Rishikesh dotted with many Yoga and Meditation centers along the bank of river Ganges. Yoga institutes have increased the importance of city many fold and brought it on the world map as a Yoga Capital of World.
It is very difficult to enumerate all of them on our website. Our attempt to include important and authenticated centres mainly run by the religeous/non-profit organisations. Apart from these, there are many small yoga centres run by the individuals, after taking short term training locally. Please ensure the authenticity, reliability and experience of the trainer, if you are planning to join any such centre.
Parmarth means Dedicated to the Welfare of All, and Niketan means An Abode, so Parmarth Niketan is an Abode Dedicated to the welfare of all.
Daily Activities of Parmarth include morning universal prayers, daily yoga and meditation classes, daily satsang and lecture programs, world renowned Ganga Arti at sunset, as well as Nature cure and Aurvedic treatment. In addition, there are frequent special cultural and spritual programs given by visiting revered saints, acclaimed musians, spritual and social leaders.
One of the best and most dedicated ashram to Hatha Yoga. Brahmacharya (celibate) Rudra Dev, senior Iyngar teacher, conducts lessons here. His students are mix of locals and Westerens. You should concerned about cleanliness here you must be sincere about the Yoga science. As with most Indian yoga schools, women should dress modestly. There are classes daily at the centre. Twenty day intensive yoga training are held thrice a year during February, April and September. The centre is closed from mid-December to mid-January and for May and June.
The Yoga Study Centre is on the other side of town from the other ashrams, and from where most people stay. A constant stream of Rs 5 shared auto rickshaws move up and down the main road, and many go as far as the centre. Donated mats and blankets are provided though if you are concerned about cleanliness you might want to bring your own.
A part of the famous Divine Life Society, the ashram is near the footbridge on the west-city-side of the river. It's different to the Shivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centres found around the world. Chidananda ji is the main guru of this ashram. Although no regular yoga classes are conducted here., it is attend the lectures on philosophical subjects, and study of classical texts like Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. To stay in the ashram, it is neccessary to request it in writing ahead of time, and explain your reason for stay.
Located just south of the Sivanand Ashram, classes are taught in traditional indian teaching style. Asanas and Paranayams taught are the classical postures with variations and adjustments. A steep walk up from the main road, taking you towards the river views and away from the bustle. To stay on the ashram you need to commit to 15 days or more and attendance at the morning and evening yoga and meditation classes is complusory. Those not staying on the ashram are welcome to attend classes and can also use the library.
Across the river on the Eastern side of the Ganges, turn right after the footbridge and it's five minutes walk. The classes offer the yoga style similar to the Bihar School of Yoga and classes cover gentle warm ups, asanas and pranayama. Meditation classes are offered too. Classes are held morning and evening in the big central hall. One month courses are held seven times a year, and cover asana, pranayama, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The government of India is planning to have it's first Yoga Academy in this Ashram.
Omkarananda Ganga Sadan is a beautiful Guest House of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas at Rishikesh (Muni-ki-Reti), right at the bank of the holy river Ganga. With the blessings of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, a beautiful Yoga Centre, the prestigious Patanjala Yoga Kendra, has been established in Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, where Yoga is taught according to the methods of the world-famous Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar by the Resident Instructor Usha Devi.
Patanjala Yoga Kendra uses teaching the method of B.K.S. Iyengar, where Yoga is an art, a science as well as a philosophy, where by intensive practice of Yoga, one can reach that state of emancipation that is free from the afflictions of sorrows.
Swami Nandakumar 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.
Shri Nandakumar will conduct residential Iyengar Yoga courses on the following dates:
The courses will explore the technical details of Asana and Pranayama in the tradition of Iyengar Yoga. These courses are very well suited for beginners and intermediate level students. Interested persons are requested to register in advance or send their enquiries to yogiyaar@hotmail.com
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