In honour of Swami Vishnudevananda’s lifelong dedication to the study, practice and teaching of Yoga, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai, is organising a five-day conference on Science and Spirituality as part of his birth centenary celebrations.
Swami Vishnudevananda dedicated his life to making the ancient teachings of Yoga accessible to people from all walks of life. He encouraged a practical approach to Yoga, recognising its relevance to physical health, mental well-being and spiritual development.
Continuing this spirit of enquiry, the conference brings together distinguished experts from the fields of neuroscience, medicine, physics, cognitive science, philosophy and traditional Indian knowledge systems to explore the relationship between modern scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom.
Through a series of talks, speakers will examine questions concerning the nature of consciousness, the workings of the human mind, the influence of Yoga and meditation on health, and the contributions of India’s traditional knowledge systems to our understanding of life and the universe.
The conference offers an opportunity for Yoga practitioners, students and anyone interested in science and spirituality to engage with contemporary research and traditional perspectives, and to reflect on how these different approaches can contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Dates: 23 to 27 January 2027
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM IST
Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Five-day Conference Programme
The five confirmed evening sessions are scheduled from 23 to 27 January 2027.
| Date & Time | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Jan 2027, 8:00 – 9:30PM |
Dr Sweta Adatia | Brain, Breath and Mantra: A Modern Scientific Perspective |
| 24 Jan 2027, 8:00 – 9:30PM |
Dr. Sumesh Mullassery Kettil | You, I, and Machines: A Science of Mind: A talk on Minds, Machines, and the Enigmatic Self. |
| 25 Jan 2027, 8:00 – 9:30PM |
Dr. Nithin Nagaraj | Science of Consciousness and its Implications to Spirituality |
| 26 Jan 2027, 8:00 – 9:30PM |
Prof. Anil Kumar Gourishetty | The Two Wings: When Science and Spirituality Soar Together |
| 27 Jan 2027, 8:00 – 9:30PM |
Prof. K. Ramasubramanian | Topic to be announced |
| 27 Jan 2027, 2:00 – 3:00PM |
Dr. Sravan Kumar Gaddamedi | The Heart, Mind and Self: A Meeting of Cardiology, Yoga and Advaita |
| TBA | Dr Carounanidy Usha | Holistic Wellbeing through the Convergence of Science, Spirituality and Quality |
| TBA | Prof. Haripriya Devanathan | Visualization of Science in the Spiritual Verses of the Azhwars |
Meet the Speakers
Five days of enquiry into science and spirituality.
Dates & Prices
For attendance to the Science and Spirituality Conference, please register yourself for Yoga Vacation. You can come and leave any day, respecting the 3-day minimum stay guidelines.
Prices / Night (*USD rates apply to foreign nationals & NRIs)
- Dorm: INR 500 | USD 14
- Twin Share: INR 1500 | USD 20
- Single: INR 2000 | USD 26
- Twin share with AC: INR 2500 | USD 32
- Single with AC: INR 3500 | USD 44
Daily Life in the Ashram
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Swami Sivananda
The Yoga Vacation follows a simple and balanced daily routine that supports rest, clarity, and renewal.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have years of experience, this rhythm helps you reconnect—with yourself and with life.
Accommodation
The Ashram offers five simple and functional types of accommodation.
Please note:
- For all accommodation a mosquito net is provided.
- Couples are not permitted to share twin rooms during the course.
