The 9th International Conference onYoga Philosophy, Yoga Sastra Sangamam, was organized by Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in collaboration with the Center for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University; the Central University of Himachal Pradesh; the Central University of Kerala; the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram; Mangalore University; and the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal. The conference was held at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, from February 27 to March 1, 2026, with the participation of 685 attendees, including delegates, guests, and members of the organizing team.More than 40 renowned yoga institutions, including Mahatma Gandhi University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Yogaarthi, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, HVP Mandal's Degree College of Physical Education, Bihar School of Yoga and Satyananda Yoga Center, Mangalore University, Central University of Kerala, Sanatana Yoga Vignana Kendra, Yoga Bharati Foundation, SVYASA, Yoga Gita–Mysore, Satguru Yoga Vidhyalayam, Yoga Circle Bhabha Atomic Research Centre–Mumbai (BARC), Yoga Vidya Niketan, Patanjali Yoga Research Centre, Vethathiri Maharishi College of Yoga, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Academy, New Age Yoga Institute, and many others were represented at the conference.
The three-day conference commenced with Patanjali Homam, featuring the chanting of the 108 names of Maharishi Patanjali at 6 AM each day, followed by yoga practice sessions. The Pratyahara and Dharana practices were led by Sanyasi Shivarishi Ji from the Satyananda Yoga Centre, Chennai, while the pranayama sessions were conducted by Dr. Devaki Madhav from the Scientific Pranayama Foundation Trust, Mysore. The Ashtanga Yoga practice was led by Sage Vigo from Yoga Gita, Mysore.
The conference was graced by the presence of Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati from the Bihar school of Yoga, the spiritual successor of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and a 2017 Padma Bhushan awardee, and Pujya Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha, the revered Acharya of the Adi Shankara Brahmavidya Peeth, Uttarkashi. Their auspicious and inspiring presence, along with their profound wisdom, deeply influenced the delegates and enriched the discussions with invaluable insights.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session took place on February 27 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham. The event was honored by the presence of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala, Professor (Dr.) Mohanan Kunnummal; Mananeeya Sri Bhanudasji Dhakras, General Secretary of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra; and Dr. Nrithya Jagannathan, Director, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) Institute of Yoga Studies.
Pujya Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha of Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth and Paramacharya Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga graced the inaugural session and blessed the delegates. The conference proceedings, containing abstracts of the presented papers, were released during the inaugural session. Additionally, the Kendra Patrika titled “Yoga Vasishtam” was also released.
The delegates were treated to a captivating dance recital (Natya Yoga) by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari. Additionally, a visit was organized to the exhibitions on the campus and to the mid-sea Vivekananda Rock Memorial, offering them an opportunity to be inspired by Swami Vivekananda. An opportunity was also provided for delegates to showcase their advanced yoga postures and unique talents, highlighting their expertise and dedication to the practice.
Plenary Sessions and Presentations
The plenary sessions featured Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha, and Dr. Nrithya Jagannathan. Each session provided deep insights into the Patanjala Yoga Sutras, demonstrating their relevance to contemporary yoga practice.
Several engaging events were conducted as part of the conference, including paper presentations, poster presentations, and Patanjala Yoga Sutra chanting competitions. The conference featured six plenary sessions and twenty-one parallel paper presentation sessions held across six venues within the campus, with 245 scholarly papers presented on the Patanjala Yoga Sutras. Eminent scholars served as moderators, ensuring insightful discussions and guiding the sessions with their expertise. Eight posters, created by delegates, illustrated various concepts of the Patanjala Yoga Sutras and were prominently displayed at the auditorium.
Patanjala Yoga Sutra Recitation Competition
The Patanjala Yoga Sutra recitation competition was held on March 1, 2026. Participants were required to recite any two consecutive Padhas from the Patanjala Yoga Sutras, and they were judged based on proper pronunciation and accuracy. A total of 18 participants took part in the competition.
Valedictory Function
The valedictory session was held on March 1, beginning with vibrant cultural performances by Mahatma Gandhi University. Guests, moderators, the best performers in the Patanjala Yoga Sutra recitation competition, and the best poster presenters were felicitated and honored.
The valedictory function was graced by Shri Mahant Girishpati Tripathi Ji, Hon’ble Mayor of Ayodhya, as the Chief Guest; Dr. T. V. Padmanabhan Ji, Visiting Faculty at the Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; Yogashri N. V. Raghuram Ji, SVYASA, Bengaluru; and Mananeeya Shri M. Hanumantharao Ji, All-India Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari. Their presence added great value to the valedictory ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of Yoga Sastra Sangamam 2026.
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