Overview
Yogasalai is a not-for-profit yoga community in Scarborough, founded in 2011, rooted in the teachings of Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnudevananda, and Yogaswami. The studio offers year-round classes for all levels, including traditional Hatha yoga following the Sivananda sequence, gentle beginner sessions, early morning pranayama, and children’s yoga. A single monthly membership provides access to the entire class schedule. The founder, Mayavan Ananthanadarajah, holds advanced yoga credentials and has been teaching since 1998. Classes integrate asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, and philosophy. Specialized sessions such as chair yoga and silambam+yoga are available upon inquiry. The studio also offers teacher training, a youth teacher assistant program, and retreats in natural settings. Virtual classes were introduced during the pandemic and continue. Reviews emphasize the knowledgeable, patient teachers and the supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Practitioners report improved health, stress management, and academic performance. Yogasalai operates by and for the community, making authentic yoga accessible to all.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
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| Monday | No hours | – |
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Studio in Details
Overview and Philosophy
Yogasalai, founded in 2011 in Scarborough, is a registered not-for-profit community organization rooted in the teachings of Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnudevananda, and Yogaswami. The studio integrates asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, and philosophy as a unified practice, emphasizing yoga as a holistic way of life rather than mere physical exercise. The space is described as warm and welcoming, energized by daily spiritual practice. The founder, Mayavan Ananthanadarajah, has been teaching since 1998 and holds credentials including Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya, and Yoga Bhaskara from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. The studio operates by the community, for the community, with a volunteer-driven approach to make authentic yoga accessible to all.
Yogasalai offers a simple, single monthly membership that provides access to the entire yoga community, avoiding complicated packages. The tradition is preserved through the guru-paramparā lineage, connecting practitioners to ancient wisdom.
Classes and Programs
Classes run year-round, 365 days a year, catering to beginners through experienced practitioners. Offerings include traditional Hatha yoga following the Sivananda sequence, gentle foundational classes for new students, early morning Pranayama sessions, and playful children’s yoga that introduces inner awareness and postures through stories and games. Specialized sessions such as Chair Yoga, Silambam + Yoga, and Adapted Yoga are available upon inquiry. The studio also provides a youth teacher assistant program—a 108-hour training in asanas and philosophy—and has inspired over 30 people to become active yoga teachers. Virtual classes were introduced during the pandemic and continue to be offered. The studio has also offered free classes during challenging times to support the community.
Teacher training programs go beyond asana, exploring pranayama, philosophy, and meditation. Mayavan has served as faculty in teacher training and has developed yoga programs for martial arts and dance schools, as well as vulnerable groups including children with special needs and seniors.
Visitor Experience
Visitors describe the studio as a welcoming and supportive environment where teachers are knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated. The main teacher, Mayavan, is noted for adapting practices to individual needs and for his deep experience spanning over two decades. Classes typically combine pranayama and asana, with a focus on chakras and nadis. The studio offers both in-person and virtual classes, making attendance convenient. Retreats in natural settings outside the city are also available, providing an opportunity to deepen practice. Practitioners report improvements in health, such as reduced asthma vulnerability, lower diabetic levels, and better stress management. The community-oriented approach and affordable pricing are frequently highlighted. The atmosphere is described as simple and devotional, fostering inner transformation.