Our Story
Yogasalai was founded in Canada in April 2011 by Mayavan Ananthanadarajah, building on a journey that began in December 2006 with the International Sivananda Yoga Organization in India. What started as personal discipline and transformation has blossomed into a community-rooted initiative, nurturing individuals and families through the timeless practice of classical yoga.
Yogasalai is a registered not-for-profit community organization in Ontario, Canada (Reg 724741897), affiliated with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Organization headquartered in Val-Morin, Quebec. Rooted in traditional yoga philosophy, Yogasalai was established with the vision of building a self-sustaining yoga community—by the community, for the community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to lead healthier, more balanced lives through the authentic practice of yoga: accessible, inclusive, and rooted in self-awareness, self-growth, and service. We teach, serve, and grow together
Our Values
All age groups are invited to grow through comprehensive yogic practices:
Authenticity
Rooted in classical yogic teachings
Inclusivity
Welcoming all backgrounds, ages, and abilities
Service
Cultivating a spirit of giving through volunteering and mentorship
Discipline
Committed to daily practice and self-transformation
Unity
Strengthening community through shared experience and purpose
Our Approach
Meet the Founder of Yogasalai
Mayavan Ananthanadarajah is a Yoga teacher who has devoted his life to learning and teaching the art and the science behind yogic practices since 1998. He is the founder of Yogasalai and a renowned teacher with experience in international centres such as Toronto, Montreal, Val Morin and New York. In addition to his teaching, he has trained yoga teachers in Hatha Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Anatomy, and related disciplines, and has also served as a faculty member in teacher training programs.
Credentials & Training
- Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya, and Yoga Bhaskara from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, earned through both the Gurukula system and formal academic training.
- Master’s in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
Specializations & Expertise
- Specializes in teaching the Prana and Ayurveda aspects of Yoga
- Experienced in teaching specialized Yoga classes focused on strength building and asana variations
- Developed yoga and yogic exercises tailored for martial art and dance schools, and serves as a visiting special trainer for these institutions
- Provided Yoga programs for vulnerable groups, including anger management for children within the TDSB, seniors in community centres, children with special needs, and youth in correctional facilities
- Offered Chair Yoga, counselling, guided meditation, and corporate yoga classes
Beyond Yoga
Mayavan also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunication) and a graduate Diploma in International Business. He is also an accomplished Bharathanatyam dancer who won first place in an inter-university dance competition in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
His visionary leadership pioneered the way Tamil heritage events are celebrated in Canada.
His passion is to share authentic, traditional yoga with the community, helping others experience its peace and joy.
Sacred Lineage & Spiritual Foundation
Yogasalai is deeply rooted in the wisdom of three revered masters who have shaped our understanding and practice:
Yogaswami (1872-1964)
A highly revered spiritual leader from Sri Lanka, known for his profound knowledge of yoga, Siddhanta, and Vedanta. His teachings emphasized inner transformation, selfless service, and respect for all forms of life through the Tamil Shaivite tradition.
Swami Sivananda (1887-1963)
Founder of the Divine Life Society, he believed yoga was a holistic way of life leading to spiritual awakening. His teachings integrated karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, and raja yoga, emphasizing selfless service and devotion.
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993)
Disciple of Swami Sivananda who brought these teachings to the West. He developed the Five Points of Yoga: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking with meditation.
Living Tradition
Through the practice of guru-paramparā (lineage tradition), we ensure these ancient teachings remain alive and authentic while staying relevant to modern life. At Yogasalai, yoga is not just an activity—it is a way of life that fosters physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening.
Our Teachers
At Yogasalai, our teachers are lifelong practitioners dedicated to preserving ancient wisdom while serving the community. Each teacher embodies our mission of making yoga accessible, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition.
What makes our teaching unique:
- 100% volunteers – All teachers volunteer their time, motivated by seva (selfless service)
- Traditional lineage – Initiated through revered Yogaswami and Kudai Swamy lineages from Eelam, as well as the Sivananda International Yoga lineage
- Prestigious credentials – Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya, and Yoga Bhaskara from International Sivananda Centres, Master’s in Yoga from Annamalai University, and Yoga Alliance 300-Hour certification
- Allied disciplines – Expertise in Ayurveda lifestyle counselling, traditional dance, martial arts, and Eastern astrology
Their work reflects the Canadian spirit of giving back to the community through voluntarism, united by a passion for lifelong learning and the power of learning together.
What we offer
Our approach to yoga is holistic and traditional—integrating asana (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, mantra, and philosophy. We offer regular and beginners’ classes, kids’ sessions, youth mentorship, teacher training, and community outreach—blending discipline with compassion, and tradition with adaptability.
Customized classes for people from all walks of life such as children, youth, adults and seniors
Seniors and new immigrants have significantly benefitted from classes offered in Tamil as they face language barrier
24 classes a week benefiting various categories of people
Year-round classes
During the Covid19 pandemic, Yogasalai was able to quickly transition to offer classes virtually and expand our services to greater community. Yogasalai also offered classes free from Mar to Jun 2021 to help the community cope with the challenges of pandemic situation.
At Yogasalai, yoga is not just an activity—it is a way of life. Yogasalai is a living, breathing ecosystem of yoga education, heritage, community service, and self-discovery and transformation.
Our Impact & Achievements
Community Partnerships
Through meaningful collaborations with local organizations, we extend yoga’s healing benefits to diverse communities across Ontario.
Teacher Training & Community Growth
Over the past 11 years in Canada, Yogasalai has inspired 32 people to become yoga teachers who are actively teaching yoga for the community. Yogasalai’s unique youth teachers assistant program is a 108 hour training in yoga asanas and philosophy which provides them with not only a greater understanding of body, mind and emotions but also selfless service to help others in the society.
Measurable Results
- Motivated and trained over 60 people including children and adults to complete upto 108 rounds of Sun Salutations in an hour
- Proven health improvement among Yogasalai’s regular yoga practitioners such as reduced vulnerability to asthma attacks, lowered diabetic levels, improved thyroid gland secretions to the extent that some of our clients have been advised by their physicians to discontinue medication
Our children and youth have improved in academic performance and are able to handle stress better
Current Projects
Yogasalai is currently working on introducing a course for teens and pre-teens which introduces them to healthy lifestyle through proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, proper relaxation, and positive thinking.
Yogasalai mentors youth, boosts their self confidence through self development and liaises them with various public organizations for employment and volunteer opportunities.
Research & Knowledge Preservation
Some of Yogasalai’s teachers are researching the thousands of years old Tamil scripture still with wealth of information particularly in the field of yoga and wellness. The relevant information is documented and translated in English for the benefit of all. Yet others research on improving customized classes such as strength training, prenatal yoga, postpartum yoga.
Our Spaces
Yogasalai is a warm and welcoming studio in Scarborough, lovingly crafted with simplicity and devotion. It is energized year-round by spiritual and yogic practice.
Yoga Retreat and Farm
We also offer access to nature-based retreats away from the city at our Yoga Retreat and Farm in Quinte West, Ontario, where peaceful surroundings invite stillness, reflection, and renewal, providing Karma yoga opportunities for nature cleansing and re-connecting with Nature.
Join the Community
Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your mat, there’s a place for you here.
🧘♀️ Try a class (Beginner-friendly)
💝 Volunteer with us (Give back, build skills)
🌱 Youth pathways (Assistant training & mentorship)
🤝 Support our work (Donations and community partnerships)