Kindly follow this link for general guidelines for guests and Ashram facilities.
We provide warm and cold filtered and sterilized himalayan spring water 24 x 7.
Some of these items can also be purchased at the ashram boutique.
Warm clothes, socks, caps, shawls etc. (Average temperature here varies from 5 degree C to 20 degree C.)
Sandals
Toiletries
Towel
Personal items
Water bottle (Reusable, we try and limit the amount of single-use plastic)
Yoga asana mat
Ashram will provide Blanket, 2 bed sheets, meditation cushion, a pillow, and pillow case.
There is a very small library, from which guests can borrow and donate books.
The Library is open from 01.30 PM – 02.00 PM (except Fridays).
The Ashram is secured by a compound wall and CCTV surveillance. For security of personal items,we have a safe-keeping facility for guests’ valuables and documents in the Reception.
You can buy some snacks and seasonal fruits from the ashram boutique.
We serve two main vegetarian meals a day; at 10 am and 6 pm. The cuisine is local North Indian and South Indian style and yogic with no onions, garlic or mushrooms, using as much locally-sourced produce as possible.
Morning tea at 7.30 am and herbal tea with snack at 1.30 pm.
Yoga Vacation programme is based on the teachings of 5 Points of Yoga and the Four Paths of Yoga. The schedule includes twice-daily yoga classes, talks and workshops on yoga philosophy and practice with twice-daily satsang.
It is available May to September and begins on the 1st and 16th of every month. Attendance at all aspects of the programme is mandatory unless otherwise specified.
Two meals, tea and snacks and accommodation are also included in the programme.
The programme starts on the 1st and 16th of every month. Ideally, check-in by 2 pm to attend the first introductory yoga class at 3:30 pm.
For the full benefit we recommend that guests stay for the full two weeks. It is recommended to come at the beginning of the programme, especially for beginners. However guests can still come at any time during the cycle for a minimum stay of seven nights (there is no maximum).
Foreign nationals need to bring original passport with valid Indian Visa & arrival stamp to submit C-Form to FRRO, Govt. of India.
Indian nationals need to bring a valid and original ID proof such as Passport or Aadhar for check in at the reception.
Please follow this link for travel directions and recommendations.
The minimum stay for Yoga vacation is 7 nights.
This depends on the ashram; Sivananda Kutir Ashram, Uttarkashi, Himalayas can accommodate 45 students for courses and 20 for Yoga Vacation, Madurai Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 70 students, Sivananda Tapaswini Ashram, Gudur, Andhra Pradesh 40 students and Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam, Kerala 140 students (180 for January International Course).
Yes. The TTC and ATTC courses of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram Trust are approved by the Yoga Alliance of USA and Canada, and Indian Yoga Association (A self-regulatory body of Leading Yoga Institutions of India and approved by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India & Ministry of Health & Family Welfare). We are also approved to conduct, examine and issue certificates for all YCB (Yoga Certification Board, Ministry of AYUSH) training levels.
TTC: There are no prerequisites for the TTC. A basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. A sincere desire to learn and openness to the teachings of yoga is required.
ATTC/Sadhana Intensive: Students must have successfully completed the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course.
For both courses students should be 18 years of age or over.
A Tourist Visa (only) is required for TTC (28 days minimum)
The practice of karma yoga is to stay open to whatever assignment you are given and to do your best at that assignment.
There are a wide variety of assignments covering many departments within the ashram including boutique, food service, housekeeping, marketing/ promotion, reception/administration, grounds and gardening etc.
The cornerstone of our ‘gurukula’ system (residential study) is selfless service, known as karma yoga. Swami Sivananda taught that the act of offering our services for the benefit of others purifies the heart and takes us further along the path of spiritual evolution. Karma Yoga is a devotional practice; it is service performed with no expectation of reward. One who practises karma yoga dedicates all thoughts and actions to the greater good. At the ashram, karma yoga takes the form of work that is performed in service to the ashram community.
Please note the following points:
- Couples are not allowed to stay together during TTC, ATTC and Sadhana Intensive. This is to promote celibacy, independence and detachment.
- Unfortunately, at the moment we are unable to accommodate children. We hope to in the future.
- Men are not allowed to visit the ladies´ dormitory and women are not allowed to visit the men’s dormitory.
Apart from board and lodging, the training courses include numerous events that make the ashram experience memorable. These include pujas (traditional rituals), cultural programmes and celebrations on special occasions. Being one of the oldest and most respected yoga institutes in the world, we aim to maintain a consistently high standard of teaching at all our centres worldwide. We are a non-profit organisation. Our earnings go into developing the organisation and community works such as yoga education (scholarships), health provision, education and housing.
Women are discouraged to join in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy because of the high risk of spontaneous miscarriage. In later pregnancy, certain practices need to be modified or avoided. Like all students, she will need to sign a course liability release form.
We accept students of all levels of ability (above 18 years). Students are expected to be willing to participate in all aspects of the course at the same time respecting their own limitations. People with significant physical or psychological conditions are expected to provide a medical certificate certifying their fitness to participate. All students are expected to sign the course liability release form.
The written exam and graduation is on the last day of the course (Saturday). Arrange to depart on the following day. If you are unable to collect the diploma before leaving, you will have to arrange for someone (with written permission) to collect it on your behalf. We do not send diplomas by post or courier.
You can pay Indian Rupees or by Credit/Debit Cards and UPI transactions.
Yes, as long as the length reaches below the knees. Trousers/bottoms should be com-fortable and not tight fitting.
A laptop is not necessary nor recommended. However, it may be brought if felt necessary for personal reasons. We provide free Wi-Fi facility during specific breaks. However, please note that the internet may not be very reliable due to terrain, weather conditions, etc.
Phone connections – Airtel network is relatively stable in the Ashram. Please purchase your SIM at Airport. SIM is available at Uttarkashi town as well.
Yes. You will be required to submit daily assignments given by teachers during the course.
We do not collect such information after the course, but many thousands of our graduates are teaching throughout the world.
We provide the Yoga Siromani diploma at the end of successful completion of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram Trust Teachers’ Training Course. The style is classical, traditional hatha yoga.
Please follow this link practical information.
Essential books are:
The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga – by Swami Vishnudevananda.
Bhagavad Gita – with commentary by Swami Sivananda.
Meditation and Mantras – by Swami Vishnudevananda.
Sivananda Training Manual (optional)
They can be purchased from our boutique.
A comprehensive TTC manual is included in the course fee.
Yes. You may take the Advanced Teachers’ Training Course, Sadhana Intensive and/or Sadhana Mandalam. You may also consider the Ayurveda Wellness Course.
The Teachers’ Training Course offers you an unparalleled classical yoga education and connection with an ancient yoga lineage. During the training you will live in the ashram as a part of the traditional ‘gurukula’ system, in which a student lives and learns with the teachers and other spiritual aspirants. You will be immersed in a yogic environment. If spirituality and all-round personal development interest you, you would choose our course. The approach to hatha yoga is simple yet traditional and classical, making it easy to teach and for students to learn.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course students are certified by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram Trust and receive a certificate as a Yoga Siromani (Teacher of Yoga). Graduates of the TTC will receive IYA Certified Course in Yoga (CCY) certification and professional membership where full course fee has been paid. TTC is suitable preparation for sitting the YCB Yoga Protocol Instructor (YPI) examination. The training is also recognised by the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level.
By the end of the Teachers’ Training Course (TTC), you will be able to teach a two-hour Sivananda yoga asana open class that includes initial relaxation, pranayama, sun salutation, the twelve basic postures and final relaxation. You will also learn teaching techniques applicable to children, the elderly and pregnant women.
The Teachers’ Training Course offers a rigorous immersion schedule to allow for trans-formation in the student and for profound training. The course allows free time between morning and evening satsang each Friday.
Yes. There are no prerequisites for the Teacher Training Course. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the teachings by attending classes or programmes at one of our Centres or Ashrams. TTC is primarily intended for self-development with the tools to share the basics of yoga.
Sadhana Intensive, open to TTC graduates, is a two-week intensive residential programme devised by Swami Vishnudevananda based on his own personal spiritual practice in the Himalayas. This course is based on individual self-practice of hatha yoga of up to 6-10 hours, divided into two or three sessions per day. This is balanced by the study of devotional yoga scriptures. The emphasis is on intense and prolonged pranayama practice. Read more.
The Advanced Teachers’ Training Course allows graduates of the TTC to expand their knowledge going deeper into the practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, study of scriptures, anatomy & physiology and more advanced teaching skills in a four-week residential intensive. Read more.
The Teachers’ Training Course or TTC was designed by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969 and is an intensive four-week residential programme. The curriculum covers the study of yoga scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta philosophy, and aspects of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, along with comprehensive training in yoga kriyas, asana, pranayama and meditation. A disciplined yogic lifestyle is followed including vegetarian diet, morning and evening satsang and chanting. The course is internationally recognised by the YCB (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) and Yoga Alliance. Read more.
We offer courses and programmes in yoga and yoga-related topics, including Ayurveda, Panchakarma, meditation, yoga philosophy, yoga for beginners, trainings and advanced trainings for yoga teachers, Kids & Teens Yoga, etc. Please see our home page for details.
Sivananda teachers for all courses are skilled and experienced in the subject they teach. They are all graduates of the internationally renowned Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course and teach on a voluntary basis. They take forward the teachings of our gurus, Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda for the joy that comes from service.
Guests are requested to adhere to the ashram schedule. It is recommended that you follow the Sivananda style that is taught here in the twice-daily classes.
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the teachings by attending classes or programmes at one of our Centres or Ashrams or online Courses/classes prior to joining TTC.
Yes, we welcome beginners for Yoga Vacation. You will learn everything you need to know through our yoga classes for beginners, our lectures and satsang talks. Yoga Vacation beginners class starts on 1st or 16th of every month.
Our staff are always on hand to guide you.
6 AM Morning Satsang: open to public
7.30 AM Tea
8 AM Yoga Class: intermediate or beginners. Ashram inmates only.
Please come with your yoga mat at least 5 minutes before class.
10 AM Brunch
11 AM Karma Yoga: Up to an hour of selfless service to connect you to the ashram community.
12 PM Meditation Coaching: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – optional
12.30 PM Asana and Pranayama Coaching: daily except Fridays – optional
1.30 PM Tea and snack
2 PM Main Lecture: philosophy, psychology and practice of yoga.
3.30 PM Yoga Class: intermediate or beginners. Ashram inmates only.
6 PM Dinner
6.30 PM Chanting in the Raja Rajeshwari temple – optional
8 PM Evening Satsang: Open to Public
You will be given an outline of the ‘Dos and Donts’ of ashram life at the time of your visit. These guidelines are intended to maintain the discipline required for the practice of yoga. Guests should adhere to these rules and regulations. Any difficulties should be discussed with the director
Headstand workshops and coaching sessions are available during TTC and Yoga Vacation.
A brahmachari is preparing for the holy state of sannyas (renunciation). The yellow sig-nifies the quest for true knowledge.
It is recommended to wear comfortable, modest, casual clothing in natural fabrics such as cottons or wools covering the shoulders, midriff and knees
White represents purity and yellow the colour of learning
Ashram living gives aspirants an opportunity to turn inward. Mobile phones and other devices are a distraction from this. To maintain an environment conducive for spiritual practice we request guests to switch off or silence their mobile phones. At specific times during the day guests are provided free Wi-Fi services for their personal work. However, please note that the internet may not be very reliable due to terrain, weather conditions, etc.
Yoga mats are available for puchase from the Ashram Boutique.
We offer multiple choices to the aspirants to learn and strengthen their practice. They can choose from array of courses being offered. Aspirants also have long-term options of staying at our centres and ashrams
According to Hindu tradition deities represent different divine qualities. Hinduism is actually monotheistic in that it considers only one absolute reality named Brahman. Each deity is a symbol of an aspect of Brahman.
We follow the classical style of Patanjali Raja Yoga. Meditation is routinely practised for 30 minutes twice a day in satsang. Meditation instructions are given at these times. You can also attend meditation workshops, courses, and coaching classes that are held at Sivananda centres and ashrams.
We conduct our classes and satsangs in English. However, translators are provided for groups of a certain size during specific courses such as our Teachers’ Training Courses
In Sanskrit, satsang means ‘the company of the wise’. It refers to the company of a guru or company with an assembly of people who listen to, talk about, and assimilate spiritual knowledge. Satsang at SYVC includes thirty minutes of silent meditation followed by chanting, and a spiritual talk by one of our senior teachers. We open and close each day with satsang
We teach classical Hatha Yoga, commonly referred to as Sivananda Yoga. A Sivananda class includes initial relaxation, opening prayer, pranayama, sun salutation, a series of twelve classic asanas and a final period of deep relaxation and closing prayer. It lasts from 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours.
Asana is defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as a posture that is both steady and comfortable. Asana serves as a stable posture for prolonged meditation. Asanas open the energy channels of the body and promote calmness and physical well-being.
