Mysore: Embracing the World as the Yoga Capital
Mysore, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, has gained recognition as the unofficial “World Yoga Capital.” With a rich royal past, this ancient city has become a popular destination for yoga practitioners who want to experience the origin of several significant yoga lineages and enhance their practice.
The Wadiyars of Mysore played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting yoga. Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was instrumental in integrating yogic wisdom into Mysore’s cultural fabric, ensuring that the ancient discipline remained a part of everyday life. Later, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar further encouraged yoga’s growth by supporting teachers like T. Krishnamacharya, who went on to shape modern yoga as we know it today.
Heritage of Ashtanga Yoga
T. Krishnamacharya, Father of Modern Yoga
Mysore holds a special place in the history of yoga, particularly for its contributions to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The influential yoga masters who shaped contemporary yoga all had strong ties to the city. T. Krishnamacharya, often regarded as the “Father of Modern Yoga,” was a pioneering teacher whose works, such as Yoga Makaranda and The Heart of Yoga, remain foundational texts in the study of yoga.
One of Krishnamacharya’s most renowned students, B.K.S. Iyengar revolutionized yoga with his emphasis on
B.K.S. Iyengar
alignment and therapeutic applications. His book Light on Yoga remains a timeless guide for practitioners worldwide. Similarly, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, developed a structured, dynamic, and physically demanding system that continues to draw students from across the globe. His book Yoga Mala remains a guiding text for Ashtanga practitioners.
Even today, Jois’s Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, led by his grandson, remains a significant part of Mysore’s thriving yoga community, attracting thousands of students seeking to deepen their practice.
Bharatha Yoga – Carrying Forward the Mysore Legacy
Among the institutions upholding Mysore’s yogic heritage is Bharatha Yoga Shala, founded by Yogacharya Bharath Shetty. Bharath Shetty, a direct student of B.K.S. Iyengar, has continued the legacy of alignment-focused yoga with an emphasis on therapy-based teaching. He strongly adheres to the principle of “Na hathat, na balath”—meaning no force, no pressure—ensuring that every practitioner progresses in a safe and sustainable manner.
Bharatha Yoga follows a structured approach to learning through its specialized programs which include
- Arogyam which is a personalized yoga therapy program designed to address a variety of health concerns. It is a transformative 3-week journey that offers tailored solutions to ones specific needs, helping them embark on a path of healing and self-discovery
- Kramatvam is designed to cater to practitioners of all levels, offering a structured yet flexible path to deepen your yoga practice.
- Laghutvam is a program that offers lead classes. A flow is designed to fit the proficiency of the class. Led by expert Bharatha Yoga teachers, practitioners gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, fostering self-awareness that aids in setting goals and progressing in a systematic and balanced way.
Variety in Yoga Practices
Although Mysore gained international recognition for its Ashtanga Yoga, the city is home to a wide variety of yoga styles. Guests may investigate:
– Iyengar Yoga, which is well-known for emphasising alignment and using props
– Customary lessons for Hatha Yoga
– Vinyasa Flow studios provide more modern methods.
– Workshops with a focus on the theory and history of yoga
– The allure of Mysore goes beyond just practicing asanas. There are many complementary wellness practices in the city:
– Treatments and consultations using Ayurveda
– Classes in pranayama, or breathing exercises
– The study of Sanskrit
– Ancient text studies and the philosophy of yoga
The greater context of yoga as a full system for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being can be experienced by visitors, thanks to this holistic approach.
Community Infrastructure for Yoga
Mysore has changed to accommodate the demands of its foreign yoga tourists:
Many yoga shalas (schools) provide classes for different levels and kinds of yoga
There are several lodging alternatives, from boutique hotels to ashrams.
– Restaurants that welcome vegans and vegetarians
– Markets and establishments selling health foods
– A thriving group of instructors and long-time yoga practitioners
The Ideal Time to Go
Mysore is a year-round yoga destination, however several schools adhere to a set schedule:
– After the winter vacations, January through March is peak season.
– July to August (to avoid the scorching summer heat) is the secondary peak.
With fewer visitors and the possibility of rain delays, the monsoon season (June to September) can be a more sedate time to go.
Making Travel Plans for Your Mysore Yoga Trip
- Choose and reserve your favourite yoga school well in advance, particularly during busy times of the year.
- If you want to really commit to the practice, think about staying for a minimum of one month.
- Set up the right visas. A tourist visa is often used by practitioners, but make sure to verify the most recent rules.
- Pack modest, cosy clothes that are appropriate for yoga and that honour regional traditions.
- Be ready for early mornings; a lot of Ashtanga exercises start before the sun comes up.
- Set aside some time to visit Mysore’s other attractions, such as the opulent Mysore Palace and the vibrant Devaraja Market.
A distinctive fusion of contemporary wellness techniques, ancient yoga lineages, and vibrant local culture can be found in Mysore. This South Indian city offers an unmatched setting for you to further your yoga journey and interact with a global community of like-minded people, regardless of your level of experience.
