DISCLAIMER: We do not profess to be experts on the Hindu religion. We just want to offer some background information on the Adiyogi statue as a public service.
"This face is not a deity or temple, this is an iconic inspiration. In pursuit of the divine, you don't have to look up because it is not somewhere else. Each of the 112 possibilities is a method to experience the divine within you. You just have to pick one...The idea is not to build one more monument but to use it as a galvanizing force towards self-transformation." (Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Isha Foundation Founder)
The Adiyogi statue of Shiva towers 112 feet over the Isha Yoga Center at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue in 2017.
Queried about the significance of 112 feet, Vasudev said: “Symbolically, 112 is a significant number because Adiyogi opened up 112 possibilities for human beings to reach their ultimate potential.
The statue features a crescent moon in Shiva's hair. There are several different interpretations of the crescent's importance. One interpretation is that the crescent moon represents the cyclical nature of the universe. The waxing and waning of the moon is said to symbolize the cycle through which creation evolves – birth and death. This cycle of creation and destruction is controlled by Lord Shiva – who is said to represent time, creation and destruction.
There are other interpretations that the crescent moon Shiva wears on his crown, is a symbol of love – the nightly love of creation and thus a fertility symbol.
Shiva is also often depicted with snakes. It is said the serpent on Shiva’s neck represent the endless cycle of birth and regeneration. Another interpretation is that the snake on his neck represents ego which once controlled can be worn as an ornament.
LINKS
Adiyogi - The Source of Yoga (Isha Yoga Center)
Adiyogi Shiva Statue (Wikipedia)
List of the Tallest Statues in India (Wikipedia)
PM Narendra Modi to unveil first 112 feet Shiva idol at Isha Foundation (Indian Express, 2-24-17)