Top Yoga Teachers in Rishikesh - Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram

Experience expert-guided yoga instruction in Rishikesh, India at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram, a renowned hub for authentic yogic learning. Our faculty consists of some of the best yoga teachers in India, trained in-house to uphold the highest standards of Indian yoga education and align with the Yoga Alliance syllabus.

Yoga Instructors with Studrnts at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram

More than formal credentials, they bring specialized expertise across various yoga disciplines, ensuring a holistic approach that embraces all eight limbs of Patanjali's Yogasutra, far beyond just asana practice.

Each Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) batch is guided by 3 to 4 experienced instructors, each offering unique insights to create an immersive and well-rounded learning experience. Leading the team is an E-RYT certified trainer with thousands of hours of hands-on teaching, providing deep mentorship to aspiring yogis.

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram is not just a place to learn yoga - it's a sanctuary where you truly live the yogic lifestyle.

Shahin Azha (Spiritual Mentor)

Shahin Azha is the esteemed Spiritual Mentor at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram, whose visionary guidance has been instrumental in laying the foundation of our journey on the path of yoga. His deep-rooted wisdom and unwavering support have been pivotal in nurturing the ashram's spiritual legacy, empowering countless students to explore and enrich their practice.

Originally from Iran, Shahin is a world traveler and a genuine yogi who lives his truth with authenticity and grace. His life is a testament to the values he espouses, and his heartfelt insights continue to inspire and uplift our community at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram. We remain profoundly grateful for his love, guidance, and the lasting impact he has on our shared journey toward holistic well-being.

Dr Vivek Pettikattil Murali

Dr. Vivek Pettikattil Murali is a dedicated yoga instructor at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram and a practitioner of Ayurveda with a Bachelor in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University for Health Sciences. His unique blend of yoga and Ayurveda enriches his teaching, creating a comprehensive approach to holistic health.

Born and raised in Kerala, India, Dr. Vivek grew up surrounded by the timeless traditions of Ayurveda. His early life was steeped in the natural remedies and wellness practices passed down by his family, setting the stage for his profound connection with this ancient healing system.

A turning point in his life came when conventional medicine fell short in healing his father's illness. Witnessing the healing power of Ayurveda firsthand, Dr. Vivek was inspired to pursue a career dedicated to natural well-being. This experience deepened his commitment to exploring the intricacies of Ayurveda as a holistic way of living rather than merely a system focused on curing disease.

His journey received a significant boost upon studying the ancient text, Astanga Hrudaya, which unveiled the deeper principles of balancing body and mind through Ayurveda. Under the mentorship of a prominent figure in Kerala Ayurveda, Dr. Vivek honed his skills in Panchakarma, herbal remedies, and the art of preparing Ayurvedic medicines. Complementing his Ayurvedic expertise, he also earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga, enabling him to seamlessly integrate these two disciplines.

With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Vivek believes that Ayurveda is not just a method of healing but a way of life. At Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram, he is committed to guiding students towards healthier, happier lives by merging the wisdom of Ayurveda with the transformative practice of yoga.

Dr. Amaravathi Eraballi ( E-RYT-500 | YACEP)

Dr. Amaravathi Eraballi received a brief break in her modern education to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in physiotherapy (focusing on cardio-respiratory conditions) in Tirupati, South India, as part of the preschool lifestyle she had learned from her grandmother. After earning her Master of Physiotherapy for Cardio-Thoracic Conditions from the esteemed Sri Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati, she entered the field of yoga.

Having earned a diploma in yoga therapy in 2006 from Sanskrit University in Tirupati. Beginning in the operating room and progressing to outpatient rehabilitation, she began incorporating physiotherapy and yoga techniques for cardiac and respiratory conditions in 2004. She achieved success quickly and without any issues at every level of counseling and training.

She began her academic and clinical career at Rishikesh after earning her PhD in Yoga and Life Sciences from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVAYSA), Bengaluru. She had the opportunity to experiment and conduct small-scale classroom research in the yoga studio at the Rishikesh Yog Sansthan, in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with students from both India and overseas. As a guest faculty member, she will be directing the PhD thesis and MSc yoga research at the Indian central government starting in 2020.

Amit Saklani

Amit is a committed and enthusiastic yoga teacher with more than five years of experience leading students through the life-changing practice of yoga. Uttarakhand Sanskrit University certified yoga science practitioner with expertise in therapeutic alignment, adjustment, and asana approaches.

Amit practices yoga holistically, combining ancient and modern methods to strike a harmonious balance between stamina, flexibility, and inner serenity. In order to make sure that every student feels supported and at ease, their classes are made to accommodate students of different skill levels.

Amit Ji's classes combine an in-depth understanding of asanas with a teaching style that caters to all skill levels, so students can grow and thrive regardless of their yoga experience.

Shailesh Chamoli

Shailesh is Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram's young gun. Shailesh knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish from a very young age. Shailesh began his training at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram, as an assistant teacher following his graduation from Swami Rama Himalayan University with a Bachelor of Science in Yoga Sciences.

Because of his unmatched commitment to yoga, Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram chose to send him to Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala, one of the most esteemed yoga schools, in order to further his academic goals and broaden his knowledge.

The six-month yoga therapy internship Shailesh completed in a hospital, where he assisted patients dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment, was one of the pivotal moments in his life.

He also collaborated with other departments, such as neurology, orthopaedics, and psychiatry, treating patients on a physical level through shatkarma, asana, and joint movements, as well as on a mental and spiritual level through pranayama, mantra chanting, relaxation techniques, and meditation. His faith and confidence in Yogic practices were further cemented upon witnessing the effects of these practices. As a result, he committed his life to practicing yoga and spreading what he had learned for the benefit of society. This learning continues today.

Rahul Rawat (Sam R)

Rahul Rawat, also known as Sam, is a dedicated yoga teacher at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram whose journey proves that everything happens for a reason. Initially, Rahul never envisioned a future in yoga. It was a simple piece of advice from his parents—coupled with a sense of divine timing—that inspired him to explore yoga seriously.

During his university years at Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, where he completed a Master’s in Yogic Sciences, Rahul began experiencing profound changes in his body, mind, and spirit. This transformative period led him to wholeheartedly commit to the practice and study of yoga, setting him on a path of deep personal discovery.

Eager to deepen his practice, Rahul sought guidance from renowned yoga gurus in Rishikesh. Under their mentorship, he delved into traditional Hatha Yoga while also integrating modern insights inspired by Guru Ji Iyengar’s techniques. This fusion of old and new makes yoga more practical and accessible to people of all ages and body types.

Embracing the chosen name 'Sam', which in Sanskrit translates to balance or togetherness, Rahul lives the essence of these concepts both on and off the mat. His journey, enriched by the wisdom of his mentors, has taught him that yoga is not merely a practice but a holistic way of life.

Now at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram, Rahul is passionate about sharing his knowledge with students who seek positive change amid today’s challenges. Through attentive listening, genuine support, and a balanced approach, he guides his students toward enhanced health, mental peace, and spiritual growth.

Abhishek Negi

Abhishek Negi is a devoted yoga teacher at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram who goes beyond traditional instruction to bring ancient yoga wisdom into practical, everyday life. His commitment to nurturing his students shines through as he transforms textual knowledge into deep, lived experiences.

Educated with a Master’s in Yogic Sciences and armed with over eight years of teaching experience, Abhishek is now pursuing a PhD through a comparative study of the Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Born and raised in Rishikesh along the sacred banks of the Ganga, he has also been blessed by the guidance of revered saints and sages dedicated to lifelong sadhana.

Deeply grounded in the teachings of foundational texts such as the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads, he beautifully integrates these profound insights into dynamic and accessible asana practices. This balanced approach ensures that yoga becomes both a contemplative practice and a physical discipline.

Abhishek is passionate about making yoga philosophy relevant in today’s world. His classes empower students to foster mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their practice—whether on the mat or in daily life. His warmth, wisdom, and authenticity bring every session to life, inspiring his students to embrace yoga as a holistic way of living.