Which are the best Yoga Ashrams in India?

As India is the birthplace of yoga many people consider Yoga Ashrams in India as their first choice for studying and practicing yoga and its various asanas, meditation, pranayama etc. Enthralled by the varied landscape of India, its ancient history and its magnificent culture, many people naturally fall in love with India. It is natural that every Indian will be proud about a few yoga training centers which are located in India and have become the most adorable and affordable yoga centers in the whole of the world.

As there exists many good Yoga Ashrams in India at stunning locations which are run by highly experienced and well known yogis, it becomes difficult to choose the best ones for an ordinary person who intends to start learning yoga. For helping such genuine yoga aspirants, who find it difficult to choose the best one for their personal needs, I am handpicking a few best Yoga Ashrams in India based on personal considerations and scientific research. Before diving into the selection process, I think it will be better to review the origins of yoga in India so that it will help you to form some important information for selecting the best yoga training center near you.

Yoga Ashrams in India originated thousands of years ago. Mention about yoga is found in the Vedic texts which were written around 1500 BC. Patanjali who has written the Yoga sutra is known as the ‘father of yoga’. Pathanjali is believed to have lived between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century BC.

The most important Yoga Ashrams in India

1.Arhanta yoga ashram at Khajuraho: The yoga ashram located at Khajuraho, the city of temples is the most important yoga center in India. This is a unique yoga ashram situated in the midst of 17acres of land lying in the lush nature surrounded by forests, hills and endless fields. The varied landscaping and the lush green settings of this area make it a very convenient location for a yoga study center. For those who wish only to get an experience in a Yoga Ashrams in India can join for their vacation program and for those who like to follow a professional yoga course can join for their in-person yoga training program or online training sessions conducted regularly. The life at the Arhanta Yoga Ashram at Khajuraho is simple and is focused on the teachings of yoga rishis. The spiritual growth of the student is given top priority and it has nothing to do with the comforts of the daily life of the students. Only minimalistic facilities will be available in this yoga ashram. This will be suitable for only those who wish to feel yogic lifestyle focusing on self-reflection and self-growth.

2.Art of living yoga center at Bangalore: The yoga ashram named art of living started by the renowned Sri Shri Ravi Shankar gives importance to Sudarshan Kriya which is a rhythmic breathing exercise used for self-development and stress-elimination. This yoga ashram is considered as one of the best Yoga Ashrams in India and in the entire world. The institution headed by its founder aims at uplifting humanity and for enhancing the quality of life of the participants. There are two levels of training programs conducted here which are explained below:

a) Beginner level: Here a beginner level program is held for 5 days which combines yoga essentials, stretching, meditation, yoga postures, relaxation etc. By incorporating the various beautiful facets of yoga, explained in yoga acharya Pathanjali’s text, yoga sutra, they are trying to look beyond the physical body and sharpen the sensitivity and awareness towards subtler levels of existence.

b) Advance level: This program is intended for those who wish to learn yoga in depth. This will help the learner to experience a complete cleansing of both the mind and the body and prepare him for a new start. The course conducted at this Yoga Ashrams in India has included varied yoga poses, breathing techniques. They have also included strengthening as well as healing contractions which is the prime attraction of this program.

Isha Yoga center: Isha is an organization founded by Sadguru for creating an inclusive culture for global progress and harmony. This center runs Yoga Ashrams in India and also works for environmental conservation, rural sustenance and literacy. These activities of the center have been appreciated worldwide and it is reflected in its consultative status provided to this institution by world bodies like the UNA’seceouncil for economic and social matters.

The yoga center’s program for all round inner transformation of a participant has been acclaimed by the UNO as this program provides valid information about various aspects of yoga in every field. This program allows a person to attain mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

Ashtanga yoga center, Mysore: Ashtanga Yoga Center is located at Mysore city which is also known as the city of palaces. This center was established in 1948. Different types of yoga courses which have varying durations from one week to six months are regularly run here. The institute was started by a renowned guru Krishna Pattabi Jois. Intensive Ashtanga yoga classes are conducted in these Yoga Ashrams in India throughout the year.