Yalburga seer’s yoga routine benefits devotees

Koppal

A few people in Yalburga town receive a call as early as 4.30 am. Om Sri Guru Basavalingaya Namah. Good morning, get up, join us for yoga, says Basavalingeshwara Swamiji of Sridhar Muradi Hiremath. At this Lingayat-Veerashaiva mutt in town, the seer has maintained a yoga tradition for nearly two decades. My yoga journey began during my teenage years at the Shivayoga Mandir in Badami, and it kept me healthy even at 53, he reveals. After taking sanyasa vows, Basavalingeshwara Swamiji learned yoga alongside essential rituals and protocols required to lead the mutt. Unlike others who discontinued yoga after departing the Shivayoga Mandir, he has maintained his practice throughout the years, even after becoming the head of Yalburga Mutt.

Yoga has imparted significant lessons to me and brought me immense peace. I aspire to share this with others. To date, I have taught yoga to thousands, and hundreds continue to practice it regularly. Many have pursued further studies and are now teaching others. This brings me immense joy. Proficient in numerous asanas from basic to advanced, Basavalingeshwara Swamiji considers yoga as a path for physical and mental development, rather than self-promotion.

Therefore, I do not advertise it on social media. This practice is for those who wish to engage in it, either in groups or privately, he states.

Daily morning yoga sessions occur at the premises of Sridhar Muradi Hiremath in the town. Swamiji personally calls regular practitioners to wake them, while others arrive independently. He guides participants through postures suitable to their abilities, demonstrating advanced asanas to experienced practitioners.

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Following each session, participants receive prasad comprising nutritious sprouts and fruits. Yoga sessions often include personality development discussions and religious discourse. This programme has been held consistently for the past two decades.