Sthalam 8 was started in 2000 by Ajay Kumar, a practitioner of yoga since he was 10. The shala derives its name ‘Sthalam’ from the Sanskrit word for place, and ‘8’ denoting the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga. The new yoga Shala is built as a small ashram where students experience a complete immersion in the Ashtanga practice; learning Yoga, Vedanta, and Meditation. Classes are designed to suit both complete beginners and advanced practitioners, with a focus on the integration of physical and mental practices. Students attend three classes daily. Morning classes offer the opportunity to strengthen and deepen asana practice. There are two-afternoon classes; devotional chanting of the Vedanta in a traditional manner and a meditation class, each day exploring a different meditation technique to helps students focus their minds. It is compulsory that you attend both morning and afternoon classes. Students wishing to join for one type of practice only will not be accepted.

Our Shala is located in Chamarajapuram, a two-minute walk from Lakshmipuram. The shala features a rooftop restaurant with a varied menu consisting of sattvic foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are seating areas for both introspective study or reading and relaxed conversation with fellow students. Our classes are a mix of national and international students, many of whom return for long or short stays to develop their yoga practice.

Is requested that new students email ahead of time to book a space to practice with us. Once your place is confirmed you must come at least one day before to meet the teacher. Please be advised that Drop in classes are not allowed.

Upon arrival at the yoga shala students are to go straight to the Lakshmi Tandava (Office) to register before attending the classes. For this, they will need to bring a photocopy of their passport and visa, 2 passport photos and their admission fee. They will be issued an admission card signed by the teacher.

Also, Sthalam 8 offers in-depth teacher training programs in both the primary and second series. Please find further information at the courses tab located on this web page.

In our yoga shala, there are certain places with certain names and energy. We want people to be respectful according to that. There is a place where people can sit and study silently, here people are not allowed to talk. We have a place where people can talk, we care for people to be enjoying their conversation in those places. We have a place for those activities and we wish people to respect that and do those activities in those places.

1. Lakshmi Tandava (Office)
Upon arrival at the yoga shala students are to go straight to the Lakshmi Tandava (Office) to register before attending the classes. For this please bring a photocopy of your passport and visa, 2 passport photos and your admission fee. You will be issued an admission card signed by the teacher.

2. Vidya Vaasi
This area is for students who want to study silently. Here no one will disturb you.

3. Shiva Yoga Hall
Both inside and outside of the Yoga Shala no one is allowed to talk. All students are requested to be silent, meditating before the class starts. We kindly ask that students bring a towel. Please do not leave personal belongings in the yoga hall, keep them in the changing rooms at the back of the hall. There is one for both men and women.

4. Rooftop and Additional Seating Areas
Those who choose to stay at the ashram can make the most of our balcony and rooftop seating areas surrounded by trees. Sit in meditation, read a book, enjoy the view of Chamundi Hill from the rooftop or simply experience life in India passing by.

5. Accommodation
We are pleased to offer a variety of rooms that provide a peaceful and comfortable stay. All rooms are fully equipped with a double bed, study table, chair, wardrobe, bathroom, laundry service and access to kitchen facilities. We ask that students respect our ashram in non smoking, non drinking and vegetarian only.

6. Vishranthi Cafe
We have a peaceful cafe with a cosy sitting area where students can chat quietly with others or simply relax enjoying some food or drinks.