Adiyogi

Adiyogi refers to the form of Lord Shiva regarded as the first yogi in Hindu tradition. The term combines adi, meaning “first” or “origin,” with yogi, meaning “one who practices yoga.” In many Hindu texts, Adiyogi is described as the source of yogic science, and it is said that he taught the sages known as the Saptarishis (the seven sages) the techniques of yoga, thereby launching the long history of yogic practice.

A contemporary manifestation associated with the name is the Adiyogi statue at the Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The 112-foot-tall statue honors Adiyogi, depicting him in a meditative posture. It was unveiled in 2017 and has since become a prominent landmark and a focal point for visitors to the center. The sculpture is part of the Isha Foundation's broader program of yoga education and inner well-being, which emphasizes yoga as a science of life rather than mere physical exercise.