International Center for Yoga Education and Research

They are the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research, which is located near the shore in the scenic and culturally varied Pondicherry. Educating people from all walks of life in the joys of yoga, dance, and spirituality from all over the world. Dr. Swami GitanandaGiri, their founder, was a man who travelled the world imparting yoga wisdom and waking innumerable souls. Swami was a master in both Allopathy and the Vedic arts, and was one of the most influential and potent yogis of his day. Many people were drawn to his teachings because of his ability to convey spirituality and the teachings of the Rishis in a clear, practical, and rational manner. His son Yogacharya Dr Ananda BalayogiBhavanani and his wife Yogacharini, Kalimamani Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani have been running, teaching, and overseeing all things at ICYER since his Maha-Samadhi in 1993. Their 6 month residential teacher training programme, which has been conducted annually since 1968, is their major Yoga course. The programme is comprehensive and covers a large amount of information over the course of six months, including about 1,400 hours of practise. The course covers approximately 375 asanas, mudras, and kriyas, as well as 40 pranayama methods, yogic fasting, food, and yoga therapy. For those who have finished the first six months, a special supplementary six-month advanced teacher training course is available. For the duration of the training programme, all participants must commit to both vegetarianism and celibacy. From October through May, the course is available. For individuals interested in learning more about Swami's teachings and Yantra courses, they now offer correspondence courses. They're also delighted to be a centre for Hindu cultural arts education, hosting classes and events in singing, dance, and theatre on a regular basis.