Top 5 Traditional Schools of Yoga in India

Posted on 15 September 2015. Tags: INDIA, schools, traditional, yoga

Yoga has been practiced in India since centuries and is an integral part of our culture. In recent years, yoga has become a way of leading a healthy lifestyle for more and more people. While some like to practice yoga inside the four walls of their room, many are inspired to study yoga in-depth and practice it in a traditional setting. However, the style of yoga and the approach of teaching varies at different yoga centres. To give you an insight of what they offer, here are the top five traditional schools of yoga in India.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, located in Pune, conducts regular classes in Iyengar yoga. It was established in the year 1975 and is dedicated to Smt. Ramamani Iyengar, the wife of Yogacharya B.K.S Iyengar. Special classes are conducted for children and women and those with medical children in the institute. The renowned yoga centre attracts several students from all over the world, but it could be difficult to get a place in the institute as it is always full. One needs to have prior experience in Iyengar yoga before joining, as the institute emphasises in the in-depth study of yoga.

Ashtanga Institute, Mysore
Ashtanga Institute is located in Mysore and is run by the descendants of Guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois, who has been teaching yoga since the 1930’s. The yoga institute offers intensive Ashtanga yoga classes throughout the year. The institute emphasises on vinyasa as the central component of Ashtanga yoga. Vinyasa is breathing and moving while performing the asanas. One needs to apply at least two months in advance as this is a much sought after yoga institute. The institute does not provide any accommodation although there are many nearby.

Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai
The Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram is run by the son of yoga guru, T. Krishnamacharya. Located in Chennai, the yoga institute practices Vini yoga which involves breathing through the postures to suit different needs. Their mission is to heal people through yoga. The therapy in this yoga institute goes beyond just curing physical illness. They hold special classes for physically challenged children and those suffering from mental issues. Special teachers training programmes are also held for students in this institute.

Bihar School of Yoga, Munger
Founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the Bihar School of Yoga teaches how to lead a yogic lifestyle. The institute incorporates traditional yoga postures and breathing techniques but gives more importance to meditation and seva (service). Beginner’s yoga and meditation courses are very popular in the school. They also guide yoga projects and medical research in association with prestigious organisations and hospitals.

Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Parmarth Niketan is located on the holy banks of Ganges and in the lap of lush Himalayas and can be a wonderfully spiritual place to study yoga. It is a world-renowned destination for peace, joy, inspiration and spiritual communion. It runs extensive programmes on Vedic heritage, beginner’s yoga and teacher training courses. Daily yoga classes are also held which are open to visitors. Additionally, there are courses on ancient Indian sciences like stress management, acupressure and Reiki. A week long International Yoga Festival is a popular attraction in the ashram.

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