were translated later into several
languages. These instructions on Yogic methods were written in ancient scriptures, like Shiva
Sutras and Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, where readers were taught how to gain absolute control over
the body and mind to attain salvation.
It is believed that this Yoga science was later introduced in North India by Guru Gorakhnath and
preached in South India by Rishi Agasthya.
The Adiyogi Statue at the Isha Yoga Center
Adiyogi Shiva Statue in Coimbatore is one of India's most enormous statues, dedicated to the
great Hindu god Lord Shiva. Located in the Isha Foundation Complex in Coimbatore, the statue
is carved out of 500 steel stones and stands tall at 112 feet. It is surrounded by verdant green
farms at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains in the Western Ghats, offering a relaxing
environment for Yoga and meditation.

6. The Center foster inner transformation and creates an established state of well-being in
individuals. The large residential facility has an active international community of brahmacharis,
full-time volunteers and visitors. Isha Yoga Center provides a supportive environment to shift to
healthier lifestyles, seek higher self-fulfilment, and realise your full potential.
Significance of the Adiyogi Statue
Located at the Isha Yoga Center, with a height of 112 feet, Adiyogi symbolises the 112
possibilities to attain moksha, i.e. liberation mentioned in yogic culture and the 112 chakras in
the human system. A linga known as Yogeshwar Linga was consecrated and placed before the
statue.
Architectural and artistic features of the statue
1) The Face of the Lord Shiva statue is made of steel.
Lord Shiva's face is made of steel and is not just for aesthetics but has the geometric
significance of crafting a metal statue.
2) Took 8 months to build the statue.
Designing the face took about 2.5 years, but the statue was built in 8 months.
3) It weighs 500 tonnes.
The whole structure is estimated to weigh approximately 500 tonnes.

7. 4) Reason behind the statue being 112-foot tall.
112 is significant because Adiyogi opened 112 possibilities for humans to reach their ultimate
potential. Also, there's a scientific significance — there are 112 chakras in the human system to
work to explore 112 life's dimensions.
5) Face of Adiyogi will be the enormous face of its kind on the planet.
Shiva isn't known as God but as Adiyogi or the first yogi – the Originator of Yoga. He first sowed
the seed into the human mind that one can evolve if willing to strive.