GANESH YOGA

Our Story Ganesh Yoga was founded by A.M. Ganesh, who has practiced yoga since early childhood in Pondicherry, South India. At age 18, he traveled to the sacred city of Varanasi (Benares) to pursue his spiritual path, where he received diksha (initiation) from the shankaracharya Swami Swarupanand Sarasvati, one of the greatest spiritual masters of North and West India. For nine years, he studied Sanskrit and Hindi in Varanasi, beginning each day with yoga sessions on the banks of the Ganges before sunrise alongside brahmacharys (traditional students). During this period, he also learned traditional wrestling (kusti), practiced Indian classical music, and contributed to academic research on Indian thought in Venice and Paris. He began teaching yoga in Paris in 2010, joined the Fédération Internationale des enseignants de Hatha Yoga (FIDHY), and regularly returned to India to deepen his practice. Starting in 2016, he organized yoga retreats near Pondicherry for his Parisian students. In 2022, he relocated to Andalusia, Spain, settling in a house on the Mediterranean coast in Almuñécar (Granada) capable of hosting small-group retreats. Programs & Trainings 🎓 Regular Yoga Classes (Nos cours) — Small-group sessions of 8 to 10 people, open to all ages and all levels. The classes focus on balancing breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), and meditation (dyana) to harmonize body and mind, improve flexibility, correct bad posture, and soothe mental tension. 🎓 Pondicherry Yoga Retreat (Stage à Pondichéry) — An immersive yoga retreat held in a large house near Pondicherry, South India, on the edge of the mangrove. This program offers an authentic Indian environment to deepen practice, continuing a tradition started in 2016 for French-speaking and international students. 🎓 Andalusia Yoga Retreat (Stage en Andalousie) — A small-group residential retreat held at Casa Anna in Cotobro, Almuñécar (Granada), Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. Launched in September 2022, it provides an intimate setting to practice yoga while enjoying the serenity of the Andalusian seaside. 🎓 Traditional Hatha Yoga — Foundational and advanced practice of Hatha Yoga, one of the two main approaches studied by the founder during his Indian training. 🎓 Ashtanga Yoga Exploration — Structured practice within the Ashtanga Yoga framework, integrated into the overall teaching methodology for those seeking a more dynamic traditional approach. 🎓 Pranayama & Breathwork — Dedicated instruction in yogic breathing techniques designed to balance the body's energies (Vâta, Pitta, Kapha) and enhance concentration. 🎓 Meditation (Dyana) — Guided meditation sessions integrated into all courses and retreats to foster mental calm, spiritual alignment, and inner harmony. Specialties 🎯 Traditional & Authentic Indian Yoga 🎯 Hatha Yoga 🎯 Ashtanga Yoga 🎯 Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) 🎯 Meditation (Dyana) 🎯 Ayurvedic Energy Balance (Vâta, Pitta, Kapha) 🎯 Yoga Retreats in India (Pondicherry) 🎯 Yoga Retreats in Andalusia (Spain) 🎯 Postural Correction & Flexibility Development 🎯 Stress Relief & Mental Well-being Methods & Approach The pedagogy is rooted in an authentically traditional lineage transmitted directly from the spiritual and academic traditions of Varanasi. The method emphasizes a non-violent yet thorough practice that strengthens and softens the body while calming the mind. Each session is built around a balanced triad of pranayama, asanas, and dyana, adapting ancient Indian wisdom to Western lifestyles without losing its spiritual essence. The approach also incorporates an understanding of Ayurvedic constitutions (doshas) to help students harmonize their internal energies. The small-group format ensures personalized attention and progressive, tailored guidance. Who It's For The programs are designed for all audiences and all ages, from complete beginners looking to start a yoga practice to advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their sadhana (spiritual path). The offerings particularly appeal to those seeking authentic traditional teaching, individuals interested in Indian philosophy and spirituality, professionals needing postural correction and stress relief, and French-speaking or international students looking for immersive retreat experiences in India or Spain. Facilities & Practical Info Classes and retreats are conducted in small groups of 8 to 10 people to ensure personalized guidance. The main current location is Casa Anna in Cotobro, Almuñécar, Granada, Spain, situated on the Mediterranean coast. Residential retreats are also organized in Pondicherry, India, in a large house near the mangrove. The website is available in French, English, and Spanish. Instruction is provided by a native Indian teacher with deep expertise in both traditional practice and Western academic contexts. Location Address: Casa Anna, Urb. de Cotobro, Bajada del mar, Almuñécar (Granada), Spain Hours: See website for schedule The "+" ✅ Founder initiated (diksha) by the shankaracharya Swami Swarupanand Sarasvati in Varanasi, ensuring an authentic spiritual lineage. ✅ Nine years of intensive traditional study in Varanasi, including Sanskrit, Hindi, daily Ganges-side yoga, and Indian classical arts. ✅ Member of the Fédération Internationale des enseignants de Hatha Yoga (FIDHY), teaching since 2010. ✅ Small-group format (8–10 people) guaranteeing individualized attention and a supportive community atmosphere. ✅ Unique dual retreat locations: the spiritual birthplace of yoga in Pondicherry, India, and the serene Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, Spain.