International Center For Yoga Education And Research (ICYER)

Nestled in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Pondicherry, the International Center For Yoga Education And Research (ICYER) shines as a beacon of enlightenment. ICYER, a hub for all things related to yoga in India, offers transformative experiences in the realm of yoga and spirituality. Whether you’re seeking a yoga class in Pondicherry or a deep dive into the world of yoga, ICYER has it all.

Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri | International Center For Yoga Education And Research (ICYER)

A revered yogi and visionary, established ICYER. His influence reached far and wide, spreading the wisdom of yoga to every corner of the globe. Swami Gitananda Giri, a master of both Allopathy and the Vedic arts, had a unique ability to demystify spiritual concepts and teachings logically and rationally. He left behind a legacy that continues to thrive even after his passing in 1993. Today, his son, Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, along with his wife, Yogacharini Kalimamani Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, carry on his vision, overseeing all aspects of ICYER.

At the heart of ICYER’s offerings is the 6-month residential Yoga Teacher Training program

This program, which has been running since 1968, provides a comprehensive and immersive yoga experience. It encompasses approximately 1,400 hours of practice, including a deep dive into more than 375 asanas, mudras, and kriyas. Students also explore 40 pranayama techniques, yogic fasting, dietary principles, and yoga therapy. For those who complete the initial 6-month training, an advanced 6-month teacher’s training course is available. Throughout the program, participants are required to maintain a vegetarian diet and observe celibacy.

ICYER’s view

ICYER’s philosophy is rooted in Total Immersion Yoga, recreating the traditional Gurukula system where students resided with their Gurus. At ICYER, students can embrace ashram life, submerging themselves in both the educational and communal aspects of the experience. It is a contemporary Guru’s home, designed to guide individuals towards self-realization through yoga while fostering transformative interactions with fellow practitioners.

ICYER’s branches

NICYER operates from three distinct branches within Pondicherry. The primary center, located on the tranquil shores of the Bay of Bengal, serves as the residential hub and hostel for students. The city center houses Yoganjali Natyalayam, catering to casual yoga enthusiasts and offering cultural education to Indian children. Additionally, the spiritual center, Sri Kambaliswami Madam, situated behind JIPMER Hospital, holds great historical significance as a revered ancient site where sages like Agastyar Rishi are believed to have resided.

Admission to ICYER’s primary branch is a selective process, with a limited number of students chosen annually from a pool of candidates who have completed a year-long correspondence course. Once accepted, students commit to the full duration of the course, regardless of external circumstances.

The curriculum at ICYER is extensive and rigorous, covering over 375 asanas, kriyas, and mudras. Moreover, it delves into forty pranayama techniques, relaxation and concentration methods, and a practical introduction to all eight limbs of Yoga, as outlined in Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Traditional cleansing practices, yogic fasting, diet, and yoga therapy are also integral components of the training. With its unwavering commitment to providing one of the most intensive and extensive yoga training programs worldwide, ICYER is your gateway to a holistic yoga education in India.