Mandakini Puri
Born and raised at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram, on the banks of the Ganga between Rishikesh and Haridwar, Mandakini Puri is deeply rooted in a traditional yogic family. As the eldest daughter of Santosh Puri Maharaj and Narvada Puri Mataji, she follows the sanyasi lineage of her parents and teachers.
Living and practicing in the ashram since childhood, she naturally grew into a life of yoga, seva, and teaching. Her early years were spent in Karma Yoga, caring for the cows, cooking, and serving guests, while learning through direct observation the art of hospitality and traditional living.
Mandakini Puri holds a Master’s degree in Yogic Science and Human Excellence from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, as well as a degree in Management from Lalit Mohan University in Rishikesh. Recognized as a Yoga Acharya, she has been teaching and managing courses at YogAnga Retreat since 2004, including Hatha Yoga, pranayama, Ayurvedic cooking, yantra painting, and fire ceremonies.
A Natural Path into Teaching
From a young age, Mandakini showed a natural inclination for teaching. By the age of 13, she was leading study groups for children in the ashram and nearby village. She began a more dedicated yoga practice at 15 and started teaching weekly classes to local children at 18, while also working as a primary school teacher during her university years.
Her studies also include Pranic Healing with the World Pranic Healing Foundation, founded by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, as well as training in traditional yantra painting under Pieter Weltevrede.
Life & Service at the Ashram
Today, Mandakini continues to serve the ashram through both teaching and daily responsibilities. She supports the organization of the ashram, guides guests in their stay and Karma Yoga, and leads kirtan and various courses throughout the year.
In 2012, she accompanied Mataji on a European tour, teaching yoga, Ayurvedic cooking, and yantra painting, and conducting Homa Fire ceremonies at events including the Berlin Yoga Festival and in the Netherlands.
As a mother, she brings this same spirit of dedication into family life, deepening her understanding of compassion, responsibility, and devotion.
Online Hatha Yoga Class Schedule
Live online Hatha Yoga classes with Mandakini Puri, combining traditional asana, pranayama, and subtle practices to support balance, strength, and awareness.
Time: Every Sunday, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (IST)
—> Join us from anywhere for 60 mins of classic āsana & 30 mins of prānayama.
YogAnga Retreat Programs led by Mandakini Puri:
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Ayurvedic Indian Cooking
In this two weeks intensive practical course taught by Mandakini Puri, with the kitchen as your classroom, you will learn classic vegetarian dishes based on the Ayurvedic principles, to feed your yogic lifestyle.
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Hatha Yoga: Asana & Pranayama
Explore various techniques of traditional Hatha Yoga: Asana & Pranayama by deepening your practice by living a spiritual life within a residential ashram environment. All will benefit from our general guest asana classes, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience.
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Yantra Painting with Mandakini Puri
Experience the unique clarity of mind, inner peace, mantra and meditation, while connecting with your own creativity through Yantra Painting in this two week residential course with Mandakini Puri.
