Ramayana study awaits at the transcendent Raghuvanspuram Ashram, Jodhpur.

Our first stop after Delhi is Raghuvanspuram Ashram, a mesmerising drive out of the city of Jodhpur, in the lands of Rajasthan!

The energy here is sublime; the ashram itself is devoted to Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman.  We are literally going to the heart of the Ramayana teachings in these sacred lands.  The ashram founder, Pujya Maharaj Shri, shares the story of the Ramayana around India and the world, in a blessed format known as the Shri Ram Katha.  No words can explain the immense auspiciousness of being invited to study this story in his ashram. Local Pundits and Vedic Astrologers Abhilasha (Maharaj Shri's daughter) & Manoj Sharma lead our study and rituals. 

The accommodation of this ashram is just beautiful; you will want for nothing.  Abhilasha says of this ashram, "when we satisfy and calm your senses, you can meet God".

Purify your energies at the sacred Havan (fire ceremony).

The Raghuvanspuram Ashram has a sacred area for time-honoured havan ceremonies. The great Vedic texts establish that there is no faster way to transmute karma than to participate in havan ceremony.  This will be your opportunity to release all that does not serve and to become a magnet for your highest.  Dive in to this experience whole-heartedly; this is alchemy at its finest and operates far beyond our logical minds. We will be under the the guidance and prayers of local Vedic priests. Experience the science of yoga in action.  And ladies, it is required that we wear only saris in this area and we will gift these to you. 

Meet Vedic Astrologers Abhilasha & Manoj

If you have travelled to India with me before, chances are you have met Manoj and or Abhilasha.  This formidable duo live anchored in their spiritual sadhana, and have much wisdom to offer us on our yogic path.  Abhilasha's family hails from Rajhasthan, and are the founders of Raghuwanspuram Ashram. Manoj's family is from high up in the Himalayas, and his energy and wisdom holds us steady in our practices as we head north.  **I recommend all participants consider a personal Vedic astrology reading with Abhilasha & Manoj prior to this pilgrimage.  This is not compulsory, nor included, it is recommended should you have personal considerations you wish to heal, balance or cleanse on this pilgrimage.  Reach out to Deborah for more information!

Pushkar - The Sacred Kund.

Pushkar's story begins with Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Legend says that Brahma dropped a lotus flower from his hands, and the place where it landed became a holy lake, Pushkar Lake. 

Believed to be over 2,000 years old, Pushkar is one of India's oldest cities. We will meditate by the sacred lake (kund), walk up the mountain to the Savitri Mata Temple at sunrise, and importantly, visit the most promimant Brahma Temple in the world. 

After leaving the cocoon of Raghuwanspuram ashram, Pushkar offers us an opportunity to take the teachings into the world through our daily practices. 

On to Jaipur... The Pink City

One of the jewels in Rajasthan's crown is Jaipur, a city of extraordinary sights, colours and sounds... We will enjoy 2 nights here, and take in the sights of the famous Hawa Mahal (pictured), the Amber Fort and all the sights and sounds of the marketplace! 

This city is a delight for the senses; take it all in as we move about the city and its outskirts. 

From here, a short flight takes us from the dessert of Rajhasthan, to the cool depths of Shiva's mountains and riverside spiritual town of Rishikesh...

Rishikesh, the Land of the Rishis.

Known as the 'birthplace of Yoga', Rishikesh lies on the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganges River, and is our home for the rest of the retreat.  Here we'll meditate by the Ganges,'Ganga Ma', enjoy morning asana, evening Aarti & programs at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, (where my teachers Pujya Swamiji & Sadhviji reside).  You'll have free time to wander the banks of the river, drink chai, shop, and generally let the magic unfold!

The Blessings of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

We are blessed to be staying at Parmarth Niketan Ashram on the banks of the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh.  An ashram famous for its nightly Ganga Aarti (worship at sunset to the Mother Ganga), this will be our home for our stay.  For many years Pujya Swami has asked me, "when will you & your group be staying in these walls?" It is time.  Not only are we blessed by being in his energy, but we will be there for the Festival of MahaShivaratri, The Great Night of Shiva.  This is an extremely auspicious night to be in the lands of Shiva.  Expect to be supercharged by the rituals you will experience..

Vashistha's Cave - on the banks of Mother Ganga

We'll take a pilgrimage up the mountain to meditate at the sage Vashistha's Cave. Nestled a short drive along the Himalayan foothills, this sacred cave on the banks of Ma Ganga holds special energy.    We will sit, meditate, and take in the energies of this whole area,   As a dear friend and student said after her first visit "I feel like I've been hit by a tranquilizer dart!", such is the depth of meditation available to you here.  

It is impossible to describe this energy; it can only be felt.