This is the rare Yoga Dakshinamurthy Vigraha at Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu.
Unlike the usual standing or seated Dakshinamurthy with one leg resting on the demon Apasmara, this unique form depicts the Lord in a yogic posture (Yoga Dakshinamurthy) with folded legs, symbolizing deep meditation and supreme spiritual wisdom. As the Adi Guru (the First Teacher), Lord Dakshinamurthy imparts knowledge through silence (Mauna Vyakhyana), guiding seekers toward self-realization.
The Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple is an ancient Chola-era Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jalanatheeswarar and Goddess Girishundari Amman. The temple is renowned for its exceptional sculptures, inscriptions, and this rare Dakshinamurthy shrine, making it an important destination for devotees seeking wisdom, education, and spiritual enlightenment.
Location: Thakkolam, Ranipet district (formerly Vellore district), Tamil Nadu, India.