Namaste
Namaste
Namaste
My journey with spirituality began in early childhood during my school years in Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Chennai, South India. It was a very devotional environment, with a lot of time spent chanting śloka-s from the Bhagavadgītā, Vedic mantra-s, singing bhajan-s, and learning Carnatic classical music with my sister. I also developed a love for Sanskrit during those early years. These beautiful experiences went on to influence my life in unexpected and wonderful ways.
In the year 1991, I graduated with an MMS degree from BITS, Pilani. I moved to the USA in 1993 after I got married, and returned to India in 2001. I started my yoga practice the same year and became a certified yoga teacher in 2006 with The Yoga Studio run by Seema Sondhi in New Delhi. Thereafter, I opened my own yoga studio and taught both individual and group classes. I also taught in Seema’s Teacher Training programs.
In 2015, I came to know of the Viniyoga tradition rooted in the lineage of Ācārya T. Krishnamacharya and Ācārya T.K.V Desikachar. I was drawn to its focus on yoga as a holistic practice, as opposed to other modern schools which focused mainly on āsana. I was also delighted to note that mantra chanting and scriptural study was at the heart of the tradition. I completed the Viniyoga® Teacher Training program under Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, the current lineage holder of the Viniyoga tradition and the Vedic Chanting Certification under Mrs. Menaka Desikachar.
Eventually, I moved back to the USA in 2019 and began teaching a few online classes during and after Covid. Meanwhile, I continued to deepen my roots in Viniyoga, scriptural learning from Dr. Kausthub Desikachar and Vedic Chanting with Mrs. Sujaya Isaac, a long-term student of Ācārya T.K.V Desikachar. Dr. M Jayaraman is another teacher who continued to guide me in the study of scriptures, mantra and Sanskrit.
I completed my Viniyoga® Teacher Trainer Training in June 2025. In the days that followed, I had a strong calling to take the Viniyoga tradition forward. From that calling was born the Śraddhā School of Yoga. Through the school, I intend to share the gifts that I have received and impart the knowledge of yoga as a traditional holistic practice. Mantra chanting is my favourite tool of yoga. I also love likhita japa—the writing meditation of mantra. My other area of deep interest is scriptural study of yogic texts in Sanskrit. I am also passionate about the study of human anatomy.
I currently live in California with my husband, Guru, and our dog, Axel. I love going for long walks with Axel—not only to bond with him, but also because I love being out in nature. I have two adult children, Supriya and Saideep.
Eventually, I moved back to the USA in 2019 and began teaching a few online classes during and after Covid. Meanwhile, I continued to deepen my roots in Viniyoga, scriptural learning from Dr. Kausthub Desikachar and Vedic Chanting with Mrs. Sujaya Isaac, a long-term student of Ācārya T.K.V Desikachar. Dr. M Jayaraman is another teacher who continued to guide me in the study of scriptures, mantra and Sanskrit.
I completed my Viniyoga® Teacher Trainer Training in June 2025. In the days that followed, I had a strong calling to take the Viniyoga tradition forward. From that calling was born the Śraddhā School of Yoga. Through the school, I intend to share the gifts that I have received and impart the knowledge of yoga as a traditional holistic practice. Mantra chanting is my favourite tool of yoga. I also love likhita japa—the writing meditation of mantra. My other area of deep interest is scriptural study of yogic texts in Sanskrit. I am also passionate about the study of human anatomy.
I currently live in California with my husband, Guru, and our dog, Axel. I love going for long walks with Axel—not only to bond with him, but also because I love being out in nature. I have two adult children, Supriya and Saideep.
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः l
श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः l
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
śrīgurubhyo namaḥ l
Dr Kausthub Desikachar
Dr Kausthub Desikachar is the current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. Kausthub has taught a multitude of students and teachers around the globe and has conducted numerous teacher and therapist training programs. He has a dual Masters degree from the renowned Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, and a PhD from the Psychology Department at the University of Madras. Kausthub is an outstanding Yoga Therapist with extraordinary observation skills and offers clients astute and effective solutions for all sorts of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual ailments. As a Yoga educator, he is known for his vast knowledge and his ability to present the ancient teachings in a profound, yet applicable, modern and often humorous way.
Dr Kausthub Desikachar
Dr Kausthub Desikachar is the current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. Kausthub has taught a multitude of students and teachers around the globe and has conducted numerous teacher and therapist training programs. He has a dual Masters degree from the renowned Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, and a PhD from the Psychology Department at the University of Madras. Kausthub is an outstanding Yoga Therapist with extraordinary observation skills and offers clients astute and effective solutions for all sorts of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual ailments. As a Yoga educator, he is known for his vast knowledge and his ability to present the ancient teachings in a profound, yet applicable, modern and often humorous way.
Dr Kausthub Desikachar
Dr Kausthub Desikachar is the current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional, social and spiritual health. Kausthub has taught a multitude of students and teachers around the globe and has conducted numerous teacher and therapist training programs. He has a dual Masters degree from the renowned Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, and a PhD from the Psychology Department at the University of Madras. Kausthub is an outstanding Yoga Therapist with extraordinary observation skills and offers clients astute and effective solutions for all sorts of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual ailments. As a Yoga educator, he is known for his vast knowledge and his ability to present the ancient teachings in a profound, yet applicable, modern and often humorous way.
Menaka Desikachar
Menaka Desikachar is the wife of TKV Desikachar and has studied under the guidance of her husband for more than 40 years. She is one of the very few people that Tirumalai Krishnamacharya graduated as a Yoga Teacher. She has been instrumental in spreading the teachings of her father-in-law and was head of Vedavani, the department for Vedic Chanting in the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram for many years. Together with her husband, her son and daughter, she has conducted numerous seminars and workshops around the world about Yoga, Vedic Chanting and Yoga Therapy. Menaka is renown as an authority in the field of Vedic Chanting and teaches chanting to numerous students around the world. She is a force to be reckoned with and would never miss one mistake in the chanting of her students! Menaka is also an exceptional Yoga therapist with a keen eye and a deep understanding of the spine, physical misalignments and constitutional imbalances and how the tools of Yoga can be applied to alleviate them. Female students also often seek her expertise when it comes to pregnancy and children’s diseases. In her free time, Menaka loves gardening and grows her own vegetables and colorful flowers in the garden around her house.
Menaka Desikachar
Menaka Desikachar is the wife of TKV Desikachar and has studied under the guidance of her husband for more than 40 years. She is one of the very few people that Tirumalai Krishnamacharya graduated as a Yoga Teacher. She has been instrumental in spreading the teachings of her father-in-law and was head of Vedavani, the department for Vedic Chanting in the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram for many years. Together with her husband, her son and daughter, she has conducted numerous seminars and workshops around the world about Yoga, Vedic Chanting and Yoga Therapy. Menaka is renown as an authority in the field of Vedic Chanting and teaches chanting to numerous students around the world. She is a force to be reckoned with and would never miss one mistake in the chanting of her students! Menaka is also an exceptional Yoga therapist with a keen eye and a deep understanding of the spine, physical misalignments and constitutional imbalances and how the tools of Yoga can be applied to alleviate them. Female students also often seek her expertise when it comes to pregnancy and children’s diseases. In her free time, Menaka loves gardening and grows her own vegetables and colorful flowers in the garden around her house.
Menaka Desikachar
Menaka Desikachar is the wife of TKV Desikachar and has studied under the guidance of her husband for more than 40 years. She is one of the very few people that Tirumalai Krishnamacharya graduated as a Yoga Teacher. She has been instrumental in spreading the teachings of her father-in-law and was head of Vedavani, the department for Vedic Chanting in the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram for many years. Together with her husband, her son and daughter, she has conducted numerous seminars and workshops around the world about Yoga, Vedic Chanting and Yoga Therapy. Menaka is renown as an authority in the field of Vedic Chanting and teaches chanting to numerous students around the world. She is a force to be reckoned with and would never miss one mistake in the chanting of her students! Menaka is also an exceptional Yoga therapist with a keen eye and a deep understanding of the spine, physical misalignments and constitutional imbalances and how the tools of Yoga can be applied to alleviate them. Female students also often seek her expertise when it comes to pregnancy and children’s diseases. In her free time, Menaka loves gardening and grows her own vegetables and colorful flowers in the garden around her house.
Sujaya Isaac
Sujaya Isaac is a student of Sri.T.K.V. Desikachar since 1982. She served in Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) as a Yoga teacher, Chanting teacher, therapist, consultant and a member of the Editorial Board of KYM quarterly journal Darshanam. She has trained students and teachers from across the world in the Principles of Yoga practice, in Yoga Therapy, in the Philosophy, including the Yoga Sutra, Yoga Rahasya, etc and has worked extensively on Chanting and its application, for more than 40 years. Sujaya has also served as an External Examiner for the Certified Teacher Training and Chanting Programs offered by KYM and KHYF. In March 2005, with the Blessings of Sri. T. K. V. Desikachar, she established her yoga centre 'Yogakalaa' where she continues to teach Yoga and Chanting.
Sujaya Isaac
Sujaya Isaac is a student of Sri.T.K.V. Desikachar since 1982. She served in Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) as a Yoga teacher, Chanting teacher, therapist, consultant and a member of the Editorial Board of KYM quarterly journal Darshanam. She has trained students and teachers from across the world in the Principles of Yoga practice, in Yoga Therapy, in the Philosophy, including the Yoga Sutra, Yoga Rahasya, etc and has worked extensively on Chanting and its application, for more than 40 years. Sujaya has also served as an External Examiner for the Certified Teacher Training and Chanting Programs offered by KYM and KHYF. In March 2005, with the Blessings of Sri. T. K. V. Desikachar, she established her yoga centre 'Yogakalaa' where she continues to teach Yoga and Chanting.
Sujaya Isaac
Sujaya Isaac is a student of Sri.T.K.V. Desikachar since 1982. She served in Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) as a Yoga teacher, Chanting teacher, therapist, consultant and a member of the Editorial Board of KYM quarterly journal Darshanam. She has trained students and teachers from across the world in the Principles of Yoga practice, in Yoga Therapy, in the Philosophy, including the Yoga Sutra, Yoga Rahasya, etc and has worked extensively on Chanting and its application, for more than 40 years. Sujaya has also served as an External Examiner for the Certified Teacher Training and Chanting Programs offered by KYM and KHYF. In March 2005, with the Blessings of Sri. T. K. V. Desikachar, she established her yoga centre 'Yogakalaa' where she continues to teach Yoga and Chanting.
Dr. M Jayaraman
Dr. M Jayaraman is a speaker and academician, holding a Ph.D. in Saṃskrita from the University of Madras (2006-2010) His academic journey also includes traditional Gurukula education in Veda-s, Vedānta, and Yogaśāstra (1998-2005) in Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bengaluru. He trained in Yoga in the tradition of Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) and served as Director of Research in KYM Chennai from 2010 to 2021. Currently serving as the Professor & Dean of the Division of Yoga and Spirituality at SVYASA Deemed University, Bengaluru, Dr. Jayaraman has written 25 books and 23 peer-reviewed journal articles on Yoga and Saṃskṛta literature. Notable contributions include "Yogasya Bhasha" and "Yoga-vaisharadi," showcasing his commitment to advancing immersive learning methods for Yoga texts. .Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Jayaraman has been felicitated on multiple occasions. His expertise is utilized in several academic boards and councils. Dr. Jayaraman has also been nominated as a member of the Board of Studies, Yoga and Spiritual Sciences, at the Central Saṃskṛta University, New Delhi (Jan 2024).
Dr. M Jayaraman
Dr. M Jayaraman is a speaker and academician, holding a Ph.D. in Saṃskrita from the University of Madras (2006-2010) His academic journey also includes traditional Gurukula education in Veda-s, Vedānta, and Yogaśāstra (1998-2005) in Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bengaluru. He trained in Yoga in the tradition of Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) and served as Director of Research in KYM Chennai from 2010 to 2021. Currently serving as the Professor & Dean of the Division of Yoga and Spirituality at SVYASA Deemed University, Bengaluru, Dr. Jayaraman has written 25 books and 23 peer-reviewed journal articles on Yoga and Saṃskṛta literature. Notable contributions include "Yogasya Bhasha" and "Yoga-vaisharadi," showcasing his commitment to advancing immersive learning methods for Yoga texts. .Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Jayaraman has been felicitated on multiple occasions. His expertise is utilized in several academic boards and councils. Dr. Jayaraman has also been nominated as a member of the Board of Studies, Yoga and Spiritual Sciences, at the Central Saṃskṛta University, New Delhi (Jan 2024).
Dr. M Jayaraman
Dr. M Jayaraman is a speaker and academician, holding a Ph.D. in Saṃskrita from the University of Madras (2006-2010) His academic journey also includes traditional Gurukula education in Veda-s, Vedānta, and Yogaśāstra (1998-2005) in Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bengaluru. He trained in Yoga in the tradition of Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) and served as Director of Research in KYM Chennai from 2010 to 2021. Currently serving as the Professor & Dean of the Division of Yoga and Spirituality at SVYASA Deemed University, Bengaluru, Dr. Jayaraman has written 25 books and 23 peer-reviewed journal articles on Yoga and Saṃskṛta literature. Notable contributions include "Yogasya Bhasha" and "Yoga-vaisharadi," showcasing his commitment to advancing immersive learning methods for Yoga texts. .Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Jayaraman has been felicitated on multiple occasions. His expertise is utilized in several academic boards and councils. Dr. Jayaraman has also been nominated as a member of the Board of Studies, Yoga and Spiritual Sciences, at the Central Saṃskṛta University, New Delhi (Jan 2024).
Seema Sondhi
Seema Sondhi is a reputed wellness expert and lifestyle guru who has been involved with the fitness world for over 25 years and has gained in-depth knowledge in the field. She has been certified from the “International Sivananda Vedanta and Yoga Center” and studied under the tutelage of famous yoga gurus such as Sri. Pattabhi Jois in her quest for yogic knowledge. Seema has also successfully completed training from Matthew Sweeney and is certified to teach the moon sequence. She has been featured in various TV shows, magazines, newspapers and has also authored six books. The Yoga Studio In New Delhi is an ambient space that was created by Seema in 2001, so that she could spread the light of yoga. She wanted to help individuals on a healthier and more peaceful path by teaching them a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind and soul.
Seema Sondhi
Seema Sondhi is a reputed wellness expert and lifestyle guru who has been involved with the fitness world for over 25 years and has gained in-depth knowledge in the field. She has been certified from the “International Sivananda Vedanta and Yoga Center” and studied under the tutelage of famous yoga gurus such as Sri. Pattabhi Jois in her quest for yogic knowledge. Seema has also successfully completed training from Matthew Sweeney and is certified to teach the moon sequence. She has been featured in various TV shows, magazines, newspapers and has also authored six books. The Yoga Studio In New Delhi is an ambient space that was created by Seema in 2001, so that she could spread the light of yoga. She wanted to help individuals on a healthier and more peaceful path by teaching them a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind and soul.
Seema Sondhi
Seema Sondhi is a reputed wellness expert and lifestyle guru who has been involved with the fitness world for over 25 years and has gained in-depth knowledge in the field. She has been certified from the “International Sivananda Vedanta and Yoga Center” and studied under the tutelage of famous yoga gurus such as Sri. Pattabhi Jois in her quest for yogic knowledge. Seema has also successfully completed training from Matthew Sweeney and is certified to teach the moon sequence. She has been featured in various TV shows, magazines, newspapers and has also authored six books. The Yoga Studio In New Delhi is an ambient space that was created by Seema in 2001, so that she could spread the light of yoga. She wanted to help individuals on a healthier and more peaceful path by teaching them a system of exercise that fully integrates the body, mind and soul.
My journey with spirituality began in early childhood during my school years in Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Chennai, South India. It was a very devotional environment, with a lot of time spent chanting śloka-s from the Bhagavadgītā, Vedic mantra-s, singing bhajan-s, and learning Carnatic classical music with my sister. I also developed a love for Sanskrit during those early years. These beautiful experiences went on to influence my life in unexpected and wonderful ways.
In the year 1991, I graduated with an MMS degree from BITS, Pilani. I moved to the USA in 1993 after I got married, and returned to India in 2001. I started my yoga practice the same year and became a certified yoga teacher in 2006 with The Yoga Studio run by Seema Sondhi in New Delhi. Thereafter, I opened my own yoga studio and taught both individual and group classes. I also taught in Seema’s Teacher Training programs.
In 2015, I came to know of the Viniyoga tradition rooted in the lineage of Ācārya T. Krishnamacharya and Ācārya T.K.V Desikachar. I was drawn to its focus on yoga as a holistic practice, as opposed to other modern schools which focused mainly on āsana. I was also delighted to note that mantra chanting and scriptural study was at the heart of the tradition. I completed the Viniyoga® Teacher Training program under Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, the current lineage holder of the Viniyoga tradition and the Vedic Chanting Certification under Mrs. Menaka Desikachar.
Eventually, I moved back to the USA in 2019 and began teaching a few online classes during and after Covid. Meanwhile, I continued to deepen my roots in Viniyoga, scriptural learning from Dr. Kausthub Desikachar and Vedic Chanting with Mrs. Sujaya Isaac, a long-term student of Ācārya T.K.V Desikachar. Dr. M Jayaraman is another teacher who continued to guide me in the study of scriptures, mantra and Sanskrit.
I completed my Viniyoga® Teacher Trainer Training in June 2025. In the days that followed, I had a strong calling to take the Viniyoga tradition forward. From that calling was born the Śraddhā School of Yoga. Through the school, I intend to share the gifts that I have received and impart the knowledge of yoga as a traditional holistic practice. Mantra chanting is my favourite tool of yoga. I also love likhita japa—the writing meditation of mantra. My other area of deep interest is scriptural study of yogic texts in Sanskrit. I am also passionate about the study of human anatomy.
I currently live in California with my husband, Guru, and our dog, Axel. I love going for long walks with Axel—not only to bond with him, but also because I love being out in nature. I have two adult children, Supriya and Saideep.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
09.00 am- 11.00 am PST
Monday to Friday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST
Monday to Friday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST
Saturday
09.00 am - 11.00 am PST
Saturday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST
Saturday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
09.00 am- 11.00 am PST
Monday to Friday
09.00 am- 11.00 am PST
Monday to Friday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST
Saturday
09.00 am - 11.00 am PST
Saturday
09.00 am - 11.00 am PST
Saturday
01.00 pm - 04.00 pm PST