The Isha Foundation, headed by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, is currently facing a storm of criticism and investigations. The foundation is under scrutiny from the Madras High Court and police for alleged brainwashing of women at their center. This comes as a series of screenshots went viral showing that the foundation’s website was selling pictures of Sadhguru’s feet for a hefty ₹3,200. This has triggered widespread outrage and ridicule on social media.
The police investigation into the foundation arose from a petition filed by a retired professor from Coimbatore, S Kamaraj, who alleged that his two daughters were brainwashed into living at the Isha Foundation’s Coimbatore center and were not allowed to maintain contact with their families. The Isha Foundation, however, denied the allegations, stating that the individuals had the freedom and wisdom to choose their own path, and are residing at the center of their own volition.
But the revelation of the ₹3,200 ‘Sadhguru Padam Photo’ has added fuel to the fire. The product description on the foundation’s website states that a Guru’s feet are revered as a pathway to access their energy and bowing down to them strengthens one’s connection. The website also promotes the ‘Sadhguru Padam Photo’ as a powerful medium to enhance one’s connection with Sadhguru. This has sparked outrage online, with many users expressing their disillusionment and anger towards the foundation.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I lost all respect towards him and ISHA at this point.” Another sarcastically remarked, “economy so bad even Sadhguru selling feet pics.” A third user simply commented, “So, ₹ 3200 for a photo of Sadhguru’s feet? Nice.” The incident highlights the increasingly complex relationship between spirituality, business, and public perception in the digital age. It remains to be seen how the Isha Foundation will address these accusations and navigate the growing public scrutiny.
