Alaknanda Puri
Dr. Alaknanda Puri, also known as Gangotri, is an Ayurveda doctor and teacher at YogAnga Retreat, Sri Santosh Puri Ashram. Born and raised at the ashram on the banks of the Ganga in the foothills of the Himalayas, she grew up in the presence of traditional yogis, saints, and practitioners of the art of living.
Her early learning developed through close contact with swamis and Ayurvedic practitioners, before continuing into formal studies. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Ayurvedic Medicine from Ayurveda College Coimbatore, as well as degrees in Philosophy and Yogic Science. She has also completed advanced studies in traditional Ayurveda (Vaidyavisharad) and Holistic Health Management at Dev Sanskriti University, where she further trained in Pranic Healing.
Practice & Teaching
At the ashram, Alaknanda plays an integral role in both daily life and teaching. She supports the traditional rhythm of the ashram through cooking, serving guests, and leading the morning aarti, while also offering Ayurveda consultations and treatments to both local and residential students.
She teaches Ayurveda, Sukṣma Vyāyām, and the Bhagavad Gita, both in person and online, and regularly shares her knowledge in Europe during the monsoon season. Her teaching is rooted in the oral transmission she received from Sri Santosh Puri Ji and Mataji from childhood, giving her approach a depth that goes beyond formal study.
In addition to her work at the ashram, she spends time in the mountains, maintaining a simple lifestyle rooted in practice. There, she continues her sādhana, prepares traditional medicines, cares for the dhuni (sacred fire), and receives patients in a more intimate setting.
Approach to Ayurveda
In her approach, Ayurveda extends beyond healing and becomes a path toward self-knowledge. At its deepest level, she sees it as a means to guide us from body-bound awareness toward soul consciousness, helping us reconnect with the ever-present source of peace and clarity within.
Recognising that ignorance is often at the root of disease, she approaches Ayurveda as a transmission of wisdom. One that helps individuals understand the nature of existence and return to a more harmonious and fulfilling way of living.
Online Ayurvedic Health Consultations
Alaknanda is available for consultations in person or via Zoom.
In-person consultations allow for a more immersive experience within the ashram environment, while online sessions offer accessibility from anywhere in the world. Appointment booking is required for all consultations.
To book your consultation, please contact us at ayurganga@gmail.com.
YogAnga Retreat Programs led by Alaknanda Puri
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Ayurveda Theory Two Week Residential and Online Courses
Sanskrit scriptural foundation meets real life relate-ability: learn the basics principals to help you lead a healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle, in this two week Ayurveda Theory Online Course.
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Yogic Sukṣma Vyāyām Courses
Alaknanda Puri teaches Sukṣma Vyāyām, also known as Himalayan Yoga, a unique system of subtle prāṇic exercises, which energizes the body and harmonizes the mind.
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Bhagavad Gita Courses
YogAnga Retreat Bhagavad Gita Courses happen several times throughout the year providing both theoretical and practical experience in Karma, Bhakti and Jñana Yoga. One of the foundational books of Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Philosophy), the Bhagavad Gita is a Sanskrit text that can guide any seeker towards the art of living.
