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Yoga & Ayurveda

Yoga the balance of mind and body.

Yoga is a discipline involving breathing techniques and postures called asanas (A-san-as), that literally means, "to sit in a particular position." Asanas are the various positions that make up the practice of yoga.Yoga is radically different from more conventional exercises, such as aerobics and weight training, in that the goal is not to develop muscular strength or cardiovascular fitness (although those are common reasons people practice today) but to bring the mind and body into a mutual state of well being, balance, ease and vibrant alertness. Most people, specially from western worlds, think of yoga as merely an eastern exercise program. Nothing could be further from the truth. The underlying purpose behind the practice of yoga - the literal meaning of yoga is `joining' - is to reunite the individual self (Jiva) with the absolute or pure consciousness (Brahma).Union with this unchanging reality liberates the spirit from all sense of separation, freeing it from the illusions of time, space and causation. Since according to yogic philosophy the human body and mind are part of the illusory world of matter, with a limited time span, while the soul /spirit is eternal and passes onto another world when this body wears out. Thus, central to yogic philosophy are the concepts of Karma (cause- effect relationships) and Reincarnation.

In the modern perspective, Yoga is one of the most effective and wholesome forms of experience to control the waves of thought by converting mental & physical energy into spiritual energy. Yoga eases away pent-up tension, rejuvenates the body & soul, enhances concentration, cures diseases and keeps a hold on the aging process.

Benefits of Yoga

Preventive Value

Yoga helps to bring natural order and balance to the neuro-hormones and metabolism in the body.
At the same time, these exercises improve endocrine metabolism, thus providing you with a preventive shield.

Curative Value

Yogic postures activate the energies that have accumulated and stagnated in the energy pockets of the body - since left inert, these energies create various ailments.
Yogic exercises cleanse your body, mind and consciousness by venting toxins from the body.

Ayurveda the healing touch of nature

This group of temples is situated around Khajuraho village. It includes the 9th century Brahma Temples standing on the banks of Ninora lake, with a four-faced Shiva linga that is commonly mistaken for Brahma, the god with four faces. To the northeast of the Brahma Temple is the beautiful Vamana Temple dating to AD 1050-75, dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu. It is famous for its graceful figures and exquisite chaitya arches. Two hundred metres south is an architectural gem, the Javari Temple dedicated to Vishnu. Its ornate gateway, the makara torana, and slender shikhara are especially noteworthy.

The neighbouring Ghantai Temple (named for the chain the bell motifs carved on its tall pillars) is a Jain temple. Only an entrance porch and a mahamandapa with a flat ornate ceiling survive. Southeast stand some more Jain templs; Adinath, Parshvanath and the only functional Jain shrine, the Santinath Temple, with a colossal image of Tirthankara Adinath. The Parshavnath is one of the best temples, not only in the group but in Khajuraho. Built during King Dhanga's reign, it is a solid structure with graceful sculpture with graceful sculpture dedicated to the first Jaina Tirthankara. It displays superb figures of Hindu gods and goddesses and some of the loveliest celestial beauties.

Yoga and Ayurveda tours

Ayurvedic Massages

The oil massages serves as an antidote to many of the scourges of modern life, such as overindulgence, addictions, irregularity, constant travel, stress and loneliness. It benefits the very young and the very old, the undernourished and the over-worked.

For many health-concious people, Ayurvedic massage is becoming a part of their daily routine. First, the appropriate oil is selected Ideally, the oil is heated to slightly warmer than body temperature. It is then applied to the entire body, or to specific areas of attention. Strokes should be towards the poles of the body, not across. The oil can either be left on, or washed off (after being allowed at least half an hour to absorb into the body.) A steam treatment or hot bath following the Abhyanga will magnify it's effects, although in some cases heat treatment may be contra-indicated.