In the town of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a living legend emerged in February 1920—V. As a yoga grandma, Nanammal, affectionately known as the 'Yoga Grandma,' has been a beacon of holistic well-being and spiritual wisdom for decades. After Nanammal passed away, it's evident that her legacy reaches far beyond her yoga center, inspiring generations worldwide.
Roots in Yoga:
Nanammal's initiation into yoga was deeply rooted in her family's traditions. Her father, a martial artist, instilled the fundamentals of yoga when she was just eight years old, laying the groundwork for a passion that would shape her entire life. Nanammal grew up in a family whose parents and grandparents practiced yoga regularly, so she was instilled with the essence of holistic well-being from an early age.
Nanammal grew up in a family whose parents and grandparents practiced yoga regularly, so she was instilled with the essence of holistic well-being from an early age.
Daily Dedication to Health:
Her commitment to health and vitality was reflected in her daily routine, a testament to her unwavering dedication. Nanammal would rise at 5 a.m., using a neem stick to brush her teeth before engaging in her daily yoga practice. Her diet, rich in nutritional value, emphasized kanji, a water-based liquid diet, and a strict vegetarian lifestyle. This health-conscious approach extended to her entire family, solidifying her role as a true matriarch of wellness.
Teaching and Healing through Yoga:
Nanammal's journey as a yoga teacher commenced at 18, driven by a desire to alleviate her mother-in-law's severe back pain. What started as a personal mission evolved into a lifelong commitment to teach and heal through yoga. Over the years, she became a symbol of inspiration, training over a million students and producing six hundred yoga instructors worldwide.