He is humble and grounded and shows no ego or bias — a man who gives his heart for humanity. This journey will show you that within the universe there is no You & I, as we are One.
To those who know him
A spinner of joy, a farmer of wisdom, and support for those who need guidance — a ray of light that the world needs, as he showers his grace with no bias. To learn and feel, you only need to be receptive. Vishnu Panigrahi is an Indian yoga guru and spiritual guide. His sole purpose is to serve humanity, give his life for charity, and spread the love and knowledge of yoga to create harmony and peace.
He works relentlessly to bring this to life in the modern chaotic world, imparting his knowledge to support the cause of serving humanity. The founder of World Peace Yoga School and Samadhi Ashram, he continues to impart and guide both his world teachers and students who come to expand their knowledge.
My life itself is a message, I am human, I make mistakes — these mistakes are the stepping stones for me to continue my journey, as they teach me the greatest of lessons.
Yogi Vishnu
Even before he came to the physical world, Yogi Vishnu was steeped in spiritual endeavours — his mother being the vessel to bring a spiritual devotee into the world through deep prayer and devotion. Growing up, he followed the advice of his grandfather and meditated for salvation and moksha, not for rituals or prayers for worldly materials. Vishnu would frequently serve the wandering Sadhus, many of whom come from the special sect of knowledge-bearing Hatha yogis — the Kum-phatia babas — and their presence in Vishnu’s life left a lasting impression.
Vishnu gave his time to support the ill and needy at a nearby hospital. An old man who was neglected and had severe issues crossed Vishnu’s path. This was his first test — Vishnu cared for the old man over the coming days, and as a result, Vishnu was blessed by this soul. Many thought Vishnu had become a servant and mocked him for caring for this man; Vishnu, from a Brahmin caste, was not meant to mix with those from lower castes. However, his inner strength remained true and he did not relent against the caste system in his village.
After this blessing, the old man vanished, and no one remembered or could say he had been there — it was almost as though God himself had come to test Vishnu’s devotion.
Vishnu was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and needed open surgery. With no money or support, he set off for treatment — keeping God and his resolve in his heart.
On 12th August 1994 he was given surgery, with no one to support him or stand beside him while he underwent this life-threatening operation. Three days later, on 15th August, India’s Independence Day, Vishnu rose — and as a result made a Sankalpa to serve humanity during his life. After this, Vishnu went through the worldly duties of organising camps, spiritual programs and Satsang in and around his village, serving mostly the poor and underprivileged. He cultivated land and agriculture, eventually losing it all to flooding — however, this was the blessing that would bring Vishnu to Rishikesh.
On his arrival to the Himalayas, Vishnu crossed paths with a sadhu who would prepare him for his time with Swami Rama. To take the path of traditional Himalayan Yoga he was scolded and told not to be fearful, and was told to throw all his belongings to the Ganga — ‘to part with all worldly belongings is when you get the real God’, the Sadhu told him.
The Yogi gave Vishnu shelter and provided a cave for him to meditate in. While in meditation, Vishnu saw a cobra — as he closed his eyes and composed his mind, his inner being spoke.
I have come to release your fear, not increase your fear.
The time came for Vishnu to leave the Yogi and go under the guidance of Swami Veda Bharti at his Gurukulam. In these nine years Vishnu obtained an MA in Sanskrit and an MA in Yoga, while teaching and guiding students at the Swami Rama Institute of Meditation.
He was blessed to have been taught by other masters such as Swami Hari (master teacher), Shri Mauni Babaji (currently in silence), Swami Shankarandana Ji (Kriya Yoga master) and Swami Anand Res (founder, Viswa Shanti Mission).
World Peace Yoga School is a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance USA, Yoga Alliance UK and Yoga Alliance International in India.
It is safe to travel to World Peace Yoga School. We are in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh — pick the route that suits your arrival.
Delhi / any airport
Dehradun
From Delhi or any other airport fly to Dehradun Airport and our taxi will be waiting for you if you come one day before the course starts.
Your city
Haridwar / Rishikesh
You can come directly to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or bus, and then hire a tuktuk or taxi by yourself.
