Yoga Teachers' Training Course
Description
Created by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969, this Teachers' Training Course was designed to transmit the classical teachings of yoga in their purest form. Rooted in the lineage of Swami Sivananda and the ancient guruparampara tradition, the programme emphasizes direct experience, sincere practice, and a clear path for both inner development and dedicated teaching.
Preparation starts in the Sivananda Centres across India, where Beginners' Courses and regular Open Classes can help students develop strength, flexibility, breath awareness, and steadiness in practice. Although this preparation is not compulsory, it is a valuable way to refine postures, learn the basics of pranayama, and build the rhythm needed for the intensive 28-day training. With accessible teaching, personal guidance, and a supportive community, the centres offer an encouraging first step into the course.
The ashrams take the training deeper. TTC is taught in the traditional gurukula system, where teacher and student live and learn together. Days include morning and evening satsang, asana and pranayama practice, lectures, karma yoga, and philosophical study. This immersive environment strengthens discipline, quiets the mind, and creates space for inner growth. Living in the ashram helps the teachings settle on both a spiritual and practical level, so students learn not only how to teach, but how to live the yogic life with clarity and purpose.
The course remains one of the most respected training programmes in the world because of this integrated approach: begin with the fundamentals in the centres, then deepen transformation in the ashrams. It brings ancient knowledge into everyday life and offers each student a direct experience of a tradition that has guided practitioners for thousands of years.
Curriculum
Asana (Yoga Postures) - Learn the twelve foundational postures and advanced variations.
Pranayama - Practice Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, and advanced pranayama techniques daily.
Meditation - Strengthen concentration and spiritual insight through a daily meditation practice.
Mantras - Explore mantra initiation and chanting, and their transformative power.
Anatomy and Physiology - Study how yoga affects the key systems of the body.
Yoga Nutrition - Discover the principles of vegetarianism for holistic health.
Kriyas - Practice classical purification techniques with expert guidance.
Teaching Practice - Build confidence through hands-on yoga teaching experience.
Bhagavad Gita - Study the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic.
Karma Yoga - Take part in selfless service within the ashram community.
Jnana Yoga - Explore Vedanta philosophy and higher consciousness.
Bhakti Yoga - Cultivate devotion through prayer, chanting, and worship.
Daily Schedule
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." – Swami Sivananda
Each day in the ashram follows a balanced rhythm of spiritual practice, selfless service, study, and rest, creating a structure that supports both serenity and growth.
05.20 AM | Wake up - The day begins early to prepare body and mind for meditation and to align with nature’s rhythms.
06.00 AM | Morning Satsang - Begin with meditation, chanting, and a reading from the Gurus. This mandatory practice sets an uplifting tone for TTC students.
08.00 AM | Asana, pranayama class - Focus on posture corrections, teaching methodology, and practice teaching to support your development as a future yoga teacher.
10.00 AM | Brunch & Karma Yoga - Enjoy a nutritious vegetarian meal, followed by one hour of selfless service.
12.00 PM | Bhagavad Gita lecture or Chanting class - Daily study and Sanskrit chanting deepen understanding and connection to the yogic tradition.
02.00 PM | Main Lecture - Vedanta offers practical insights into the Self, while Anatomy & Physiology supports safe and effective yoga practice.
04.00 PM | Asana, pranayama class - Guided practice includes the 12 basic postures, pranayama techniques, and, as the days progress, advanced asanas and practice teaching.
06.00 PM | Dinner - A light vegetarian meal at sunset supports digestion, reflection, and preparation for the evening satsang.
08.00 PM | Satsang - End the day with meditation, chanting, and inspirational readings. Evenings may also include study nights, cultural events, or spiritual films. Mandatory for TTC students.
10.30 PM | Lights out - Silence supports rest, inner reflection, and integration of the day’s practice.
Accommodation
Our ashrams offer simple and functional accommodation at:
Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Sivananda Meenakshi Ashram Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Sivananda Kutir Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Sivananda Tapaswini Ashram Gudur, Andhra Pradesh
Continuing Education
Advanced Teachers' Training Course - The 300-hour Advanced TTC is a natural next step to expand teaching skills and deepen practice through intensive asana and pranayama.
Sadhana Intensive - A two-week, demanding programme of classical hatha yoga and pranayama, with a balanced study of classical scriptures, as designed by Swami Vishnudevananda.
Accommodation Options
Single Room
Designed for solo travelers who value comfort and practicality, these rooms offer a calm, uncluttered space to rest and recharge. Each room is spacious and thoughtfully arranged, creating an easygoing atmosphere that feels both private and inviting. Whether you choose an AC or non-AC option, you’ll have the convenience of an attached bathroom with hot water, making your stay comfortable throughout the day.
For added ease, all accommodation areas include shelving, giving you a simple way to keep your belongings organized during your stay. The overall setup is straightforward and functional, ideal for guests looking for a peaceful base between wellness activities, relaxation, or time spent exploring the surroundings. With a focus on simplicity and comfort, these single rooms provide everything you need for a restful stay.
Twin Share Room
Our Twin Share Room offers a simple, functional, and spacious setting designed for a comfortable stay. Ideal for guests sharing accommodation, it provides a practical layout that feels open and easy to settle into, with everything arranged for convenience and rest.
Each room includes an attached bathroom with hot water, adding comfort and ease to your daily routine. You’ll also find shelving and hanging space in all accommodation areas, giving you room to keep your belongings neatly organized throughout your stay.
With its straightforward design and thoughtful essentials, the Twin Share Room is a reliable choice for guests looking for a calm, uncluttered space to relax in between activities, wellness sessions, or time spent exploring the surroundings.
Dormitory
Designed for simplicity and comfort, this dormitory offers separate accommodation for men and women in double-occupancy cubicles. It is a practical choice for guests who value a peaceful, communal setting while still enjoying a sense of privacy within their own sleeping space.
Shared bathroom facilities are available, with cold water provided. The layout is straightforward and functional, making it well suited for retreat guests looking for an uncomplicated stay that supports rest and a focused wellness experience.
This accommodation type is ideal for those who appreciate a modest, shared environment and prefer to keep their stay centered on the retreat program itself.
Teachers
Sivananda Yoga, South Delhi
Place
A - 41, Kailash Colony, Block A, Greater Kailash, New Delhi, Delhi 110048, India
New Delhi
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Price
On request
Duration
27 nights / 28 days
Available any date