Sacred Sites of Maharashtra 2024

We recently wrapped up the Yogic Studies Sacred Sites of Maharashtra tour! Over the course of ten days, we explored caves, temples, museums, manuscript libraries, and more. We went off the beaten path to see some extraordinary sites connected to the history of yoga. 

We explored some incredible rock-cut temples which were established by Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains between the 2nd century BCE and 10th century CE in the western Deccan region. We visited some of the earliest Buddhist cave temples and monestaries (vihāra) at Bhaja and Karla near Lonavala. 

We also saw the pinnacle of the rock-cut architectural style at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Elephanta, Ajanta, and Ellora. Archaeologists believe that these temples and monasteries were excavated out of basalt cliff faces from the top downwards using iron hammers, axes, and chisels. 

We learned about more modern yoga history through a visit to the Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute & Research Center, founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924, which was one of the earliest places to conduct scientific inquiries into yoga. We also got to see original Sanskrit manuscripts of yoga at the Lonavala Yoga Institute, where Dr. Manmath Gharote welcomed us and shared stories about yoga research in India.  

We also enjoyed delicious food, fantastic company, and had a lot of fun getting to know our Yogic Studies community! 

We now offer yearly trips to India, and would love for you to join us in 2025! Be sure to stay up to date with our Events page for future offerings.