Exploring Yoga is a life-long journey of learning and unlearning. Yoga. in team was humbled to take this journey to the world’s Yoga capital – Rishikesh. A journey of exploring, experiencing, and interacting with the authentic world of Yoga. We arrived at our destination after a long 35-hour trip from Mumbai. As soon as we reached, we visited the Ganga Resort to enquire about the International Yoga Festival and reserve our tickets. Rising majestically on the banks of the great Ganges River, the white tent of the International Yoga Festival was filled with yoga practitioners worldwide. We took a glimpse and grabbed our passes for the following day.
The natural splendor around us—the river Ganges, glittering in pure, unspoiled tones of blue—captivated us as darkness fell. Standing beside the clean, tranquil, and powerful water evoked a profound sense of peace.
The next day began early. Bravely negotiating the frigid cold, we prepared to reach the site of the International Yoga Festival by six for the first event of the day, the Hawan. Hawan is an ancient Vedic ritual in Hinduism that involves offering specific materials such as ghee (clarified butter), grains, herbs, and other sacred substances into the fire (Agni) while chanting mantras and prayers. Agni Dev (the god of fire) is believed to create pathways, especially spiritual ones. He guides individuals towards truth and righteousness and is considered a purifier and illuminator. In essence, the ritual of Hawan is performed to invoke divine blessings, purify the environment, and achieve spiritual and material benefits. Under the still-dark sky, the Hawan started, its holy fire radiating warmth against the cold. We immersed in the sacred experience.
We had breakfast and then attended a captivating session with Dr. L.N. Joshi. He discussed Nabhi Parikshan, pointing out that the human body has 72,000 Nadis—energy channels—with the most important one being close to the navel as it relates to the umbilical cord. Profound wisdom flowed from Dr. Joshi; he comes from a family where yoga therapy was carried out over three generations. We met him following the class and discussed our platform & he was quite intrigued by the idea.
Later in the day, we attended a presentation on Yoga as a career by dignitaries and academics from several colleges. After the intriguing session, it was time for the famous Ganga Aarti, an ancient Hindu ritual, practised for centuries to express reverence for the mighty Ganges River. The evening breeze combined with the chanting was a perfect end to the eventful day at the International Yoga Festival. Later that night, we witnessed the band Indian Ocean’s soul-stirring music at the International Yoga Festival tent. The soothing yet powerful tunes enchanted listeners. It was an ideal finale to a busy day.
In the later few days, we faced some initial setbacks in connecting with yoga institutes, but we kept exploring, knowing that “Rejections are redirections”!
While exploring, something caught our attention. It was a simple door with a board titled ‘Shivalay Ashram’. The universe gave us a direction, and we followed. As we entered the gate, we saw a Shiva temple. While looking at it, we were warmly greeted by a thin but active man. He listened to our motive to explore Yoga and, with a smile on his face, urged us to meet the Mahamandaleshwar of the ashram.
He said, “It’s your lucky day! In the ashram, usually Vedanta classes take place from morning till evening, but today, on Ashtami, the daily classes are suspended, and Swamiji is available to meet!”. Following his directions, we went to a simply furnished, bright room of the Mahamandaleshwar, Swami Vijayanand Puri.
He greeted us with a warm smile. Sitting in Sukhasana, Swamiji listened to our aim and gave us the go-ahead to ask him questions. We started with what Vedanta is and went into different domains of philosophy, gradually coming to the connection of Yoga and Vedanta.
Swamiji, the great orator of Hindi, gave us insightful answers full of examples so that we could understand. He underlined that the core of Vedanta is the Advaita Philosophy – how our soul (Atma) and the Higher Power (Parmatma) are one and the same, and realizing this reality is the aim of our existence.
He eloquently described that individuals choose a suitable path (Bhakti Yog, Jnana Yog & Karma Yog) to reach the same ultimate realization. After this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation, we roamed the ashram for some time. After having the ashram’s modest but blessed Prasad, we left with a recharged soul.
We next went to the hilltop Tapovan area to see Shri Rohit Kumar Ji of Sanatana Yog Sandesh. Riding our bikes on narrow, twisting paths, we arrived on schedule. Shri Rohit Kumar Ji greeted us with a friendly smile. Modest and grounded, he asked that we not address him as a “Yogi,” since the word carries a significant meaning.
He imparted his knowledge freely while conversing. He clarified the five primary forms of Prana and the more profound significance of Pranayama. After talking about various other topics, such as Bandha & Mudras, he reiterated the same principle that the aim of Yoga is enlightenment. On this note, we concluded the wonderful and enlightening exchange.
We also met Dr Amrit Raj from Maa Yoga Ashram. He gave us a grand tour of their residential institute, which skilfully blends Yoga with an Ayurvedic way of living. In the chilly Rishikesh climate, we meandered over their large herbal garden. While he served us green tea sweetened with jaggery, a sweet gesture, he emphasized the connection of Yoga and Ayurveda for overall well-being.
Our next stop was Rishikesh Yog Nirvana School. While entering the gates, we were welcomed by the founder, Shri Sajan Negi Ji. Dressed in a tracksuit, Negi ji emphasized that in the path of Yoga, external appearances matter little compared to inner awareness. Further in his conversations, he spoke in detail about various Yoga topics. He greatly encouraged being comfortable in one’s own skin and promoted self-acceptance and sincerity, which are the most coveted virtues on the path of Yoga.
That same evening, over a laid-back cup of Kulhad tea, we met youthful, enthusiastic yoga teacher Shri Pramod Bhadola Ji, founder of Yoga Capital Rishikesh. He quickly understood our aim and agreed to connect the next day by the riverfront. During our conversation the next day, Pramod Ji’s pragmatic counsel resonated with us: rather than avoiding technology; one should embrace it deliberately. He suggested creating hourly reminders to be self-aware, just for five minutes! Even five minutes every hour of being self-aware can create a profound change.
During our various conversations, we were told to visit Sivananda Ashram as well in Rishikesh. It is one of the few oldest standing ashrams still adhering to its philosophical roots. After entering, we were drawn by the captivating sounds of constant chanting; after inquiry, it was revealed that the chanting movement began during World War II and has never stopped since.
The story goes that when Swami Sivananda Ji was in Rishikesh, he wanted to build an ashram and inaugurate it in December. Upon asking around for the auspicious timeslot soon to inaugurate the ashram, he was told that the planet’s alignment was not proper, making December not an auspicious month. But Swami ji suggested that by chanting the Lord’s name one can make any day a lucky day—and therefore, the custom of chanting began in the ashram’s mandir.
A young Sanyasi from Manipur in the bookshop of the ashram narrated the story. He also suggested to meet Swami Yogaswarupananda ji. The following day, he took some time out from his busy schedule and discussed the crux of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta. He conveyed that Bhagwat Geeta contains the core philosophy of the four Vedas, Atma & Paramatma being one and the same. Later, he shared his journey into Yoga and suggested numerous books on Vedanta philosophy to help us grow.
We were nearing the end of our journey, and the last stop we had decided was Parmarth Niketan Ashram’s International Yoga Festival. The Ashram is situated at the bank of Gangaji. The event organizing team was quite cooperative, and they connected us with two amazing teachers. From practicing Asanas to extensively researching the concept underlying Yoga, Irish Yogi Shri Stewart Gilchrist Ji shared his inspirational path with us.
In his conversations, he expressed a very interesting point that Yoga is for a better future; if we want to save this planet, people need to be compassionate, humble, and understanding, and only Yoga has the power to make people follow the path of empathy. Afterwards, we connected with Shri James Cassidy Ji. He spoke feverously about Bhakti Yoga and how singing devotional songs (bhajans) helped him heal spiritually and emotionally.
During our ten-day journey, we had various experiences, from the serene landscape to the sheer forceful presence of Gangaji, from Satvik food to invigorating conversations. As they say, Every ending is a new beginning; we ended our journey with a new & deeper understanding that Yoga is more than Asanas. The whole experience was nourishing for the soul. If this experience brings us even a little bit of positive change, we will feel blessed. We truly hope to bring some of that transformative experience to you.
