SHAKTI TO SHIVA

Sadhana for Illumination. 

India Pilgrimage, Sep 23-Oct 4, 2024

You are invited to join me in the mystical land of India for a deep immersion to the heart of our yoga practices. Sadhana refers to the yogic disciplines that help us to transcend ego, and merge with the universal consciousness at our core.  Join us for this special pilgrimage to balance our shakti (energy) through deep sadhana in an auspicious ashram in Jodphur, then travel to the mountains of Shiva to stabilize our inner connection...

This sacred pilgrimage first takes us to the magical lands & temples of Jodhpur & Jaipur (Rajhasthan), then north to Rishikesh, to the healing waters of Mother Ganges and calming energy of the Himalayas.

The only way out, is IN.

Swadyaya refers to our yogic study; our sadhana puts this study into our personal, internal practice.

'SHAKTI to SHIVA'

India's gift to us is Yoga; a practiced pathway way to experience our divine Self.

The gifts of the subcontinent are many and varied, from Saints and Rishis, to sacred rivers & temples.  At the heart of this lies the yogic sciences; the play of our spirit in the land of the quantum... knowledge that transcends dimensions, teasing us toward its experience.

The teachings are alive and well and here for us to follow. Shakti is pure creative energy, that plays this world - and us - into being.  Shakti is alive in us and through us.  As is Shiva, the steady supreme consciousness that cannot be created, nor destroyed.  It just is.  This pilgrimage offers time honoured rituals to balance our personal shakti, then stabilise our connection to the inner expanse of our Shiva consciousness.

Daily sadhana awaits at the transcendent Raghuvanspuram Ashram, Jodhpur.

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

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".

The energy here is sublime; the fire element of the drier landscape sets us up for a potent transformation. Our shakti sadhana is guided by local Pundits and Vedic Astrologers Abhilasha & Manoj Sharma, to ensure each participant has the appropriate tools for balancing tamasic energies, and purifying shakti.

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

The Raghuvanspuram Ashram has a sacred area for havan ceremony.  This will be your opportunity to release all that does not serve and to become a magnet for your wishes; all under the guidance and prayers of Vedic pundits. Experience true alchemy; the science of yoga in action.

Our daily sadhana includes study sessions, mantra, asana, traditional dance, quiet time, and an important bathing ritual called 'dash vidhi sanan' for balancing all 10 elements. 

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 we are in her hands as we engage in shakti sadhana at their Jodphur Ashram.  Manoj's family hails 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.  

Enjoy this yatra (spiritual pilgrimage) to a temple divined by the great mystic & poet saint, Mirabai.

In the 16th century lived Mirabai, a Rajasthani princess who lived intoxicated in Krishna consciousness.  From a young age, Mirabai experienced a consciousness that is indescribable; her devotion to Krishna was absolute and she is known to have shunned societal norms to stay steadfast in her bhakti.  All those centuries ago, Mirabau roamed these lands and found this site of Krishna consciousness; she asked her father to build a temple to honour the place.  And we are going there.  We will chant & meditate to enter the frequency of Krishna.  

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), City Palace, Amer Fort with darshan at the Shila Devi temple.  You'll have time to shop at markets, enjoy amazing food & enjoy the energy of this city.  A short flight from Jaipur to Dehradun takes us from the dessert to Shiva's mountains...

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 Alchemy of Sadhana...

Following on from our shakti sadhana in Jodhpur, we move into shiva sadhana in Rishikesh.  Shiva represents the supreme consciousness that is ever present;  we will allow the stabilizing energy of Shiva's mountains help us stablize our inner connection.  Morning meditations start our day, followed by asana, then the sacred havan (fire ceremony) at Parmarth Niketan, followed by a holy dip in Mother Ganges. Our practices alchemize earth, fire, water & air elements, allowing us to better experience ether....the expansion of our energy.  

Devprayaj - the birthplace of Mother Ganga

We'll take a pilgrimage up the mountains to witness the birthplace of the sacred Ganges River.  Nestled high up in the Himalayas, the two rivers of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge. From this Godly confluence the mystical waters of Ganga flow.  We will chant, meditate, and have the option to take a sacred bath in her cool waters.  As a local lady expressed to me one day as I sat in tears by the river in Rishikesh, 'Give it all to Ganga. She will give you everything in return.' 

Our Schedule

Day 1: Sept 23rd- Arrival in India

Pick up at Terminal 3 Delhi. Transition to Lemon Tree Premier for much needed rest overnight. Optional shopping outing with Uschi into Delhi for those arriving earlier in the day. 

**Dinner on your own time at the hotel or nearby Worldmark complex. You’ll have time to rest and integrate before our transition to Jodhpur on September 24.   

Day 2: Sept 24th- Transition to Jodhpur

Breakfast buffet in hotel. Meet in the lobby for hotel check out and transfer to airport. Check in for 12:55pm flight to Jodhpur. Air India AI475. Arrive Jodhpur 2:20pm. 

Day 3: Sept 25th- Jodhpur 

Jodhpur Program at Raghuvanspuram Ashram 

Day 4: Sept 26th- Jodhpur

Jodhpur Program at Raghuvanspuram Ashram 

Day 5: Sept 27th- Jodhpur

Jodhpur Program at Raghuvanspuram Ashram 

Day 6: Sept 28th- Transition Jodhpur to Jaipur

Bus trip from Jodhpur to Jaipur. Uschi meets everyone for arrival and landing at lovely hotel. 

Day 7: Sept 29th- Jaipur Sightseeing Day

Morning Sadhana. Breakfast buffet in hotel. 

Depart for Amer Fort, guided tour of the gorgeous grounds

Darshan at the Shila Devi temple, guided tour of the palace. 

Drive back into Jaipur, lunch on your own. 

Afternoon tour of Hawa Mahal and City Palace, the architectural beauty and majesty of Jaipur. Shopping in the lovely markets. 

**Optional dinner at Bar Palladio, an architectural jewel of Jaipur (at participants cost).

Day 8: Sept 30th Transition Jaipur  to Rishikesh

Morning Sadhana. Breakfast in hotel. 

Check out of rooms. Head out for some more sightseeing. 

Back to the hotel for lunch, then transition to Jaipur airport for our 5:30pm flight to Rishikesh (Indigo Airlines 6E 7468). 

Arrive Dehradun at 6:55pm. 

Cars pick us up and drive into Rishikesh. 

Check into rooms, dinner upon arrival. 

Day 9: Oct 1st- Rishikesh

Breakfast / Dinner in hotel. 

Daily Sadhana Program

Day 10: Oct 2nd- Rishikesh

Breakfast / Dinner in hotel. 

Daily Sadhana Program. 

Day 11: Oct 3rd- Rishikesh

Breakfast / Dinner in hotel. 

Daily Sadhana Program

Day 12: Oct 4th-Transition to Delhi

Early morning Sadhana

Breakfast in hotel. 

Depart for Delhi by car, timings coordinated with international flights home. 

 

YOUR SUPPORT TEAM.

You probably know me, Deborah Langley, lover of all things Yoga & India!  I am your humble retreat leader, sharing the experiences of the Motherland that have changed my life in unexplainable ways.

My dear Goddess & friend Uschi, (pic of us in her home of Varanasi), is our India guide. Uschi has been living in the holy city of Varanasi for more than 15 years, speaks fluent Hindi, and will support our pilgrimage with her local team in each location. With vast experience hosting international trainings and retreats for over 10 years I am proud to say we are a well-oiled machine!  With her deep love and reverence for India, we appropriately and respectfully experience these lands.  As Uschi says, 'we come to India as guests to observe and experience the culture, rather than being observed'.  

Uschi handles all our logistics with love, and will contact each of you with pre-trip information, and to coordinate your personal arrival times. Taj Mahal experience to add on to your journey is an option I highly recommend! You will be blown away...

The smallest details of our trip are taken care of, and you will be held in such a caring embrace so you can drop in for the experience of a lifetime. 

The logistics.

Book your place to begin your pilgrimage…

The Shakti to Shiva Retreat Fee includes:

  • Transfer from Delhi Airport to Hotel at Delhi Aerocity on arrival in Delhi on morning through evening Monday Sep 23.
  • Double occupancy accommodation at Delhi Aerocity 
  • Vehicle transfers from 
    • Aerocity Hotel back to Delhi Airport for flight to Jodhpur 
    • Jodhpur Airport to Raghuvanspuram Ashram
    • Jodhpur to Jaipur
    • Jaipur Hotel to Jaipur Airport
    • Dehradun Airport to Green Hotel Rishikesh 
    • Green Hotel Rishikesh to Delhi Airport
    • Transfers to all tours in Jaipur
  • Single Occupancy at Green View Hotel in Rishikesh
  • 2 daily hotel meals in Rishikesh / Jaipur
  • All meals at Jodhpur Raghuvanspuram Ashram
  • Entry tickets & guided tours in Jaipur
  • Safe drinking water throughout retreat
  • Guidance with trip planning, and daily support during retreat from logistics coordinator Uschi Gibson
  • All yoga and workshop sessions with Deborah Langley
  • All lectures, pujas and offerings by our local teachers by Manoj & Abhilasha.

Exclusions:

  • International airfare to and from India
  • 2 Internal flights (Delhi - Jaipur  and Jaipur Dehradun) ***Uschi will provide logistics support for you to book domestic flights. 
  • Indian eVisa (Uschi to provide support for this process also)
  • Optional Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Each day in Jaipur & Rishikesh for one meal you are free to explore the wonderful authentic Indian restaurants & cafes. 
  • 'Prasad' - offerings at Temples ** Hosts Deb, Uschi & Abhilsaha will explain & simplify this process.  We'll recommend how much rupee to have with you for incidentals. 
  • Taxi or Tuk Tuks should you wish to go exploring during free time
  • Massage / Ayurvedic treatments.

You will receive emails from myself and Uschi assisting your planning.  

IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION:  Uschi will liaise with you via email regarding flight times and bookings.  TO ENSURE WE CAN FULLY SUPPORT YOU ON ARRIVAL IN DELHI, PLEASE ONLY BOOK FLIGHTS ONCE YOU HAVE LIAISED WITH USCHI.  The reason for this is we want to make sure you arrive in the correct window of time for airport collection and hotel check in.  Uschi will provide clear instruction on this. 

India eVISA’s are processed online 30 days prior to travel. Uschi will also provide guidance for this process!

We'll give you guidelines as to what to bring with you, and answer any other questions you may have.

 

BOOK YOUR PILGRIMAGE

*All rates are listed (and must be paid) in Australian Dollars (AUD). Check https://www.xe.com to get latest conversion to your national currency. Pay in Full or Payment Plan options below. 

PAYMENT IN FULL

$5390

Full Retreat Fee from August 01, 2024

  • All fees in Australian dollars (AUD)
  • Pay via Paypal or Direct Deposit 
  • Access to all retreat inclusions!
Pay the Retreat in Full on or after August 1, 2024

EARLY BIRD PAYMENT PLAN

$1650

x 3 Monthly Payments - Plan available until July 31, 2024

  • All fees in Australian dollars (AUD)
  • Payment plan available via Paypal!
  • Access to all retreat inclusions!
Hook me up with this Payment Plan!

SECURE EARLY BIRD PAY IN FULL - AVAILABLE NOW!

$4890

Best Rate! - ends July 31, 2024

  • All fees in Australian dollars (AUD)
  • Pay via Paypal or direct Deposit 
  • Access to all retreat inclusions!
YES PLEASE - I'LL TAKE THE EARLY BIRD!

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • $1200AUD non-refundable deposit applies to all bookings.
  • Cancellations between April 2024 and June 30, 2024 will forfeit $1200 deposit; all other monies paid (excluding $90 Paypal fee or other bank fees) will be refunded.
  • Full retreat payment forfeited if cancellation occurs on or after July 1, 2024.

"What I know is, that one trip to India undertaken with the pure intention to seek the truth, can change the trajectory of your life.  There is so much magic in these sacred lands, and every single time I am there, a mystery unfolds, and some sort of 'download' happens..  It's like living out experiences that on a souls level I have lined up for myself; experiences that answer prayers and activate my heart. A teacher once said to me, you only get to India when you are ready.  If you are reading this and your heart rate increases just at the thought of going, then you are ready. Dive in and trust. This is the only way. There is an experience waiting for you that will be a gift that keeps on giving, long after the retreat is over..."

Deborah Langley