R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, DEC 29
Ahead of Mahashivratri, the Adiyogi Rath Yatra to begin from Chennai on December 30 will cover 30 kms across Tamil Nadu. The Yatra has been organised by the Thenkailaya Bakthi Peravai, said Mahendran, a front-line volunteer from the Thenkailaya Bakthi Peravai.
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Transportation facilities will be arranged for devotees from other districts who wish to travel to Coimbatore for the event.
Addressing reporters here, Mr Mahendran said “The 31st Maha Shivaratri celebration at Isha will be celebrated in a grand manner on February 26, 2024. This Rath Yatra is organised annually to invite the public to participate in the celebrations and to provide an opportunity for those unable to visit Coimbatore to witness the Adiyogi in their own towns.”
The 2025 Adiyogi Rath Yatra was flagged off in front of the Adiyogi at IYC, Coimbatore. The Rath Yatra heading towards the eastern and southern directions was inaugurated on December 11 by Dharmapuram Adheenam Sri La Sri Masilamani Desika Gnanasambanda Paramacharya Swamigal. Similarly, the Adiyogi Rath Yatra travelling towards the northern and western directions was inaugurated on December 22 by Thavathiru Perur Adheenam Marudhasala Adigalar and Thavathiru Siravai Adheenam Kumaragurubara Swamigal.
“These rathams are set to travel approximately 30,000 km over two months, passing through more than 1,000 villages leading up to Maha Shivaratri. In the locations they visit, prominent local leaders, Shiva devotees, and the general public turn up to extend a warm welcome. Those who wish to express their devotion to Adiyogi perform rituals such as deeparadhana (lamp worship) and offer flowers, fruits, and naivedyam (sacred offerings),” Mahendran adds.
The Adiyogi Rathams will travel through the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, starting on December 26. In Chennai, the Rath will travel through areas such as Avadi, Ambattur, Poonamallee, Kodambakkam, Anna Nagar, Purusaiwakkam, and Nanganallur from December 30 to January 10. After completing their scheduled journey through all designated regions, they will finally arrive at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore on February 26, the day of Mahashivratri.
Along with this, the “Shiva Yatra,” a traditional pilgrimage on foot, is also undertaken annually by Sivanga devotees. Devotees from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka participate by pulling six chariots carrying the sacred image of Adiyogi Shiva. Additionally, they pull another chariot bearing the images of the 63 Nayanmars as part of this pilgrimage.
Additionally, for this year’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the Coimbatore Isha Yoga Centre, arrangements have been made for live streaming in 50 locations across Tamil Nadu to benefit people from other towns. Devotees are expected to participate in large numbers at these locations. Free Rudraksha beads, Sadhguru’s Ananda Alai book, and Maha Annadanam (sacred prasadam) will be provided to attendees. Furthermore, transportation facilities will be arranged for devotees from other districts who wish to travel to Coimbatore for the event.
