ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the manner in which contemporary cultural promulgation of Hindu nationalist ideas and practices is achieved through the medium of yoga, by focusing specifically on Dr Karandikar, a yoga teacher in Pune. Stepping on Alter's study on Dr Karandikar's approach to health and the body with reference to the nationalist foundations of his discourses, this chapter sets out to observe diverse mediation processes used by Dr Karandikar to diffuse and secure Hindutva ideology in the population’s daily practices, via health and therapy. The chapter examines the relationship between health issues and the Hindutva rhetoric in Dr Karandikar's theories, before analysing the various ways of mediation he uses to anchor his yoga practice locally. Kabir Baug’s clientele comes from a modest background, from the surrounding area or from other Maharashtrian cities.
