Parmarth Niketan Ashram literally means an Abode Dedicated to the Welfare of All and is a true spiritual

haven, lying on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, in the lap of the lush green Himalayas. Our facilities, with over
1,000 rooms are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional spiritual simplicity in a clean, pure and
sacred atmosphere with abundant, beautiful gardens, embracing and rejuvenating all.

Founded by HH Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Saraswatiji, in the early 1940s, the ashram is currently blessed by
HH Pujya MM Swami Asanganand Saraswatiji and guided by the leadership and vision of HH Pujya Swami
Chidanand Saraswatiji. Parmarth Niketan Ashram offers comfort, inspiration and upliftment for your body, mind
and spirit as well as a deeper connection with the Divine. As you experience the serenity of the Ashram you will
feel your soul bathing in the peace of sacred energies, including those that emanate from nature and those that
linger from the timeless healing powers of saints, sages and enlightened masters. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is
the headquarters of Swami Shukdevanand Trust, a non-profit, religious/spiritual organization dedicated to
religion, spirituality and culture.

H.H. Pujya Swami H.H. Pujya Swami H.H. Pujya Swami

Shukdevanand Saraswatiji Asanganand Saraswatiji Chidanand Saraswatiji
Founder of Parmarth Niketan Managing Trustee President

ACCOMMODATION

As mentioned above, our rooms retain the divine simplicity of ashram life, while being equipped with the
necessary modern amenities. Rooms have at least 2 beds (some have 3 or 4), fans with coolers,
private, attached bathrooms with hot / cold running water and western or Indian style toilets. Bed
sheets, blankets and pillow covers, towels, etc., are provided. To reserve accommodations at the
Ashram, please go to http://www.parmarth.org/reservations/ and submit your reservation
request at least fifteen days prior to your arrival.

When you arrive, please ask for the Reception Office. The team there will assist you with the check-in
process and accommodations allocation. Our Reception Office is open from 8 am to 9 pm. Please plan
to arrive at the Ashram when our Reception Office is open.

For your convenience, the contact numbers are as follows (from abroad, dial +91 instead of 0):
Reception - 0-135 2434301/02

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DAILY ACTIVITIES

All visitors are welcome to participate in our daily activities listed below

5:00 am 6:00 am Universal prayers (Sanskrit) and lecture (Hindi) Satsang

Hall
6:30 am 7:30 am General Yog-asana & Meditation [English] Yoga Hall
(Mon-Sat)
9:00 am - 10:30 am Gita Paath & Pravachan [Hindi] - Satsang Hall
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Ramayan Paath & Pravachan [Hindi] - Satsang Hall
4:00 pm 5:00 pm* General Yog-asana [English] Yoga Hall
(Mon-Sat)
6:00 pm 7:15 pm* Ganga Havan & Aarti Ghat on the river bank
[Summer]
5:00 pm 6:15 pm* Ganga Havan & Aarti Ghat on the river bank
[Winter]
Immediately after Aarti Darshan with Pujya Swamiji in His Kutir just behind of the
Reception Office

*Please check with the Reception Office for any changes or cancellations to the daily schedule.

These classes are open to all on a drop-in / donation basis. In addition, there are frequent special
cultural, Hindi, Music, Sanskrit classes and spiritual programs given by visiting revered saints,
acclaimed musicians, spiritual and social leaders and others.

Silence is appreciated at the Ashram from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

DONATIONS

As per Sanatan Dharma tradition, all our sanskar and vedic services at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
are offered on a donation basis. Whatever pilgrims, aspirants and visitors feel inspired and able
to give for sanskars and vedic services is always greatly appreciated and gratefully accepted. It
is only with the devotion and generosity of divine souls that we are able to feed the hungry, heal
the sick, educate the illiterate, train the unemployable and bring light to the darkness. All funds
received are donations to Swami Shukdevanand Trust which manages Parmarth Niketan Ashram
and our humanitarian services.

At the request of, and, to assist our visitors, we have a guideline of minimum donations for
accommodation and structured programs.

Donations may be offered in person with cash in Rupees or most major foreign currencies; as
well as, with credit or debit cards [Visa and Master Card]; or by bank deposit.

Please remember to get a receipt for any donation given to the Ashram.

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 PARMARTH NIKETAN YOGA, MEDITATION & SPIRITUALITY CENTRE
with the Blessings and Grace of H H Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
President and Spiritual Leader of Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Parmarth Niketan Ashram in collaboration with Uttarakhand Tourism host the

International Yoga Festival annually from March 1 - 7. This is a great opportunity to
practice a variety of holistic disciplines with aspirants and instructors from around the world;
and, to be in the presence and learn from the spiritual masters of India.

For more information and to register, please go to the Festival website

www.internationalyogafestival.com.

Our Ashram is reserved for the participants of the Yoga Festival from Feb 28th - March 8th,
annually.

For more information regarding additional programs, getting to the Ashram and Ashram
guidelines, please check the website www.parmarth.org and follow the links.

For information on activities in Rishikesh and the surrounding area,

you may go to www.uttarakhandtourism.net.

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 OUR YOGA TEAM

Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji

Resident Yoga Instructors:

Indu Sharma Somesh Sharma, Nandini Tripathi

Visiting Instructors:
Tara, Canada Sue Melbourne, USA Jenny Holle, Germany Sanjay Hall, Delhi

We offer yoga programs from Beginner to Instructor Courses throughout the year. Please see the
schedule and course descriptions below.

Yoga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is holistic, spiritually oriented and focused on the deep and
sublime traditional ancient yogic discipline as taught by the rishis and sages. Our qualified teachers
are rich in experience, live yogic principles, and bring to you time-tested yoga practices.

Mastery of yoga is attained with devotion, patience and sincere, uninterrupted and regular practice. In
2 - 4 weeks, students are healthier, stronger and feel more confident to commit to the yoga way of
life. Additionally, we may offer special courses as instructors from across India and around the world
come to share their knowledge and expertise.

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 Full Yoga Course & Event Calendar Oct 2016 - Dec 2017
Please Note: For the Courses Listed Below: The orientation of programs is held in the afternoon of
the 1st day. Students should try to be at the Ashram by 1 pm on the orientation date. Please check at
the Reception Office for the exact time and location of the orientation. The last day is a full day of
classes. Please plan your departure accordingly. Weekend Retreats end on Sunday afternoon

Orientation Date End Date Duration Yoga Course Name

Oct 9th, 2016 Nov 5th, 2016 24 days Yoga Teacher Training
Nov 13th, 2016 Nov 25th, 2016 11 days Kriya Yoga
Dec 4th, 2016 Dec 16th, 2016 10 days Beginner Foundation Yoga
Dec 18th, 2016 Dec 23rd, 2016 5 days Yoga Retreat
Eternal Sound Healing &
Dec 25th, 2016 Dec 28th, 2016 3 days
Gong Workshop Level 1
Dec 30th, 2016 Jan 1st, 2017 2 days New Year Spiritual Retreat

Orientation Date 2017 End Date 2017 Duration Yoga Course Name
Sunday Jan 1st, 2017 Friday Jan 13th, 2017 10 days Beginner Foundation Yoga
Sunday Jan 22nd, 2017 Friday Feb 3rd, 2017 11 days Yoga Intensive Course
**Yoga Teacher Training
Monday Jan 30th, 2017 Saturday Feb 25th, 2017 200 hrs Course with
YogVit Yogashala, RYS
**Yoga Teacher Training
Monday Jan 30th, 2017 Saturday Feb 25th, 2017 300 hrs Course with
YogVit Yogashala, RYS
Eternal Sound Healing &
Friday Feb 24th, 2017 Monday Feb 27th, 2017 3 days
Gong Workshop Level 1
International Yoga
Wednesday March 1st Tuesday March 7th 7 days
Festival
Thursday Mar 9th, 2017 Sunday March 12th, 2017 3 days *Chakradance Retreat
**Yoga Teacher Training
Friday March 10th, 2017 Wed April 5th 2017 200 hrs Course with
YogVit Yogashala, RYS
**Yoga Teacher Training
Friday March 10th, 2017 Wed April 5th 2017 300 hrs Course with
YogVit Yogashala, RYS
*Creating Balance with
Sunday March 12, 2017 Friday March 17th, 2017 5 days
Yoga
Sunday March 12, 2017 Friday March 24th, 2017 11 days Kriya Yoga
*Embrace Your Spirit with
Sunday March 26th, 2017 Friday April 7th, 2017 10 days
Chakradance
Sunday April 9, 2017 Friday April 21st, 2017 10 day Beginner Foundation Yoga
Sunday April 23rd, 2017 Saturday April 29th, 2017 6 days Beginner Intensive Yoga
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Friday May 5th, 2017 Sunday May 7th, 2017 2 days Weekend Yoga Retreat
Sunday May 21st, 2017 Friday June 2nd, 2017 11 days Yoga Intensive Course
Sunday June 11th, 2017 Friday June 16th, 2017 5 days Spiritual Yoga Retreat
Tuesday June 20th Wednesday June 21st, 1 day International Yoga Day
Sunday June 25th, 2017 Friday July 7th, 2017 11 days Kriya Yoga
Sunday July 16th, 2017 Friday July 28th, 2017 10 days Beginner Foundation Yoga
Friday August 4th, 2017 Sunday Aug 6th, 2017 2 days Weekend Yoga Retreat
Sunday August 6th, 2017 Friday August 18th, 2017 11 days Yoga Intensive Course
Sunday Sept 3rd, 2017 Friday Sept 15th, 2017 10 days Beginner Foundation Yoga
Friday Sept 22nd, 2017 Sunday Sept 24th, 2017 2 days Weekend Yoga Retreat
Sunday October 1st, 2017 Friday October 27th, 2017 23 days Yoga Teacher Training
Sunday Nov 5th, 2017 Friday Nov 17th, 2017 11 days Kriya Yoga
Sunday Nov 26th, 2017 Friday Dec 8th, 2017 10 days Beginner Foundation Yoga
Sunday Dec 17th, 2017 Saturday Dec 23rd, 2017 6 days Beginner Intensive Yoga
Eternal Sound Healing &
Sunday Dec 24th, 2017 Wed Dec 27th, 2017 3 days
Gong Workshop Level 1
Monday January 1st,
Friday Dec 29th, 2017 3 days New Year Yoga Retreat
2018
*programs with visiting instructors
** Yoga Teacher Training Courses in collaboration with Yogvit Yogashala, a Registered Yoga
School with Yoga Alliance USA

Program Details

Course Name Spiritual Yoga Retreat

Dates
Winter 2016: Sunday Dec 18th - Friday Dec 23rd, 2016

Summer 2017: Sunday June 11th - Friday June 16th, 2017

Duration 5 days
Description This 5-day Spiritual Yoga Retreat includes prayers, pranayama, Mauna
Dhyana Sadhana, Surya Namaskar and basic stretching, Hatha Yoga
asana, question / answer sessions, Mantra chanting, silent & guided
meditations, Gita recitation, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Each day
concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.

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Course Name Beginner Foundation Yoga Course
Dates
Sunday Dec 4th, 2016 - Friday Dec 16th, 2016

Sunday Jan 1st - Friday Jan 13th, 2017

Sunday April 9th - Friday April 21st, 2017
Sunday July 16th - Friday July 28th, 2017
Sunday Sept 3rd - Friday Sept 15th, 2017
Sunday Nov 26th - Friday Dec 8th, 2017
Duration 10 days / 2 weeks
Description This 10-day / 2-week Beginner Foundation Yoga program is for individuals
with no yoga experience and includes prayers, pranayama, Surya
Namaskar, traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, Vedic chanting, Karma
Yoga and question / answer sessions. Each day concludes with Ganga
Havan and Aarti at sunset.

Course Name Beginner Intensive Yoga Course

Dates
Sunday April 23rd - Saturday April 29th, 2017
Sunday Dec 17th - Saturday Dec 23rd, 2017
Duration 6 days / 1 week
Description This 1-week Beginner Intensive Yoga program is for individuals with some
yoga experience and includes prayers, pranayama, Surya Namaskar,
traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, question / answer sessions, yoga
philosophy, Vedic chanting, meditation, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.
Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.

Course Name Kriya Yoga Course

Dates
Sunday Nov 13th, 2016 - Friday Nov 25th, 2016

Sunday March 12th - Friday March 24, 2017

Sunday June 25th - Friday July 7th, 2017
Sunday Nov 5th - Friday Nov 17th, 2017

Duration 11 days / 2 weeks

Description This program is a great way to deepen your practice and gain a better
understanding of the subtleties of yoga while focusing on the main chakras of
the body. Each day of this Kriya Yoga program begins with the 20 main Kriya
Yoga practices for pratyahara, dharana, dhyana (control of the senses,
concentration and meditation); and, includes prayers, pranayama, traditional
Hatha Yoga asana, question / answer sessions, Vedic chanting. Each day
concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
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Course Name Intensive Yoga Course
Dates Sunday Jan 22nd - Friday Feb 3rd, 2017
Sunday May 21st - Friday June 2nd, 2017
Sunday Aug 6th - Friday Aug 18th, 2017
Duration 11 days / 2 weeks
Description This Intensive Yoga program includes prayers, pranayama, Surya /
Chandra Namaskar, traditional Hatha Yoga basic asana, in-depth practice
of yoga asana, Yoga in the Bhagvad Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Vedic
chanting, question / answer sessions, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Havan
(sacred fire ceremony) and cultural aspects of Indian Festivals (whichever
occurs during the course). Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and
Aarti at sunset.
Pre-requisite 1 year regular yoga asana practice and a desire to live the principles of
yoga
Certificate of Commitment to the practice, punctuality and attendance, and honouring
Attendance the yogic principles must be demonstrated to qualify for the certificate.

Course Name Weekend Yoga Retreat

Dates
2017 New Year Spiritual Retreat
Friday Dec 30th, 2016 - Sunday January 1st, 2017

Friday May 5th - Sunday May 7th, 2017

Friday Aug 4th - Sunday Aug 6th, 2017
Friday Sept 22nd - Sunday Sept 24th, 2017

2018 New Year Spiritual Retreat [3 days]

Friday Dec 29th, 2017 - Monday January 1st, 2018

Duration 2 days
Description This Weekend Yoga Retreat is designed for those individuals who need a
respite from the busy-ness of life - a time for relaxation, rejuvenation and to re-
energize to better manage the demands of life. The weekend includes
prayers, pranayama, Mauna Dhyana Sadhana, Surya Namaskar and basic
stretching yoga asana, question / answer session, Mantra Chanting, silent &
guided Meditations, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, walks and much more.

The specific pranayama and kriyas will be determined by the needs of the
group. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset.
Individuals are expected to use the time after dinner for reflection and
introspection to determine how they will integrate their learnings into their daily
lives.

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 Course Name Yoga Teacher Training Course

Dates Sunday October 1st, 2017 - Friday October 27, 2017

Duration 23 days / 4 weeks
Description Becoming a yoga teacher takes commitment, dedication and willingness to
live the yogic principles. The yoga teacher is the disciple as well as the
example.

This 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course includes prayers, pranayama,
Surya / Chandra Namaskar, traditional hatha yoga basic asana, in-depth
practice of yoga asana, Yoga in the Bhagvad Gita and Paatanjali Yoga Sutras,
Teaching Methodology / Teaching Practice and opportunities for self practice
to deepen your understanding, discipline and teaching abilities Vedic
Chanting, question / answer sessions, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Havan
[Sacred Fire ceremony] and cultural aspects of Indian Festivals [whichever
occurs during the course]. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti
at sunset and meditation after dinner.
Pre-requisite Currently a yoga teacher or Intensive Yoga or 2 years of regular yoga asana
practice; and, a desire to live the principles of yoga
Certificate of Commitment to the practice, punctuality and attendance, and honouring the
Attendance yogic principles must be demonstrated to qualify for the certificate.

Course Name International Yoga Day June 21st

Date June 20th - June 21st.
Duration 1 day
Description This International Yoga Day begins with Universal prayers / Vedic
Chanting at 5 am in the Satsang Hall followed by pranayama, surya
namaskar and meditation in the yoga hall. After breakfast [food for the
body] discover yoga as a life style beyond the mat [food for the mind]. In
the afternoon, cool down with a Ganga Snaan /dip to mantra chanting
from our Rishikumars of the Parmarth Gurukul. Take time to reflect
before participating in a special Ganga puja, Shiva pooja, Yagna and the
world famous Ganga Aarti [food for the soul] at sunset on the holy banks
of Ma Ganga. After dinner take time to reflect on the day as you move
one step closer in yoga for that mind, body soul connection.

If you are interested in any of the above structured programs, please go to

http://www.parmarth.org/yoga/register/ to submit your request for additional information.

9
 Parmarth Programs with Visiting Instructors

Course Name The Eternal Sound Healing and Gong workshop - Level 1
Traveling gong yogi Sanj Hall Co-founder of The Eternal Sound and
College of Holistic Resonance.
Dates Sunday Dec 25th, 2016 - Wednesday Dec 28th, 2016

Friday Feb 24th, 2017 - Monday Feb 27th, 2017

Duration 3 days
Description Sound is the first manifestation of the Absolute. We know nothing about the
nature of the Absolute as it exists, except that it is. Brahman or universe is
incomprehensible in its transcendent aspect - the nearest approach to it is
only by sound which is of the highest level of universe.

Beautiful waves and timeless vibrations, the gongs and other instruments,
singing bowls, drums, temple bells, mantras, chanting produce a spectrum of
harmonics with a sound envelope and texture that is nonlinear and trans
spatial. It transports the listener to another level of being, integrate ones
intention and brings balance into body, mind, and spirit.

Sound healing has been practiced over centuries. Its healing nature is once
again being noticed and embraced. This program on Eternal sound, is an
attempt to understand holistic resonance bringing positive change to the
listener where healing occurs and channelizing this transcendent energy into a
positive, serene and relaxed environment for people, communities and work
places.

Course Name Chakradance Awakening Retreat - with Tara, Canada

Certified Chakradance Facilitator & Spiritual Life Coach
Date Thursday March 9th - Sunday March 12, 2017
Duration 3 days
Description Chakradance, Rhythm of the Soul is a spirited, playful, intuitive, dance to release
stress, activate inner healing, unravel and re-balance energies to live from your best
self at home, work and leisure. Come explore your energy centers as we journey
from your root chakra at the base of your spine to the crown chakra at the top of your
head to access your inner wisdom and rich intuition. Using specific music from
around the world, guided visualization, mandala art, meditations and your unique,
creative and expressive movements, you access your inner glow and radiance for
creativity, clarity, innovation, peace and harmony.

The Chakradance experience is embedded in the philosophy of Jungian

Psychology. The primary aim of Jungian Psychology is to create a relationship
between our unconscious and consciousness for healing and harmony to live our full
potential.

Each day concludes with Ganga Havan and Aarti at sunset followed by satsang.

Please have a journal for reflections and coloured pencils or crayons for mandala art
creations.

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Course Name Creating Balance in Daily Life through Yoga
Visiting instructor Sue Melbourne, RYT500, Owner of Onda Yoga, USA
Date Sunday, Mar 12th, 2017 - Friday, March 17th, 2017
Duration 5 days / 1 week
Description Not able to move to a meditation cave in the Himalayas to find peace? No
problem! Learn to integrate yoga in the midst of everyday life. Through the
ancient science of yoga, we will explore tools to balance your passions with
work, family and other responsibilities. Included is instruction on moving your
body with good alignment through traditional hatha yoga asana, pranayama,
meditation, yoga philosophy and question & answer sessions to ensure
integration and relevance of the teachings. At the end of the program you will
have an individualized written action plan to help live more fully, with greater
ease and harmony with self and others. Each day concludes with Ganga
Havan, vedic chanting and Ganga Aarti at sunset. This course is for those
new to yoga but all levels of practitioners are welcome.

Course Name Embrace Your Spirit with Chakradance with Tara, Canada
Certified Chakradance Facilitator & Spiritual Life Coach
Date Sunday, Mar 26th, 2017 - Friday, April 7th, 2017
Duration 10 days / 2 weeks
Description Want to dance your transformational journey to Embrace Your Spirit? Want to
journey from fear, anger and loss of identity to discovering the true essence
of who you are? If you want to be your best self in all the various roles you
play at home, work and leisure, Embrace Your Spirit with Chakradance is
for you. This 2 week program provides you with simple techniques of Tara's
signature system to journey from intention to transformation with meditation,
satsangs, yoga, dance and mandala art to activate your inner healing and
access your inner glow and radiance. By the end of the session you will have
a plan of action for your continued transformational journey to discovering and
embracing the essence of who you. Each day concludes with Ganga Havan
and Aarti at sunset followed by satsang. Please have a journal for reflections
and coloured pencils or crayons for mandala art creations. Participants will
have access to private coaching sessions with tara [by appointment only].

Chakradance is a playful, spirited, free flowing and healing dance using

music from around the world with your unique and expressive movements and
mandala art to increase your awareness of the connections between mind,
body and soul.

If you are interested in any of the above structured programs, please go to

http://www.parmarth.org/yoga/register/ to submit your request for additional information.

11
 New Programs eligible for registration with Yoga Alliance USA

Yoga Teaching Training Courses

in collaboration with Yogvit Yogashala,
a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA

In collaboration with Yogvit Yogashala, a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA, Parmarth
Niketan Ashram is pleased to offer 200 hour, 300 hour and 500 hour certified Yoga Teaching training
courses which are eligible to be registered with Yoga Alliance USA.

Course Name 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course with Yogvit Yogashala,
a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA
Date January 30th, 2017 - Feb 25th, 2017

March 10th, 2017 - April 5th, 2017

Duration 200 hours
Description The 200 hour YTTC programme with Yogvit Yogashala instructors is for
individuals who has or want to develop knowledge and skills in traditional
Indian Yoga Philosophy. The student will be guided to the basic application
and understanding of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga principles. This program
includes analytical training to teach & practice Hatha and Ashtanga yog-asana,
Pranayama, Meditation, Kriyas and chanting. Additionally, we will explore
yoga philosophy, lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers, and, teaching
methodology. You will learn physical anatomy of the human body such as
skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, nervous systems and organs and be
introduced to the study of pranic body (subtle energy), chakras, nadis, bandhas.
In the practicum the student will demonstrate yoga techniques taught during
the course with necessary adjustments and teaching skills. Each day concludes
with Ganga Aarti, satsang and meditation.
Certification With punctuality, attendance, discipline, and successful completion students
will be awarded with a certificate which they may use to register with Yoga
Alliance USA

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Course Name 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course with Yogvit Yogashala,
a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA
Date January 30th, 2017 - Feb 25th, 2017

March 10th, 2017 - April 5th, 2017

Duration 300 hours
Description The 300 hours Advance Yoga Teacher Training course with Yogvit Yogashala
instructors is for those who have completed their 200 hours YTTC from any
certified RYS 200. In this 300 hour YTTC, students will deepen their
understanding of primary asanas as well as learn to teach advance asanas. The
yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology studies are in greater detail. We will
focus on alignment and accurate way to perform each asana to gradually built
awareness, strength and develop advance flow. You will learn different
Pranayamas, its subtle practice and effects on the respiratory and nervous
systems. We will delve deeper into the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika,
Bhagvad Gita and learn panch koshas. Teaching methodology emphasizes
alignment for advance asana and its sequence; and, explores different aspects
of teaching, communication skills, time management, and designing class
according to age, group and any special needs. This 300 hr YTTC will
continue the study of the pranic body (subtle energy), chakras, nadis and
bandhas. Your practicum is expected to include a well structured sequence
teaching in group with clear instructions, movements and breath
understanding. Each day concludes with Ganga Aarti, satsang and meditation.
Certification With punctuality, attendance, discipline, and successful completion students
will be awarded with a certificate which they may use to register with Yoga
Alliance USA

If you are interested in any of the above structured programs, please go to

http://www.parmarth.org/yoga/register/ to submit your request for additional information.

13
 Integrity and Sanctity of Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Dress Code: To honour our spiritual leaders and the sanctity of the Ashram, visitors are
expected to be modestly dressed when in public areas, satsang and yoga classes. Men and
women should wear clothing that covers shoulders, midriff, and calves [no capris, shorts or
short dress]. Ladies should be careful to cover their cleavage. Please avoid wearing tight
clothing both for your own comfort and as a sign of respect for the local culture. Additionally, it
is customary to remove your shoes before entering into buildings or sacred places. If you are
not dressed appropriately you may not be allowed to participate in yoga classes or other
Ashram activities.

No Tipping: We know that when you get excellent service you want to show your appreciation
with tipping the individual. We would appreciate your assistance to uphold the integrity and
sanctity of the Ashram by refraining to give any tips for services received. Any additional
donation you feel inspired to give, please do so to the reception office and get a receipt for your
generosity.

Clean, Green & Serene: We humbly ask that you put all garbage in the dustbins provided and
to keep your room clean. Additionally, please speak softly when you are in the Ashram public
areas to not disturb those who are meditating on the Ashram grounds or on the holy banks of
Ma Ganga.

Silence is Sacred: The ancient rishis, saints and sages have performed countless years of
austerities filling this land with sacred and blissful energies. Please maintain silence as much
as possible from 10 pm to 6 am.

Your feedback is appreciated: This is your Himalayan home. To help us maintain the
integrity and sanctity of the Ashram, we appreciate your input and participation. Please ask for
and complete the feedback form and give to reception. You are welcome to send your
feedback, suggestions of how we can better serve humanity by email to
parmarth@parmarth.com.

For more information about Parmarth Niketan Ashram, please go to

www.parmarth.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parmarthniketan/

Videos: www.youtube.com/parmarthniketan, www.youtube.com/erosspiritual

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 SANSKARAS: RITES OF PASSAGE CEREMONIES
According to Vedic traditions, sanskaras are essentially the rites of passage that a person passes through
in life from conception to death. There are 16 sanskaras a person should go through in his/her lifetime.
The four most common and essential sanskars are performed with great piety, devotion and
tradition on the holy banks of Mother Ganga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and are listed below.

For more information on Sanskaras, please visit the Life as a Prayer section on www.parmarth.org
and/or to organize a sanskara ceremony for your family and friends please go to
http://www.parmarth.org/sanskaras/register/

MUNDAN First hair cut

Mundan is performed typically during the 1st or 3rd year of age when the childs original, first
hair growth is shaved. This chudakarana sanskar is believed to bring long life to the child
free of undesirable traits from past lives.

UPANAYANA SANSKARA / YAGNO PAVIT / JANEO - Sacred thread

The Yagno Pavit ceremony can take place anytime between the ages of 5 12
when the child moves into the stage of serious study and sadhana. It is regarded
as one of the most important and essential sanskara, and thus can be
performed at any time that the person is ready to move into sadhana.

VIVAH SANSKARA - Wedding / Marriage

In Hindu tradition, marriage is not only a ceremony, but it is truly a
sacrament. It is not a marriage for only a few years or a few decades, but
rather it is a marriage for at least 7 lifetimes. Different arrangements can
be made depending on the couple, their family, tradition, etc.

ASTHI VISARJAN - Ash Immersion

Our holy scriptures say that to immerse the ashes of a loved one in the holy
waters of Mother Ganga is to ensure the release of their soul from bondage,
to help their spirit progress toward liberation. It is with this vision of
honouring our ancestors and maintaining our cultural heritage that we
offer this Asthi Visarjan (Ash Immersion) Program at Parmarth Niketan
Ashram.

All pooja samagri (ritual supplies) and sanskar services at Parmarth Niketan Ashram are provided
free.

15
 SOME OF OUR OTHER INSPIRED SERVICE INITIATIVES
A Life dedicated to the welfare of all, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji leads, directs and inspires
numerous service initiatives, some of which are listed below. His divine example and action inspires people from
all over the world to join together with their time, talent, technology and tenacity.

Global Interfaith WASH Alliance

Pujya Swamiji is the Founder of GIWA-India which is an alliance in partnership with UNICEF that is
committed to bringing the worlds religions and their eminent leaders together to ensure and
encourage water, sanitation and hygiene for all.
www.washalliance.org

Project Hope
Pujya Swamiji has inspired and founded an initiative that brings all stakeholders together as one team
with one theme in times of natural calamity, serving to provide immediate and long-term relief as well
as long-term sustainable and green redevelopment.
www.projecthope-india.org

Ganga Action Parivar & National Ganga Rights Movement

Pujya Swamiji is the Founder of a massive ecological, river-cleanup campaign to keep the National River
Ganga free-flowing, natural and pristine as well as to inspire clean, green and serene movements all
around the world.
www.gangaaction.org

India Heritage Research Foundation

Pujya Swamiji is the Chairman of IHRF which serves with the mission to provide education, health care,
interfaith harmony and upliftment of women. IHRF has also created ashrams in Kailash-Mansarovar as
well as just recently launched the unprecedented and first-ever encyclopedia of Hinduism, a
compendium of Indian culture, heritage, history and civilization in eleven volumes.
www.ihrf.com

Divine Shakti Foundation

Pujya Swamiji has founded DSF for the service of providing holistic well being of women, their children,
and orphaned/abandoned children, and to all of Mother Nature.
www.divineshaktifoundation.org

Ganga Yoga
Pujya Swamiji has inspired Ganga Yoga as the practice of yoga, meditation and spirituality in action to
give and serve for the welfare of all like the Sun and like Mother Ganga with no expectation, no
hesitation, no discrimination and no vacation.

To learn more go to: http://parmarth.com/docs/Journey-of-Peace.pdf

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