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My First Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh

It was about 2022, and the worst covid time has passed but still, there was something left. Physical problems and scars fade a little but not emotional scars. I was dealing with mental and emotional stress and needed something to escape from that time. Moreover, I was wishing to do something from which I can start my professional journey. One of my friends suggested me to join a yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh. I was a bit unsure at starting but then he helps me in choosing the right school and people. With a little fear and high dedication, I moved to Rishikesh. I was travelling from Frankfurt, which is around 4000 miles away. Of course, travelling to a completely new city makes you scared and so was I.

The First Impression of Rishikesh

I have taken a flight to Dehradun Airport (21 km from Rishikesh). From there, a taxi had been arranged by the school. As soon as I reached Rishikesh, I got a completely different vibe. The atmosphere of the city is so pure and pious. People here are so loving and caring. When I was travelling to the school, I witnessed many beautiful spots.

There are a total of 3 bridges in this small town, Janki Setu, Ramjhula, and Laxmanjhula. The bridge of Laxmanjhula has been closed for some reason. The air of Rishikesh hits differently and you got lost in this. Small shops, spiritual river "GANGES", high mountains, accredited temples, and peaceful ashrams connect you to spirituality. Rishikesh comes under a northern state of India, "UTTARAKHAND". The city is also known as the "World's Capital of Yoga". After passing through several spots, I finally reached RISHIKESH YOG TEMPLE (the school I have chosen for yoga in Rishikesh).

Rishikesh Yog Temple - A Registered Yoga School in Rishikesh

Rishikesh Yog Temple is located in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh. The school is located in a beautiful location with a scenic view and green backdrop. When I step into the school, they welcomed me with big smiles on their face and greet me with NAMASTE (It is a Hindi word used to greet someone). The staff were very friendly and treat me with respect and love. They showed me my room. I opt for a private space. The room was very clean and hygienic. That was spacious with a cupboard, drawers, and an attached washroom. The next day, there was a Hawan Ceremony. I know you all are excited to know, What is HAWAN CEREMONY. So, let me tell you this.

Vedic Rituals

The yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh starts with a Hawan Ceremony. I witnessed the ritual for the very first time. It is a Vedic ritual, also known as HOMA. We, all students are invited in white clothes. There was a Kunda or fire altar. The ceremony begins with a Pandit Ji (priest) sitting in front of the Kunda and students sat around the altar. The fire was put in the kunda and various items like Ghee, Rice, Foodstuffs, Herbs, and other items were placed into the fire with the word, "SWAHA". Several mantras were chanted during the Hawan ceremony. I really enjoyed that ritual. In the end, Pandit Ji put TILAK on our foreheads. TILAK is put in between the eyebrows, i.e. on the third eye. It is said that a tilak brings positive energy inside you. A MAULI or KAUTUKA is a pious red-yellow colored thread which is tied around our wrists. Mauli removes all negativity and obstacles from one's life. Then, pandit ji put MALA or Garland around our necks. This is how Hawan Ceremony gets completed. This marks the beginning of the yoga course at Rishikesh Yog Temple.

200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh

At Rishikesh Yog Temple, I opted for a 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh. After extensive research, I got to know that it is a Beginner level course which can give you a professional degree. I want to learn yoga from the beginning, so definitely this is the most suitable course for me. The course tenure was of 25 days and 24 nights. Teachers taught students so patiently. I was doubtful about many topics in starting but professors asked me to come whenever I am amidst of any doubt. I feel blessed to have such teachers. I became friends with my co-mates and they are such good people. They are also from different countries and want to gain skills and knowledge in yoga. Soon, I felt like I am in my comfort place because everything there was so good. The course syllabus covers a deep study of every topic of yoga. Frankly, I enjoyed learning there. Before leaving my country, I thought that the course would be all about physical exercise. But I was wrong. The course comprises pranayama (breathing practices), dhyana (meditation), shatkriyas (cleansing techniques), Mantras, and other aspects of yoga. Excursions were also there. In this, they take us to iconic destinations of Rishikesh. Let's talk about the spots, I explore in Rishikesh.

Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Kunjapuri is a temple, situated some distance away from Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess. Locals also told an interesting mythological story of the temple. We had a sunrise trek to the temple and from there, a scenic 360-degree view of Rishikesh can be witnessed. It was a beautiful journey to the temple.

Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh

Ganga Aarti is a spiritual activity in Rishikesh. It is a ritual which is performed daily on the banks of the Ganges with the motive of paying homage to the river Ganga or Ganges. During the activity, the atmosphere becomes so pure and the sounds of mantras, prayers, bells, and so relax your soul.

Neer Waterfall

Neer Waterfall or Neergaddu Waterfall is a stunning spot in Rishikesh. It is certainly a fun-loving place where we can go and take a bath down the waterfall. There is a pool down the waterfall where we can bathe.

Beatles Ashram

Beatles Ashram is also known as Chaurasi Kutiya. Here Chaurasi means Eighty Four (84) and Kutiya means a small place to stay. It is a wonderful place for photography, yoga, and meditation. There is wall art all over the ashram.

Healing Sessions

I also attended several healing sessions which were certainly so soothing. I got to learn them even. Sound Healing and Chakra Healing are my favorite type of healing therapy and definitely, and I will soon gain mastery in them.

Bhagavad Gita Class

Bhagavad Gita is an important Vedic text of Hinduism. It is believed to be the largest epic. The class gave divine knowledge and life lessons.

Yoga Alliance Certification

The course includes assignments and exams at last. One needs to submit and clear those in order to get a certificate. The school is registered with an international yoga institution and so after the successful completion, we receive Yoga Alliance Certification. Yoga Alliance is the largest non-profit organization which supports the yoga community. After receiving the certification, one become eligible to register oneself as an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and from this point, one can start one's professional yoga journey.

My Yoga Family

The summary of my yoga journey can be stated as, "The Journey From A Student To A Teacher" or "A Journey With Strangers to A Journey With Family". When I started the course, I don't know with whom I have to spend 25 days. But when I got to know them, I found out that they are the same as me. Being a single woman in a new city never scare me at Rishikesh Yog Temple. All thanks to teachers, staff and co-mates at Rishikesh Yog Temple.

If anyone relates to my journey and wishes to join a course, then as per my suggestion; "Join Rishikesh Yog Temple".