Yogic practices not only keep the body flexible but also bring resilience of mind and calmness of spirit. Practicing yoga every day has multiple benefits. There are different types of yoga, but one of the most popular ones that requires discipline and patience to master is Ashtanga Yoga. Unlike other forms, this yogic practice involves repeating the same series of demanding poses every day till you master each pose. It is initially learned with a teacher and then perfected with self-practice. Ashtanga Yoga is such a strict practice that only authorised instructors can teach it. The key is to perfect one pose and then move to the next. Hence, people sometimes need days, months, or even years to master this form of yoga.
If you're intrigued by the Ashtanga way of life and are wondering where to learn it, Mysore may be the ideal place for you. One of the most developed cities in Karnataka with a rich history and association with the Wadiyar Dynasty, Mysore is known for its palaces, sandalwood, booming IT sector, and Mysore Pak and Masala Dosa, among others. But you'd be surprised to know that Mysore is also the birthplace of Ashtanga. It’s a hotspot of Ashtanga Yoga, and yogis and yoga enthusiasts world over come to Mysore to learn and practice this rather dynamic form of yoga.
Some of the major benefits of Ashtanga Yoga include better posture, increased concentration and self-esteem, and enhanced breathing. If you wish to learn Ashtanga Yoga, here are some places that offer exciting Ashtanga retreats and workshops in Mysore.
Places offering Ashtanga Yoga Lessons in Mysore
1. Ashtanga Yoga Mysore
Ashtanga Yoga Mysore is one of the renowned places offering courses on Ashtanga Yoga. You can find short-term courses ranging from 1-3 weeks here and also longer teacher training courses that enable you to earn a certification and become a certified Ashtanga instructor. Ashtanga Yoga Mysore provides meals and accommodation as part of the course fee, making it a convenient option for those travelling to Mysore specifically for the course.
2. Mysore Three Sisters
Mysore Three Sisters is another exotic place offering Ashtanga classes. This intimate yoga space might appeal to those of you who prefer exclusive classes. Run by three sisters who have learned Ashtanga from the legendary Pattabhi Jois family (who started the practice of Ashtanga), this place offers classes in the morning and evening. The Ashtanga Yoga classes at Mysore Three Sisters come with healthy lunches and massages at an additional charge. Although this place doesn't offer accommodation, you can find plenty of good and affordable hotels and homestays close by.
3. Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI)
Learning Ashtanga Yoga at KPJAYI, established by the initiator of Ashtanga, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, is a novel experience. The place offers an authentic experience where you can feel the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga vividly. Yogis worldwide consider a visit to KPJAYI almost like a rite of passage as it has some of the finest Ashtanga teachers in the world. Owing to the huge demand, application forms for KPJAYI need to be filled out a couple of months in advance. The place accepts only those candidates who have been taught by institute-certified teachers in the past. Although the place doesn't offer food and accommodation, you can find plenty of good options nearby. For prolonged stays, serviced apartments are available at Trinity House. You can also find long-stay rooms at Anokhi Garden House and Cafe
4. Mysore Krishnamacharr Yoga Shala
Owned and run by Sri BNS Iyengar (the oldest living teacher of Ashtanga Yoga), Mysore Krsihnamacharr Yoga Shala is yet another exceptional place to learn Ashtanga Yoga. Iyengar has been practising the strenuous Ashtanga for over 70 years now and shares the same wisdom and expertise in his classes. This class stands out because apart from learning all about Ashtanga Yoga, participants also get to learn about yogic philosophy and pranayama (breathing) here. Both beginners and advanced practitioners have learning spaces here, and accommodation is provided on request.
5. Mysore Mandala Yogashala
Last on our list is Mysore Mandala Yogashala. Located in a quiet Mysore suburb, this yoga shala is a cosier and more relaxed alternative to KPJAYI. Avail the limited on-site accommodation and enjoy the location of the Yogashala in a charming old building, with tranquil gardens all around. The place also has a relaxed cafe serving hygienic and healthy food. The Mysore Mandala Yogashala offers traditional Ashtanga classes along with sessions on meditation, anatomy, and back-bending. Interested people can also enroll for the teacher training courses on Hatha Yoga.