Exploring Kunjapuri Temple: A Unique Yoga Practice Amidst Spiritual Heritage
Long before the moon recedes and the sun punctures through the horizon, a group of dedicated yogis in training is already up and ready for our day-off excursion. With mats strapped to our backs, we commence a walk through residential alleys and over Ramjula Bridge to a car awaiting its cargo of curious foreigners. A forty-minute drive up a winding road takes us higher with each sharp turn.
As some of us begin to feel car sick, we look around and realize that we are completely enveloped in clouds. The fog makes it impossible to see what lies in front of the vehicle. Both eerie and thrilling, a few of us close our eyes while the rest continue snapping pictures and giggling nervously. By 5:00 AM, we reach the end of the road and arrive at our destination—the summit of Kunjapuri Temple. We stretch our limbs outside the truck and let our lungs adjust to the new elevation.
Shortly thereafter, the sun rises, revealing dozens of silhouetted mountain tops lining the horizon. It’s a spectacular sight. We take pictures and gaze at the morning dawn as the temple bell begins to ring. We are welcomed into a small space inside the temple, only about six feet on all sides, by a man and woman in chanting prayer. We all cram in to admire the intricate golden decorations and participate in their ritual. The man blesses us with a red tika on our foreheads and adorns the marking with white grains of rice. As we exit, we receive traditional parting sweets of puffed rice and sugar morsels in our cupped hands and exchange a friendly Namaste.
Legends
According to legend, this temple, one of the 52 Shaktipeeth temples in Uttarakhand, is the location where Sati’s chest fell when her husband, Lord Shiva, was carrying her burned body to rest. Both eerie and peaceful, this holy site is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
We cleared a space on the right side of the temple to lay down our mats and begin our practice. After a few chants and several asanas, we lie in Shavasana with our eyes closed amidst the sounds of monkeys frolicking and natives praying around us. At one point, two women circled the temple as part of their sacred ceremony, carefully walking between our resting bodies and tossing sweet offerings while singing in Sanskrit. It was one of the most unique practices I’ve ever experienced. We were 1,667 meters in the air yet deeply immersed in authentic Indian culture.
Conclusion
Our visit to Kunjapuri Temple offered a profound blend of spiritual heritage and yoga practice. The stunning sunrise, combined with the sacred rituals and serene environment, made it an unforgettable experience. For those seeking a transformative journey, incorporating elements of traditional culture with yoga practice, our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in India, 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training in India, and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training in India at Rishikul Yogshala offer the perfect opportunity. For a more holistic experience, consider our Ayurveda Retreat in India or a Yoga Retreat in India. Embrace the chance to deepen your practice and connect with the rich traditions of India.
