Mysore is known as the yoga capital of India and has become a hub for aspiring yogis from all over the world. Visitors are drawn to the city for its rich history of yoga and the presence of senior gurus who have established renowned yoga schools, known locally as yogashalas.
One such visitor is Cairo Murillo, a yoga teacher from Brazil, who arrived in Mysore intending to stay for six weeks but ended up staying for nearly three months. He immersed himself in the practice of yoga, attended Vedanta classes, and made friends with practitioners from different cultures. Murillo describes Mysore as a friendly city with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong learning environment.
Another visitor, Ichitaka Kimura from Tokyo, Japan, spent five months in Mysore, immersing himself in the practice of yoga, making friends, and exploring the local cuisine. Kimura turned vegetarian during his stay and enjoyed learning to cook Indian meals.
Mysore’s history as a yoga destination dates back centuries, with the city being home to some of India’s most senior yoga gurus. The city’s royal family also played a role in promoting yoga, with Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III documenting hatha yoga postures in a treatise in the mid-19th century.
Today, Mysore is known for its traditional approach to yoga, with styles such as Ashtanga yoga gaining a global following. The city’s yoga season runs from August to February-March, attracting serious practitioners from around the world.
Visitors to Mysore often settle into quiet neighborhoods such as Gokulam and Lakshmipuram, where they can experience daily rituals, attend classical music festivals, and explore local cuisine. The city also offers curated experiences such as sound healing, martial arts training, and meditation sessions.
The presence of international visitors has influenced the culture of Mysore, with businesses catering to the needs of yoga practitioners. Homeowners in Gokulam rent out spare rooms to visitors, and shops in the old bazaars now stock yoga clothing and accessories.
Entrepreneurs like D. Rajesh have capitalized on the city’s growing yoga tourism industry, with cafes and restaurants catering to the needs of yoga students. Rajesh’s Chakra House Cafe, for example, offers a mix of Indian and European cuisine and has become a popular spot for yoga students working remotely from Mysore.
Overall, Mysore offers a unique blend of tradition, culture, and spirituality, making it a pilgrimage site for anyone interested in the practice of yoga. With its peaceful neighborhoods, rich history, and welcoming community, Mysore continues to attract visitors from around the world in search of spiritual growth and self-discovery.