Our Teachers & Faculty

Learn from authentic masters who embody the teachings of Swami Sivananda. Our experienced faculty brings decades of practice, study, and teaching expertise to guide you on your yogic journey.

Yoga teachers and students in practice at Shivananda Yoga

Authentic Lineage

Traditional Wisdom • Modern Application

Senior Faculty & Directors

Swami Dharmananda - Founder and Director

🙏 Founder & Director

Swami Dharmananda

Founder & Spiritual Director

E-RYT 500 40+ Years Experience Sanskrit Scholar

A direct disciple of the Sivananda lineage, Swami Dharmananda has dedicated over four decades to the study and teaching of classical yoga. After receiving sannyasa (monastic initiation) in 1985, he established Shivananda Yoga School to preserve and share authentic yogic teachings. His profound understanding of Sanskrit, Vedic philosophy, and traditional practices makes him a revered teacher among students worldwide.

Specializations:

  • • Classical Hatha Yoga
  • • Vedic Philosophy & Sanskrit
  • • Meditation & Pranayama
  • • Spiritual Guidance

Teachings:

  • • Advanced Teacher Training
  • • Philosophy & Ethics
  • • Meditation Intensives
  • • Spiritual Mentorship
Dr. Priya Sharma - Senior Teacher and Ayurveda Specialist

🌿 Ayurveda Master

Dr. Priya Sharma

Senior Teacher & Ayurveda Specialist

E-RYT 500 BAMS, MD Ayurveda 25+ Years

Dr. Priya combines her medical background in Ayurveda with deep yogic knowledge to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. Graduated from the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, she has been practicing and teaching both Ayurveda and yoga for over 25 years. Her gentle yet profound teaching style helps students understand the connection between body, mind, and spirit.

Specializations:

  • • Therapeutic Yoga
  • • Ayurvedic Medicine
  • • Women's Health
  • • Pranayama Therapy

Teachings:

  • • Ayurveda Programs
  • • Anatomy & Physiology
  • • Therapeutic Applications
  • • Lifestyle Counseling

Specialized Faculty

Ravi Kumar - Ashtanga Yoga Master
Ashtanga Master

Ravi Kumar

Ashtanga Yoga Specialist

KPJAYI Authorized 20+ Years

Authorized by the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, Ravi brings authentic Ashtanga tradition to our students. His disciplined approach and deep understanding of the Mysore method inspire dedicated practice.

Specializes in:

  • • Primary Series Mastery
  • • Mysore Method Teaching
  • • Traditional Adjustments
  • • Sanskrit Counting
Sarah Thompson - Vinyasa Flow Expert
Vinyasa Expert

Sarah Thompson

Vinyasa Flow & Creative Sequencing

E-RYT 500 15+ Years

Originally from California, Sarah discovered yoga in India 15 years ago and never left. Her creative sequencing and emphasis on breath-movement connection creates transformative flow experiences for students of all levels.

Specializes in:

  • • Creative Sequencing
  • • Breath-Movement Sync
  • • Arm Balance Progressions
  • • Music & Flow Integration
Mata Shakti Devi - Kundalini Master
Kundalini Master

Mata Shakti Devi

Kundalini Yoga & Energy Healing

KRI Certified 30+ Years

A devoted practitioner of Kundalini Yoga for over three decades, Mata Shakti Devi guides students through the sacred technology of consciousness. Her powerful presence and deep wisdom create transformative experiences.

Specializes in:

  • • Kundalini Kriyas
  • • Chakra Balancing
  • • Mantra & Sound Healing
  • • Energy Awakening
Pandit Vishnu Sharma - Philosophy Scholar
Philosophy Scholar

Pandit Vishnu Sharma

Vedic Philosophy & Sanskrit

PhD Sanskrit 35+ Years

A traditional scholar with a PhD in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Vishnu makes ancient wisdom accessible to modern students. His deep knowledge of Vedic texts illuminates the philosophical foundations of yoga.

Specializes in:

  • • Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • • Bhagavad Gita Study
  • • Sanskrit Language
  • • Vedic Chanting
Dr. Michael Chen - Anatomy Specialist
Anatomy Expert

Dr. Michael Chen

Anatomy & Therapeutic Applications

PT, E-RYT 500 18+ Years

A licensed physical therapist and experienced yoga teacher, Dr. Chen bridges Western anatomy with Eastern wisdom. His expertise in therapeutic applications helps students practice safely and effectively.

Specializes in:

  • • Functional Anatomy
  • • Injury Prevention
  • • Therapeutic Yoga
  • • Biomechanics
Luna Rodriguez - Sound Healing Master
Sound Healer

Luna Rodriguez

Sound Healing & Sacred Music

Sound Therapist 12+ Years

A multi-instrumentalist and certified sound therapist, Luna creates healing soundscapes using traditional instruments. Her sessions combine ancient mantras with modern sound healing techniques for deep transformation.

Specializes in:

  • • Gong & Sound Baths
  • • Kirtan & Devotional Music
  • • Mantra Meditation
  • • Vibrational Healing

Visiting Guest Teachers

We regularly host renowned teachers from around the world to share their expertise and unique perspectives. Our guest teacher program ensures students receive diverse teachings and exposure to various yoga traditions.

International Masters

Renowned teachers from various yoga traditions worldwide

Specialized Workshops

Advanced workshops in specialized yoga and healing modalities

Cultural Immersion

Traditional Indian arts, music, and cultural practices

Healing Arts

Ayurveda, massage therapy, and holistic healing modalities

Our Teaching Philosophy

Authentic Transmission

We believe in preserving the authentic teachings of yoga while making them accessible to modern students. Our teachers embody the wisdom they share, having dedicated years to personal practice and study.

Individual Guidance

Each student's journey is unique. Our teachers provide personalized attention, modifications, and guidance to help every student progress safely and effectively according to their individual needs and abilities.

Holistic Approach

Yoga is more than physical postures. Our teachers integrate philosophy, breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle wisdom to provide a complete yogic education that transforms both body and mind.

Teacher guiding student in yoga practice

What Students Say About Our Teachers

Student testimonial

Emma Wilson

200hr Hatha Graduate

"Swami Dharmananda's wisdom and compassion transformed my understanding of yoga. His teachings go far beyond the physical practice, touching the very essence of what it means to live yogically."

Student testimonial

James Mitchell

300hr Advanced Graduate

"Dr. Priya's integration of Ayurveda and yoga opened my eyes to a completely holistic approach to health. Her knowledge is vast, yet she explains complex concepts with such clarity and warmth."

Student testimonial

Maria Santos

Vinyasa TTC Graduate

"Sarah's creative sequencing and deep understanding of flow transformed my teaching. She helped me find my authentic voice as a teacher while honoring traditional principles."

Learn from the Masters

Experience authentic yoga education from teachers who embody the wisdom they share. Join our community of dedicated practitioners and discover your true potential.

Questions about our faculty?

WhatsApp: +91 98765 43210 | Email: teachers@shivanandayoga.com