Pranayama
The yogic breathing techniques, from the foundations to kumbhaka with the bandhas, and what students learn to observe in each.
Pranayama guides
Founder & Head Teacher, Pranayama & Yoga Philosophy
Somashekar
Somashekar is the founder and head teacher of Anantadrishti Yoga in Rishikesh, India. He has devoted more than fifteen years to the study and teaching of yoga, pranayama, yoga philosophy and Vedic chanting, and writes the school's guides on yogic breathing and the philosophy behind the practice.
- Role
- Founder and head teacher, Anantadrishti Yoga
- Experience
- More than fifteen years of study and teaching
- Teaches
- Pranayama (including kumbhaka with the bandhas), yoga philosophy and Vedic chanting
- Language of teaching
- English
- Where
- Near Moktan Coffee Shop, Lower Tapovan, Rishikesh, India
- Student reviews
- Read independent reviews on Google Maps
What he teaches
Yoga philosophy
The philosophy of breath: how classical yoga texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe prana, the breath and the mind, set beside direct practice.
The philosophy of breathArticles by Somashekar
- RishikeshWhy Rishikesh Is the Yoga Capital of the WorldDiscover why thousands of seekers travel to this Himalayan city every year — from ancient spiritual roots to a living tradition of practice by the Ganga.
- PlanningTapovan Rishikesh: Complete Guide for Yoga StudentsEverything you need to know about Tapovan — Rishikesh's quietest yoga neighborhood. Transport, cafés, amenities, safety tips, and things to do.
- PlanningBest Time to Visit Rishikesh for Pranayama & YogaA month-by-month guide to the Rishikesh climate for pranayama and yoga: the clear autumn and spring windows, cold winter dawns, summer heat and the monsoon.
- Yoga PracticeThe Timeless Benefits of Hatha YogaDiscover how the ancient practice of Hatha Yoga can transform your body, mind, and spirit in the modern world.
- PranayamaThe Science of Breath: Understanding PranayamaExplore the vital connection between breath and life force energy, and how to work with it for a calmer, steadier mind.
- PhilosophyThe 8 Limbs of Yoga ExplainedDiscover the 8 Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga) as described by Patanjali. A comprehensive guide to Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, and the journey to Samadhi.
- PracticeBenefits of Morning SadhanaWhy practice yoga in the early morning (Brahma Muhurta)? Learn how a morning Sadhana supports a steady body, a clear mind, and spiritual growth.
- LifestyleAyurvedic Diet for YogisUnderstand the principles of an Ayurvedic diet for yoga practitioners. Learn about Sattvic foods and how to eat according to your Dosha.
- CultureThe Magic of RishikeshWhy is Rishikesh called the Yoga Capital of the World? Explore the spiritual energy of the Ganges, ancient temples, and the vibrant yoga culture.
- PhilosophyBringing Yoga Philosophy into Daily LifeHow to apply the Yamas and Niyamas off the mat to live a more balanced and ethical life.
- MeditationA Beginner's Guide to MeditationSimple techniques to start your meditation journey and find inner peace amidst the chaos.
- AyurvedaAyurvedic Diet Tips for a Healthy LifeLearn the basics of Ayurveda and how to eat according to your dosha for optimal well-being.
- MantrasMantras and Healing: What Tradition and Research SayThe spiritual meaning of mantra chanting, what early research suggests about chanting, the breath and the nervous system, and how to begin.
- PlanningIs Rishikesh Safe for Solo Female Travelers?An honest guide for women travelling alone to Rishikesh — why this alcohol-free pilgrimage town is widely considered safe, plus sensible precautions.
- PranayamaBest Pranayama Courses in Rishikesh (2026): An Honest GuideAn honest 2026 guide to studying pranayama in Rishikesh: short practitioner courses, 50-hour trainings, ashram stays and online options, with published prices and the questions to ask any school.
- PranayamaOne-Month Pranayama Course in India: What 30 Days Actually CoversWhat a 30-day pranayama course in India really involves: the daily timetable, guided hours, the week-by-week progression from kapalabhati to kumbhaka and chakra pranayamas, cost, and who a month suits.
- PhilosophyYoga Philosophy Course in Rishikesh (2026): Short, In-Person OptionsLooking for a short, in-person yoga philosophy course in Rishikesh? What is actually on offer in 2026, how philosophy is taught alongside pranayama, and how to choose between one week, two weeks or a month.
- PlanningIs Anantadrishti Yoga Good? An Honest Look at the School (2026)An honest look at Anantadrishti Yoga in Rishikesh: who teaches, what the pranayama course includes and costs, the real trade-offs, who it isn't for, and where to read independent reviews.
- FundamentalsWhat Is Breathwork? A Complete Guide to Breathing PracticesThe history, styles and science of breathwork, from ancient pranayama to modern techniques, and what research suggests about how conscious breathing affects body and mind.
- Benefits12 Benefits of Breathwork: What the Research SuggestsWhat studies suggest about breathwork for stress, sleep, focus, breathing and mood, and where the evidence is still thin.
- Techniques7 Breathwork Techniques for Beginners and Advanced PractitionersStep-by-step instructions for 7 powerful breathing techniques — from calming Nadi Shodhana to energizing Bhastrika and advanced Ujjayi with Maha Bandha.
- Mental HealthBreathwork for Anxiety: 5 Techniques to TryThe breathing techniques most often used for anxiety, with step-by-step instructions and an honest note on what the research suggests.
- Practice GuideUjjayi Pranayama with Maha Bandha: Complete Practice GuideA detailed step-by-step guide to combining Ujjayi Pranayama with Maha Bandha — three energy locks that deepen breath retention, steady the mind and, in the yogic tradition, lead toward meditative absorption.
- PhilosophyThe Philosophy of Ujjayi: From Sound to SilenceExplore the deep philosophical roots of Ujjayi Pranayama through ten perspectives drawn from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras, Nath tradition, and Gheranda Samhita.
- ScienceHow Breathwork May Change Your Brain Waves: Ujjayi & BandhasWhat research suggests about breathwork and brain waves: how slow Ujjayi breathing and Maha Bandha may relate to calmer Alpha and Theta states, and where the evidence is still thin.
- Practice GuideBhastrika Pranayama with Maha Bandha: Advanced Breathwork for Brain & BodyLearn the powerful combination of Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) and Maha Bandha: step-by-step technique, safety guidelines, and 8 proposed effects on the brain, rooted in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
- FundamentalsBreathwork vs Pranayama: Understanding the ConnectionWhat is the difference between modern breathwork and classical pranayama? Explore their origins, techniques, goals, and why pranayama is the original — and most complete — breathwork system.
- Fundamentals5 Breathing Exercises for Beginners: Start Your Practice TodayStep-by-step instructions for 5 beginner-friendly breathing exercises: Box Breathing, 4-7-8 Technique, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Alternate Nostril Breathing, and Ujjayi. No experience needed.
Questions about Somashekar
Who is Somashekar?
Somashekar is the founder and head teacher of Anantadrishti Yoga in Lower Tapovan, Rishikesh, India. He has devoted more than fifteen years to the study and teaching of yoga, pranayama, yoga philosophy and Vedic chanting. Students also know him as Soma.
What does Somashekar teach?
He teaches the Advanced Pranayama & Yoga Philosophy Course: a morning pranayama practice from 7:30 to 9:00 am and a late-morning session from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for corrections and the science and philosophy of pranayama, Monday to Saturday. Kumbhaka is taught gradually, with short, comfortable holds that are never forced.
How can I study with Somashekar?
Join the Advanced Pranayama & Yoga Philosophy Course in Rishikesh. It runs for 7, 15 or 30 days, starts on the 1st of every month (Monday the 2nd when the 1st is a Sunday), and tuition starts at $149. Send an enquiry from the course page to check the next start date.
Advanced Pranayama & Yoga Philosophy Course
Study pranayama and its philosophy with Somashekar
Two sessions a day, Monday to Saturday: pranayama practice, then corrections and the science and philosophy of pranayama. Choose 7, 15 or 30 days; a new course starts every month.
Tuition fromUS$149₹13,000