What you see - Situated on the second floor
of a building in the quiet residential area of Adyar, Patanjalee Yogaa
Foundation is in the vicinity of two big schools - St.Michael’s and Bal Vidya
Mandir. A simple hall with ventilation lets in the breeze from outside. You
need to take the stairs up for there is no elevator service in the building.
What you get – This foundation was started
by Professor Brahmasri K S Sunderesan, who was in the sugar industry for
several years. Here you can go to learn yoga for general health or for therapy.
These classes are held seven days a week. Follow up classes are also there for
those who have already learnt the asanas. This is to benefit from the
practice of what was learnt earlier.
Before joining, a person’s flexibility is checked as well as
his/her case history examined in detail. Then counseling and registration is
done. One’s daily routine, food and lifestyle habits are taken into
consideration and advised upon too.
Most people come in for weight loss (70% we are told). The
other major therapy cases are for insulin, migraine and back pain.
There are 30 students per batch who all fit into one large
hall on the second floor. There is no age barrier as well. As Professor
Sunderesan says, anybody who can climb up the two floors to reach the yoga
center is fit enough to learn yoga. Fees are Rs. 1,500 for first month and Rs.
500 for every consecutive month. General classes are held from 6 AM to 7 AM and
6 PM to 7 PM for all. For ladies alone, there are special classes from 10.30 AM
to 11.30 AM. Address: # 2/ 20, 2nd Canal Cross Road, Gandhinagar, Adyar,
Chennai - 600020. Mobile 9842725876.
Our verdict - If you are a beginner and are
serious about learning yoga, then this could be a good option. There is no
dedicated parking space here. You will have to find one in the neighborhood
Veira kalai training karathe, silambam, dai-c, nunsat,
donbay. Moreover breathing & singing are also trained @ all India
verakali muneatra kalagam by M Manoharan 93826 41517 dt.10-6-2010
If you plan to stay in Rishikesh and explore himalayas from
there, i suggest you check out VedNiketan Ashram which is at the end of
Swargashram area.They charge 150 rupees per day which i felt was cheap.You will
be provided an ashram style simple individual room with attached bath , bed.You
can also get it for Rs100 per day with shared bath. Morning and evening yoga
classes are free and also you can listen daily lecture in excellent english by
the ashram head who i felt was an enlightened man of wisdom.In addition, the
ashram is spacious,secluded,well maintained, 5 mins walk to restaurants and
shopping,above all right infront of the ganga river. I couldn't find anything
better than this during my 50 day stay in rishikesh.You can also try the guest
house called as "Sarika" which looks modern and comfortable and
charge rs150 per day. Its a little inside and on the hills, and about 20 mins
walk to shopping area.
Bihar School of Yoga at Mungher would be among the top three
in the World [imho] to learn Yoga the ORIGINAL way. Nothing to be nervous
about. The current head is a lady from Colombia ,
S. America . Be prepared for an intense Yoga
learning. It will be done the classical way. No fancy stuff.
Fly to Patna , I
believe its the nearest airport.
I have not been there myself, know enuff people who have trained there. It is
the equivalent of "Harvard" among Yoga schools.
I feel the Colombian Lady Head might send you an ashram escort for the journey,
if you request her. Even if its cold, Yoga will eventually lead you to the
state where cold will not affect you.
The very fact that you are being guided to such an august and original place of
learning.... means that GOD is with you and guiding you. You could be as easily
going to one of these highly commercialized Yoga haunts which teach Yoga as a
mere body work-out.
You are lucky, you are carrying a lot of good karma, just don't worry! You WILL
be taken care of!!
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Chennai
Kriya Hatha Yoga classes in Chennai with Sri
Anandhan, every Sunday morning 6.00 to 8.00 am at Lady Andal Venkata
Subbarao Matriculation School, Old No 7, New No 13, (Near Shoppers Stop), Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600031.
Contact: babajianandhan@gmail.com,
Kriya Hatha Yoga classes in Chennai with Sri
Anandhan, every Sunday evening 6.00 to 8.00 pm at Sri Niketan
Matriculation School (Opp. to LIC), Rajajipuram, Jawaharlal Nehru Street,
Thiruvallur - 602001. Approximately 1.5kms from Tiruvallur Railway Station. Contact babajianandhan@gmail.com,
Babaji Satsang by Babajis Kriya Yoga Trust
2nd Sunday of every month, between 8.00 to 9.00 am at Lady Andal Venkata
Subbarao Matriculation School, Old No 7, New No 13, Near (Shoppers Stop), Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai - 600031.
Contact: babajianandhan@gmail.com,
Babaji Satsang by Babajis Kriya Yoga Trust
2nd Sunday of every month, between 8.00 to 9.00 pm at
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram
|
Kalloothu, Saramthamgi Village
Vellayampatti P.O.
Palamedu ( Via ),
Madurai Dist 625 503
Tamil Nadu , India
Tel: +91 (0)94421 90661/2
Fax: +91 (0) 452 439 3445
E-mail: madurai@sivananda.org
Namaste Institute offers you three days that will
change your life forever – a free yoga retreat that provides one the
opportunity to RELAX YOUR BODY, CALM YOUR
MIND AND NURTURE YOUR SOUL in serene and picturesque
surroundings on the outskirts of Calcutta.
Taking time off on retreat
is one of the most effective ways to grow or start your yoga practice, and is
open to experienced yoga practitioners as well as the uninitiated. Being
removed from the distractions of your daily life allows you the time and space
to develop and explore new vistas. This retreat gives you the perfect chance to
relax your body and clear your mind through simple methods of traditional Hatha
yoga, meditation and various relaxation techniques. This programme also
enlightens one on elementary stress management methods and ancient Indian
massage under the expert guidance of experienced yoga masters and teachers.
All participants should
provide the Institute at least one month’s advance notice of their arrival. The
retreat is inclusive of simple accommodation for all the participants and
delicious vegetarian food on all three days. Transportation to and from the
airport will also be provided for at no cost.
The path of yoga is
timeless and eternal; it’s a life long journey which Namaste Institute invites
you to embark on for free.
For
detailed information regarding free yoga retreat email us at namaste@altmedworld.net
Rishikesh
At
the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred river Ganges, lies
the town of Rishikesh .
The first town this holy river reaches on its decent from the mountains,
Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, and most major Indian ashram, including Vivekenanda, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar school of yoga, have an office there. It is
a good place to experience classical Indian yoga. Class instruction may leave a
few gaps for students used to the precision of western classes, but with its
slow and spiritual atmosphere, it's an enjoyable place to begin discovering
what India
has to offer. Rishikesh is
less intense than other parts of India
As a pilgrimage point, Rishikesh greets many devout Hindus and wandering
sadhus (holy men). Many come to bathe in the sanctified waters of the Ganges , as Hindus believe this can remove layers of
karma. This peaceful ashram centre is certainly one of the more atmospheric
places in India .
As the sun rises from behind the mountains, and cuts through the fog, locals
wash in the river. Live temple chanting sets the tone. Beginning around 4 am,
the chants float across the water until well after dark. During night time
pujas (ceremonies), offerings of hundreds of camphor flame leaf boats float
picturesquely on the river.
The commercial centre is more typical of India . But there is little need to
visit it as the ashram centre, located on either side of a footbridge over the
river, has great bookshops, good restaurants and email places. As a holy
city, Rishikesh is fully vegetarian, so you won't even find an egg there. Rishikesh
hosts an International Yoga Festival, which is held every year in the first
week of February.
Mother Ganga at Rishikesh
Where to Study
The Yoga Study Centre, Ganga
Vihar, Haridwar Road
Yoga Niketan Ashram Tel. +91 135 430227.
Located near the footbridge, just south of the Sivananda Ashram, classes are
taught in a traditional Indian teaching style. Asanas taught are the classical
postures with few variations or adjustments. Class instructors often use the
sing-song voice sometimes found in India
Sri Ved Niketan Ashram Tel. +91 135 433537/430279.
Across the river on the Eastern side of the Ganges ,
turn right after the footbridge and it's a five minute walk. The classes offer
gentle yoga style similar to the Bihar School of Yoga and classes cover gentle
warm ups for the joints, a few asanas and some pranayama. Meditation classes
are offered too. Classes are held morning and evening in the big central hall.
One month courses held seven times a year, and cover asana, pranayama and yoga
and Hindu philosophy. It is not obligatory to participate in the classes,
bhajans or satsangs in order to stay on the grounds.
Swati & Rajiv Chanchani - Padmini Nivas Estate, The Mall,
Library, Mussoorie 248 179, Phone: +91-135-7529,
TeleFax: + 91-135-632793, Email - yoganga@nde.vsnl.net.in / yoganga@sancharnet.in website: www.yog-ganga.com
For first class Iyengar yoga
instruction it is worth spending time in Dheradun, one hour by bus from
Rishikesh and Haridwar. This husband and wife team, Rajiv and Swati Chanchani,
are both senior Iyengar teachers, each with about 25 years experience. Authors
of the book, Yoga for Children, the couple teach occasional 5-20 day
courses in Dheradun, around India ,
England , Israel , and the USA
Rajiv and Swati Chanchani have written a book entitled Yoga for Children, which
has been reprinted several times and has been translated in French. Teachers
and teacher-trainees who wish to seriously learn the art of teaching yoga to
children can apprentice at their children's classes at the schools.
Acceptance to any kind of training under Rajiv and Swati Chanchani has to be
confirmed in writing, in advance. Moreover, applicants must have a
recommendation from an Iyengar yoga teacher or from a person who has studied
with the Chanchanis.
The centre holds three intensive courses a year and each course is of about
three weeks duration. Asana, Pranayama and basic Yoga philosophy are
taught.
Besides these three-week courses, short workshops and on-going
'general-classes' are also conducted: these are held in Dehradun and other
locations
With direct trains, buses and flights from Delhi, Dheradun has an agreeable
climate and there is plenty to explore in the surrounding mountains, rivers and
forests. Capital of a newly created state, Uttaranchal, Dheradun itself has
little to recommend it as a travel destination but lovers of Iyengar yoga will
find the quality of instruction more than makes up for lack of inspiration in
the city surroundings. Yoga students generally rent furnished cottages with
kitchens from local families for Rs3000-5000 per bedroom per month. Swati can
help set something up.
Sri. Nanda has been conducting regualr Iyengar style
yoga courses at the Swami Dayananda Ashram. He is a student
of Sri B.K.S. Iyengar, Sri. Gitaji and Sri.Prashanthji. He is
also a student of Vedanta taught by H.H.Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji. On
this courses you will explore the technical details of Asana, Pranayama and
Meditation in the tradition of Iyengar Yoga. All courses are residential
intensive courses with single and double accommodation with delicious yogic
cuisine.From morning to evening, you’ll be engaged in different sessions of
Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting, Audio-video shows of Shri.Iyengar
classes, Discussions on Yoga Philosophy, Music & Bajans. For further
details email yogiyaar@hotmai.com
or visit the ashram website at www.dayananda.org
Other Things to Do
Sivananda Ashram P.O. Sivanandanagar, Dist.
Tehri-Garhwal, 249192. While they share the same guru, this ashram is part of
the Divine Life Society, and different to the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams
and Centres found around the world. The Sivananda Ashram has three living gurus -
Chidananda, Brahmananda and Krishnananda, all direct disciples of the Swami
Sivananda. Although no
regular yoga classes are conducted here, it is possible to attend the lectures
on philosophical subjects, and studies of classical texts like the Bhagavad
Gita and the Upanishads. To stay on the ashram it is necessary to
request it in writing ahead of time, and explain your reasons for the stay. The
ashram is near the footbridge on the west - city- side of the river.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ayurvedic
Centre located
by the Niketa Ashram sells ayurvedic health products. It might be possible to
organise classes in ayurveda if you can put together a small group.
Places to Stay
Most people choose to stay along the
banks of the Ganges . Omkarananda
may call itself an ashram, but feels more like a shoeless guesthouse with a
curfew. Rooms are large, light and airy, with balconies perched over the
flowing Ganges . It is worth staying there for
the superb yoga room featuring floor length windows looking out across the
river. It is fully 'block and tackle' equipped - yoga belts, blocks, back
archers, wall ropes. Room rates are inexpensive, and a discount applies to
stays over three days. Guests may use the yoga room for an additional 100
rupees a week. Book ahead in high season. (tel. +91 135 430883) Views from The
Swiss Cottage are worth lugging your backpack for ten minutes up the
dirt track. Situated high up in a green oasis you can enjoy the chanting which
wafts up from the valley. Delight in a feast from their Swiss bakery, as you
sit in the shade overlooking a running waterfall.
Getting to Rishikesh
Rishikesh is 6 hours (250 kms) by
bus from Delhi
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