Universally known as Shally — the visionary behind Prana Himalayas, and a living bridge between the Himalayan tradition and the modern seeker.
The Founder
The spiritual journey of Master Shailendra, universally known as Shally, began in the sacred foothills of Rishikesh when he was just 12 years old. Coming from a family deeply connected to the historic Sivananda Ashram, he was introduced to the revered Swami Ji at a young age.
Recognizing a unique spark in the young boy, Swami Ji invited him to join the ashram's morning yoga classes. For the next three years, Shally immersed himself within those walls, undergoing rigorous and intensive training to master the deep fundamentals of traditional Yogasanas.
Practice With Shally →Five Chapters
Guided by Swami Ji into the ashram's morning classes, Shally embraced the invitation with enthusiasm. For three years he trained among the ancient trees and quiet halls of the Sivananda tradition, laying the foundation of posture, breath and discipline that would carry him through everything that followed.
Alongside his spiritual roots, Master Shailendra possessed a profound passion for sports. In 2003, life took him to Delhi, and from 2004 to 2007 he played professional cricket for Delhi. This athletic chapter was vital — it instilled an elite sense of body discipline, mental resilience and physical endurance, the very attributes that would later let him bridge sports science and ancient yoga anatomy.
In 2009 a beautiful twist of destiny called Master Shailendra back to his roots. Honoring family duty, he paused his sports career and returned to Rishikesh. During this time a deeply respected elder shared that his own teacher was His Holiness Shankaracharya Swami Sri Madhavashram Ji Maharaj, a direct disciple of the legendary Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj. Inspired, Shally expressed a deep desire to meet him.
When the Shankaracharya arrived in Rishikesh they went together to receive his blessings. That single meeting permanently shifted the course of Shally's life — a profound spiritual discourse that lasted hours ended with a rare command: "Come to Delhi and live alongside me." In October 2009 he entered the Master's inner circle, living as a close, dedicated disciple until 2012.
Blessed with the official permission and grace of his Guru, Master Shailendra returned home to Tapovan and began sharing his undiluted knowledge — open classes in traditional yoga poses, advanced breathwork and deep meditation.
Combining the sacred wisdom of the Shankaracharya with his background in elite athletic movement, Shally meticulously designed a unique, structured yoga system: specialized sequences divided into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels, perfectly balancing stretching, alignment and therapeutic healing for all age groups.
In 2024 his dedicated international student Graeme invited him to Australia as guest of honor for the grand opening of his yoga school, Rajeshwari Yoga. During the tour Shally conducted high-level masterclasses, training and certifying western yoga teachers in traditional Himalayan methods.
Upon returning to India in 2025, a grand vision crystallized. To name this sanctuary he looked to the absolute source of life — the soul's lifeforce: PRANA. This birthed Prana Himalayas. Today, under Shally's expert guidance, it stands as a premier destination curated to offer the most authentic, traditional and magnificent holistic yoga retreats in the world.
“Come to Delhi and live alongside me.” — His Holiness Shankaracharya Swami Sri Madhavashram Ji Maharaj, to Shally, 2009
The Lineage & Training of Master Shailendra
Three years inside the Master's inner circle — a Gurukul life of pure discipline, service and direct transmission of the Vedic sciences.
The Shankaracharya personally performed his sacred thread ceremony.
Initiated directly into the text and wisdom of the holy Vedas.
Journeyed to India's most powerful spiritual gatherings by the Master's side.
Chosen for the honor of serving the Shankaracharya his daily holy meals.
Mastered the science of breathwork, energy locks (Bandhas) and seals.
Traveled to the charged grounds of Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram and Badrinath.
Three years in pure discipline, serving high-level saints and spiritual giants.
Trained in traditional wellness and the sacred science of vital energy-point healing.
Learned directly from elite Vedic scholars from Kashi who came to the Shankaracharya.
His Method
Shally's teaching weaves two worlds: the sacred wisdom passed down through his Guru's lineage, and the precision of elite athletic training. The result is a meticulously sequenced system — Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced — that balances stretching, alignment and therapeutic healing for all age groups.
Every class at Prana Himalayas carries this signature: traditional, structured, and deeply transformative.
Experience His Teachings →Learn From the Source
Join Master Shailendra in Rishikesh for retreats and teacher trainings guided by an unbroken tradition — from Sivananda to the Shankaracharya's seat, to your mat.