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Exploring the effects of meditation on advanced yogis, the impact of Ganga dip, and the fundamental properties of the holy Ganges water.
About
About
Mission of the projects
Mission of the projects
At IYRF, we aim to bridge ancient yogic wisdom with modern scientific research. The Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is the world’s largest public spiritual gathering and collective act of faith primarily, including Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Yogis, Kalpvasis, and Pilgrims from all walks of life performing rituals, prayers, and holy dips in the river Ganga. At the auspicious Mahakumbh, through interdisciplinary studies, we aim to validate and enhance the understanding of yogic practices, ensuring their integration into healthcare, wellness, and daily life. Our current projects focus on meditation's neurophysiological effects and the scientific exploration of water properties. The research team comprises eminent doctors and professors from prominent universities in India, with support from government institutions, including IUC-YS.
About IYRF
(International Yoga Research Foundation)
About IYRF
(International Yoga Research Foundation)
These projects are an initiative of the International Yoga Research Foundation (IYRF), envisioned by Sri M to advance evidence-based research on yoga and meditation. Nestled in the tranquil village of Cheruvikkal, Kerala, IYRF offers an ideal environment for the scientific exploration of the mind-body benefits of these ancient practices.
At Mahakumbh 2025, IYRF has established a state-of-the-art EEG lab on the ghats of the holy Ganges (Prayagraj), collaborating with neurologists, professors, and researchers to conduct groundbreaking studies on meditation, consciousness, and the transformative effects of the Ganga dip.
Project 1: Neurophysiological effects of meditation
A comprehensive comparative study with Sadhus/monks and healthy controls attending Kumbha Mela 2025
Project 1: Neurophysiological effects of meditation
A comprehensive comparative study with Sadhus/monks and healthy controls attending Kumbha Mela 2025
This study aims to investigate the neurophysiological effects of meditation by comparing EEG (electroencephalogram) data from two groups: Sadhus/monks (meditators with extensive experience) and healthy control individuals with no formal meditation practice. The study will examine EEG patterns during resting and meditation and gather their subjective experience to understand the underlying brain activity associated with these states. Additionally, the effect of a dip in the Ganga River on the EEG patterns of meditators will also be explored.
Research Team
Research Team
Project Mentor & Meditation expert: Sri M
Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas Iype, DM Neurology, MD, IYRF
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Murugan C Nair, DM Neurology, MD, Director ICCONS
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Sunil D, DM Neurology, MD
Advisors: Dr. Sylaja PN MD, DM FRCP (Edin) FESO FIAN Professor, Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Ms. Kavitha Narayan, Ministry of Health, GOI, Mr. Padmaraj IYRF.
Collaborators: Allahabad University, IYUCS, Satsang Foundation
FAQs for Supporting this Project
FAQs for Supporting this Project
Why is this study important?
Understanding how meditation affects the brain can provide scientific validation for traditional yogic practices, leading to better integration of meditation in healthcare, mental well-being, and personal development.
How will the data be collected?
Using EEG recordings in a controlled setting during the Kumbh Mela 2025.
How many participants will be included in the study?
We aim to recruit at least 50 experienced meditation practitioners (sadhus/yogis) and 50 age- and gender-matched control participants who do not practice yoga or meditation.
How can I support this research?
Donations will help fund EEG equipment consumables, participant recruitment efforts, and publication of results.
Will I receive updates on the research progress?
Yes! Donors will receive periodic updates on the project, including study milestones, and published research results.
Project 2: Structural And Physio-chemical Characterization Of Water Sourced During Maha Kumbha Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is the world’s largest spiritual gathering, where ascetics, saints, and pilgrims take part in rituals, prayers, and holy dips in the Ganga. This study explores potential structural and physio-chemical changes in the river’s water, particularly after the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath). Water samples will be collected before, during, and after the event from both upstream and downstream of the Prayagraj Sangam to analyze any transformations.
Research Team
Research Team
Principal Investigator: Dr. Neha Gupta, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
FAQs for Supporting this Project
FAQs for Supporting this Project
What is the purpose of this study?
To explore water's unique properties and potential influences from environmental factors.
How will the experiments be conducted?
Using advanced measurement techniques in a controlled research setting.
How can I contribute?
Donations will support laboratory equipment, data collection, and analysis.
Will I receive updates on the research progress?
Yes! Donors will receive periodic updates on the project, including study milestones, and published research results.
Support Us
Support Us
Your contributions help us advance scientific inquiry into yoga, meditation, and natural phenomena.
For more information, reach out to yogaresearchtvm@gmail.com
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