THINGS TO DO - COIMBATORE
Adiyogi Shiva statue
The Adiyogi statue is a 34-metre-tall (112 ft), 45-metre-long (147 ft) and 25-metre-wide (82 ft) steel statue of Shiva with Thirunamam at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world. Designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, it weighs around 500 tonnes (490 long tons; 550 short tons). Adiyogi refers to "the first yogi" or Shankar as the first yogi. It was established to inspire people towards inner well-being through yoga. Adiyogi is located at the Isha Yoga Center. Its height, 112 ft, symbolizes the 112 possibilities to attain to moksha (liberation) that are mentioned in yogic culture, and also the 112 chakras in the human system. A linga called Yogeshwar Linga was consecrated and placed in front of the statue. Adiyogi was inaugurated on 24 February 2017 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. In 2020, it won the Mondo*dr EMEA & APAC Award for Technology in Entertainment in the House of Worship category.
Marudhamalai temple
Marudhachalamurthy (Lord Muruga) Temple, Marudamalai is a popular 12th-century hill temple situated in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Built by Tamil kings during the Sangam period as indicated in the Purananuru, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is considered the Seventh House of Lord Murugan. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats about 12 km west from the centre of the city of Coimbatore. Thai Poosam and other Murugan festivals are celebrated. On many evenings, the devotees take out a procession of Lord Murugan sitting in a chariot (Rath Yatra) and take a circle around the temple. The name 'marudham' is derived from the native trees marudha maram (Terminalia arjuna) present in the hill where the temple is situated and 'malai' in Tamil language is meant hill or mountain. The temple is atop a 600 ft (180 m) tall granite hill in Coimbatore. The presiding deity is addressed by multiple names like Marudhamalai Andavar, Marudachalapathi and Dhandayuthanpani. There are various water bodies around the temple, namely Maruda Theertham and Snake charmer's spring, which is believed to possesses medicinal properties.
Dhyanalinga Temple
Situated around 30 kilometres from the city of Coimbatore, the Dhyanalinga Temple is a place made up of yogic science. Not belonging to any faith or belief, the Dhyanalinga was made and blessed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. Many worshippers and visitors find this huge linga to be the source of something energetic, magical and calming. Just silently meditating for a while within the sphere of Dhyanalinga is enough to make one aware of the divine energy.
Perur Pateeswarar Temple
Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala chola in 2nd Century. The temple is located on the bank of the Noyyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’ (self emerged). The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors. Over the period of time, this temple is known by different names such as: Kamadenupuri, pattipuri, Adhipuri, Daksha Kailasham, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnanapuram, Kalyanapuram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathipuram, Western Chidambaram. This ancient temple was built by king Karikala Chola in 2nd Century, thus making this one of the oldest temple in the state. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola I, 'Artha Mahal' and 'Maha Mahal' were constructed.
Kovai Coutralam
Kovai Kutralam is a scenic spot with a gentle waterfall originating on the Siruvani hill ranges. It is located on the western ghat mountain range that lies to the west of this city at a distance of about 32 kms from Coimbatore. The siruvani dam is just above this water fall and this place is under the control of state forest department. Permission has to be sought from them to visit this Kovai Kutralam Falls. Limited bus service is available from the city and this area is out of bounds after 5 pm. This is the only place near Coimbatore where you find a nice enchanting waterfall.