Practised by 300 million worldwide, Yoga is now a global phenomenon but it all started 5000 years back in the sacred land of India. Recognized globally as the birthplace of Yoga no other country has the history, culture, geography authenticity as India.
It may seem like repetition of postures, and one more method when seen practising around the world but in India one experiences yoga in its fullest essence. The northeast mountains to southwest backwaters from yogis to common man everybody is indulged and familiar with the practice and its way of living. Yoga and Ayurveda are here parts of everyday living.
With a large number of studios all across the country if you are wondering why exactly is India the world’s most popular destination for yoga? Let’s dive in.
History of Yoga In India
The first reference of yoga is found in a 3000 BCE scripture Rig Veda. The ancient scripture described the practices of meditation and breath control as a pathway to spiritual awakening. Over the centuries, the practice evolved and various methods, philosophies spread across the country. Some of the main texts include:
Upanishads: The ancient texts introduced meditation, pranayama, and the concept of looking inward and self-awareness.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Written in 2nd century, it provides the basis of most of modern yoga, describes Ashtanga Yoga, ethics, posture, breath control, meditation, etc.
Besides these, several Indian Gurus and philosophers developed its branches and spread it all across India and the world.
Adi Shankaracharya: Born in the 8th century in the state of Kerala, he is known to revive Advaita Vedanta and begin monastic centers all across India.
Swami Vivekananda: In the 19th century his speech at Parliament of World Religions in Chicago became a historical moment and introduced yoga and Vedanta to the West.
Swami Sivananda: Founder of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, he penned over 200 books on yoga and philosophy.
B.K.S. Iyengar: Author of Light on Pranayama:
he is known for developing Iyengar a form of known for its alignment and props.
Pattabhi Jois: He popularised the Ashtanga Vinyasa which is currently practised worldwide.
The presence of ashrams, and yogis and small institutions all across the country has been equally involved in keeping the Ayurvedic practices and yogic tradition alive.
5 Reasons Why People from all across the world come to practice Yoga in India
1. Authenticity roots & deep history
In India it’s not just a fitness trend but a spiritual discipline passed on from centuries. Many school ashrams are still run by disciples of great yogic Gurus, and practitioners. For anyone learning meditation in India means learning at the source. Every teaching refers to an ancient text, every routine and practice holding proven benefit from practitioners before. Here every school, ashram combines meditation and Ayurveda which gives the authentic whole experience of Yogic lifestyle.
2. India a Spiritual Country
Every nook & corner in India is donned with temples, ashrams, and sacred places. yoga Every morning and evening the sounds of mantra chanting, aarti fill the air here. India is home to a lot of spiritual cities and monuments. Nothing beats the experience of meditation practising at the banks of Ganga River or practising meditation in a Himalayan cave.
When one comes for here they also come across so many other spiritual practices which for many has been a life changing moment.
5. Affordability and Community
A month-long stay & course in India costs almost equal or less than a one week retreat in Europe or any other western nation. Retreats in India are far more affordable and far more authentic and if checked thoroughly then without compromise of quality.
And it being a hub of it attracts yogis from all over the world making it a place of meeting a like minded community and making some life lasting friendship in your new journey of holistic living.
3. Integration Indian Culture
Indian culture as depicted in cinema is colourful vibrant, the country observes over 100 major festivals. The most known ones being Holi, Janmashtmi, Diwali, Navratra, etc. yoga Then every state and every region has some different fest from east to west and north to south. Celebrations in India are grand whether it’s weddings, or festivals or even a small get together always adjoining a spiritual ritual or puja with dance and singing. It’s a once in lifetime experience to be a part of these high energy gatherings. People from across the globe come to experience it.
4. Variety of Yoga Traditions and Schools
India boasts of diverse forms including Ashtanga Iyengar , Sivananda , and more and thus provides students with a diversity of choices. The studios here have custom courses for everyone whether you want to deepen physical practice, explore philosophy, or become certified teachers with Alliance-accredited centres.
Top Destinations in India for Yoga Teacher Training & Retreats
1. Rishikesh – The Capital of the World is home to numerous ashrams, hosts the annual International Yoga Festival. Here many schools have international Yoga alliance accreditations and offer 200 and 300 hour YTT programs.
2. Mysore – This is the city where Ashtanga Yoga was born by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Students from around the world come to study at institutes like the KPJAYI (K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Institute).
3. Kerala – This city Kerala combines yoga with Ayurveda, meditation, and sea views. With its serene location at the bank of sea it is a popular location for wellness-focused retreats.
4. Goa – The city formerly only known for its party scene and hippy culture is now coming forward with many ashrams thus perfect for people looking for a blend of traditional and modern lifestyle.
5. Varanasi – The spiritual heart of India is one of the oldest living cities in the world, Ganga ghats, artis, ashrams mantra chanting, and philosophy speeches are all part of everyday routines here thus fostering the perfect spiritual atmosphere.
Conclusion
India didn’t become a popular yoga destination overnight – for thousands of years thousands of gurus, yogis and philosophers practised and carried this wellness science. From the Vedas and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras to modern gurus like Sivananda, Krishnamacharya, Iyengar, and Pattabhi Jois, India has preserved and evolved yoga as a holistic path to self-realization.
Here yoga is an ecosystem— full of sacred spaces, spiritual teachers, Ayurvedic healing, and communities of seekers across the globe coming yoga together to learn the philosophy and yogic way of living. The country is high on spiritual vibrations thus choosing every location as per your need in journey will be a once in a lifetime experience.
Thus making it a country people are drawn to practice yoga, meditation and self awareness.
