Applications for 2025 are now accepted

INDICA and Veda Studies are delighted to launch Level-2 of the Teacher Training Programme, an advanced step in our commitment to the rigorous training and continuous development of Vedic chanting teachers. This programme is designed for those who have successfully completed Level-1, demonstrating both a deep understanding of the tradition and a strong foundation in svara precision and recitation discipline.

Building on the depth of Level-1, this programme will further refine technique, accuracy, and pedagogy, ensuring that teachers not only master the texts but also embody the knowledge with clarity and devotion. The study will continue with the Pañca-sūktam-s, a collection of hymns deeply revered in the tradition. Their recitation is considered a complete act of invocation, aligning the practitioner with universal order and reinforcing the connection between chant, deity, and devotee.

Dear interested student,

This training will emphasize the development of skills necessary for mastering longer texts with precision, focus, and ease. A deeper understanding of the deities, key vocabulary, and the essence of these hymns will be central to the learning process. Beyond technical proficiency, the programme will focus on imbibing and transmitting the spirit of these sacred chants, ensuring that teachers can inspire and guide their students with authenticity and clarity.

This training will be fast-paced and intensive, designed for students who have already learned the chants and are now focused on refinement, precision, and mastery. It will be conducted online from September 2025 to July 2026.

I am very grateful to offer this in collaboration with INDICA Yoga who bring the experience and expertise in the preservation and dissemination of Indic knowledge systems through authentic, immersive and transformative learning experiences.

I hope this curriculum inspires you to deepen your journey as a teacher.

With gratitude, 

Shantala Sriramaiah

Program structure

The group will meet online once a month for a weekend session (2 hours each on sat/sun) between September and July. Additionally, there will be a one-hour session on one Friday each month. Each student will also be required to schedule a one-to-one meeting with Shantala to recite the Pañca-sūktam-s. A calendar tool will be made available midway through the course to facilitate this.

All the dates are published along with the curriculum.

Dr. Gauri Mahulikar is the Academic Director of Chinmaya International Foundation and former Head of the Sanskrit Department at Mumbai University. With a Ph.D. in Vedic Studies and an honorary D.Litt., amongst other credentials, she has significantly contributed to Indian Knowledge Systems. An award-winning scholar, she has published 8 books, over 150 articles and mentored numerous Ph.D. students. She has played a key role in Sanskrit education, curriculum development, and research initiatives. A sought-after speaker, she has lectured at leading institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford, promoting Sanskrit and Vedic studies globally. She has taught a series of courses on Sūktam-s and associated Devatā-s at Chinmaya, and her work continues to inspire scholars and practitioners in the field.

Timings

Saturdays & Sundays (4pm-6pm Brussels time)

September 2025 - July 2026

+ 1 Friday each month (4pm-5pm Brussels time)

Dates are published with curriculum

Student requirements

The program pace is spaced out, allowing you time for self-practice. Applicants who already have successfully certified our Level-1 programme are invited to apply.

The Challakere Brothers’ lineage of teaching invites practitioners to reflect upon one’s lifestyle for those who wish to seriously dedicate themselves to learning, teaching, and preserving the Veda. A vegetarian and alcohol-free lifestyle is therefore encouraged.

Program objectives

At the end of this program, students will:

Blessings from The Challakere Brothers:

"Greetings to everyone, 

I would like to congratulate Mrs. Shantala on launching the Indica - Veda Studies Teacher Training Program. I sincerely believe that this program will be of great value to those learning. Shantala is a diligent student and teacher of Veda. I wholeheartedly bless this program and wish that it may benefit all those who participate.

May everyone be blessed."

Monthly Curriculum

Orientation program

Welcoming session for participants

September

Puruṣa Sūktam

October

Puruṣa Sūktam

November

Nārāyaṇa sūktam

December

Viṣṇu Sūktam

January

Nārāyaṇa Upaniṣad

February

Śrī Sūktam

March

Śrī Sūktam

April

Bhū Sūktam

May

Bhū & Nīḷā Sūktam

June

Pañca Sūktam

July

Presentations & closing

Course fee

► €1997 one-time fee

► €749 X 3 times 

► €269 X 9 monthly payments

A non-refundable deposit of €250 is required to confirm your enrollment. 

This amount will be deducted from the final fee at the time of payment.

Veda Studies will offer five (partial) scholarships – you will have the opportunity to indicate your requirement in the application process.

Resources

During this course you get access to the following resources

For who is this course?

This course is for:

   ✓  Those who have certified Level-1 certification.

   ✓  Teachers who have already learnt the pañca sūktam-s.

   ✓  Teachers who wish to gain mastery on the chanting rules.

   ✓  Teachers who wish to deepen their skills and/or wish to teach these chants.

This course is not for:

   ❌  Students who have not completed our main Teacher certification.

   ❌  Those new to these hymns.

   ❌  Those unable to make time for live classes. (80% attendance is required)

  ❌   Those who have not studied previously with Shantala.

Future teacher trainings

Continuing and more training may be planned in the future for teachers, but they will require level-1 & level-2 to qualify.

1. Lalitā Sahasranāma, Viṣṇu Sahasranāma (Level - 2 not required)

2. Jyotiṣa chants – Navagraha & Nakṣatra Sūktam

3. Aruṇa praśnaḥ for teachers

4. Daśa-śantayaḥ for teachers

5. Ṛgveda sūktam-s

Your teacher

The course is developed and taught by Shantala Sriramaiah, born and raised in Bangalore, India. She studied Sanskrit and chanting from an early age, as part of her family tradition as well as in school. 

Much of her inspiration comes from her mother Saroja, who taught chanting classes in their family home for over 30 years. She continues studies with various Vedic scholars and pundits, including Guruji M.S. Sreenivasan from the Challakere Brothers, and brings all their teachings to these courses.

APPLY NOW

If you have read all the above information carefully and believe you qualify and are motivated to dedicate yourself for 9-months to certify this level-2 chanting teacher training program, we would love to hear from you. 

Please fill out the below form as complete as you can. Note that we can only process fully completed forms. Applicants who have not certified level-1, will not be accepted.

© Veda Studies B.V. - 2024