Yoga in Tirumoolar’s Tirumandiram

Thirumoolar’s Thirumandiram is an ancient treatise, a treasure trove in Tamil Spanning the philosophy of Agama, Siddhanta, Vedanta, Yoga, etc. It is rendered in 3000 verses or Mandirams, meaning, finding one’s inner sound, inner rhythm and vibrations. These verses speak about the philosophical, spiritual and yogic experiences of Thirumoolar and rendered in simple yet powerful verses with inner mystical meaning.

Yoga practices hold a very vital place in this work. Pranayama is discussed elaborately just not as mere techniques and benefits to acquire physical health and mental clarity, but as a means to reach the ultimate goal of liberation from Maya and realise the presence of the Divine (Lord Shiva) within oneself.

Through these 12 weeks, we will be exploring important verses relating to Astanga yoga, specifically, Pranayama. The course will include chanting of these verses, brief meaning and explanation as well as inspirations for practice.  

Course Fee: Rs.7500/- for Indian citizens living in India.
For NRI and International students, USD120/-  

Lakshmi Ranganathan is a senior teacher in yoga, was a student of Sri. TKV Desikachar from 1970 and has also learnt from Sri T.Krishnamacharya. She was one of the first teachers in Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram where she worked till 1986. In 1990, she helped found the Sanjeevani Ayurveda Yoga Centre where she taught therapeutic yoga extensively to patients. She has been teaching yoga for 48 years now. An adept at the therapeutic use of yoga, Lakshmi has led several seminars on Yoga for Women, Pranayama, Meditative techniques and Yoga Therapy. She also trains teachers and therapists in therapeutic application of yoga. She was an honorary Yoga instructor at “The School” run by the Krishnamurthi Foundation of India. She has also taught leprosy patients in Ramakrishna Mission using yoga techniques.  

The teachings of Yogacharya Krishnamacharya and Sri TKV Desikachar has had an inestimable influence upon her study of yoga. Along with her daughter, Dr Nandini Ranganathan, she translated “Yoga Makarantham”, a treatise of Yogacharya T Krishnamacharya, into English.