Swami Ayyappa Giri
Swami Ayyappa Giri is a direct disciple of Mahavatar Kriya Babaji and was initiated into Kriya Yoga in 1971, by Yogi S.A.A. Ramaiah, the well known Kriya Master and disciple of Babaji. For more than 20 years, Ayyappa served under his direct and close guidance. He was sent to India many times to implement the work of the Dharma, including the building of Babaji’s birthplace Temple at Parangipettai, South India.
Over, decades, he continued to practice Kriya Yoga, in the Siddha traditions of Saiva and Advaita Siddhanta, alongside a professional career, serving the those in the community who require physical assistance as a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist, per his guru’s request. Swami Ayyappa also served as a faculty member and professor at several Universities in Southern California, including University of California, Irvine, Medical School, in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Over subsequent years, Swami, guided by Sathguru Babaji, went on to receive initiation and instruction from several powerful holy men in India. He completed many arduous and soul-fulfilling Pilgrimages, including Mt. Kailash in Tibet, Amarnath Cave in the Kashmir Himalayas, the 12 Jotir Lingams spread throughout India, the Char Dham in the Himalayas, the 18 Siddhas Shrines, the 5 Element Shiva Temples, most of the 52 Shakti Peeths, and 18 years of Sadhana and pilgrimage associated with his namesake, Ayyappa Swami at Sabari Malai and Mt Shasta, California.
Swami was initiated into Kaula Yogini Tantra in 1989 by Swami Rudranand Giri at Tarapith, Northern Bengal. This has led to the unfolding of many pujas and other tantric practices, including (Trika Yoga).
Currently residing at Yogini Ashram, California, Swami Ayyappa teaches and guides sincere souls in the artful sciences of Kriya Tantra Yoga. His breadth of offerings includes Kriya Kundalini Pranayam, Saiva Siddhanta techniques, Element purification practices, The practice of Bhairavi Breath of Ecstasy, Yantra worship, and all mystical aspects of Kaula Marg Tantra. Swami Ayyappa is a master of Kriya Tantra Yoga, and the Yantras and Mantras associated with the path which the great Kriya Avatar has led him on for 5 decades.
Swami Ayyappa delights in guiding souls into the depth of joy and introducing them to the massive growth that Yoga and Kriya offer. He regularly travels back to his beloved India, often leading pilgrimages to the sacred locations and power spots of Yoga’s most ancient home.