Guruji’s own garden – Yog Vatika

Yog Vatika – a garden in honour of B.K.S. Iyengar

If you haven’t been to the Institute in the last couple of years, you won’t have seen Guruji’s garden in Pune Cantonment. The Yog Vatika was set up in 2024, the 10th anniversary of Guruji’s death, and the occasion of the 10th International Day of Yoga. The garden is  on Arjun Road, very near the Pune racetrack. It celebrates Guruji’s contributions to the world of yoga but specifically to the wellness of the military community in Pune where he long taught classes. Prashant, Guruji’s son, officially opened the garden.

In addition to a statue of Guruji in Naṭarājāsana, there is a pathway around the park with signs illustrating and describing a variety of yogāsanas.

It’s a peaceful place for contemplation in the midst of Pune’s hustle and bustle.

Carole Carpentier, of Toronto ON, is currently at the Institute in Pune and recently visited the Yog Vatika.