Please note:Participants who are unable to attend the full retreat can arrange to join part of it.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime yoga pilgrimage tour through Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Rishikesh with Shri Shiva Shankara, including a comprehensive yoga program and sacred river baths at the Purna Kumbhamela 2025!
Held once every 12 years, the Purna (complete) Kumbha Mela is a rare opportunity to join a profound celebration of the eternal flow of humanity and enduring quest for spiritual liberation. Renowned as the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, the Kumbhamela embodies the principle of VasudhaivaKutumbakam meaning ‘the world is one family’. It is a powerful display of devotion where seekers from various spiritual paths unite with the common goal of spiritual growth and purification.
The Purna Kumbhamela 2025 will take place at Triveni Sangama in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), at the confluence of three holy rivers: Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. This revered site’s mythological significance revolves around the story of Samudra Manthana - the churning of the ocean, during which the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) set aside their differences to obtain the precious Amrita (nectar of immortality). The celestial pot (kumbha) containing this elixir – from which the Kumbhamela derives its name, played a central role in this joint effort.
During the churning process, the ocean yielded not only Amrita but also a lethal poison called Halahala. The Devas and Asuras panicked as the poison threatened to engulf the world, and so, turned to Lord Shiva for help. In a great act of selflessness and compassion, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect the universe and became 2 known as Neelakantha (the blue-throated one). His divine strength allowed him to endure this immense task without harm.
From the perspective of a yoga practitioner, the churning of the ocean can be seen metaphorically as the practitioner’s process of awakening and realisation of their immortal self.
As the churning continued over many years, Dhanwantari (the God of healing and Ayurvedic medicine) emerged holding the pot (Kumbha) of Amrita. A fight broke out between the Devas and Asuras to possess the Kumbha and at the behest of his father Indra (the King of the Devas), Jayanta wrestled for the pitcher. To keep it safe and prevent it from falling into the hands of the demons, Jayanta ran around the world for 12 days. As he ran, he placed the pot down, spilling drops of Amrita at 4 sacred locations on earth giving them mystical powers. One of them was Prayagraj.
Since 12 days for the Gods is the equivalent of 12 human years, the Kumbhamela is celebrated in 12-year cycles: the normal Kumbhamela takes place every 3 years, the Ardha (half) Kumbhamela takes place every 6 years, the Purna Kumbhamela every 12 years, and the Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated after 12 Purna Kumbhamelas –144 years.
The Kumbhamela Is celebrated at different locations depending on the astronomical alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter – celestial forces that helped protect the precious nectar.
This yoga and meditation retreat at the Purna Kumbhamela includes a comprehensive yoga program. It begins with morning Arati – a rising ritual offering of light to the deities and a powerful act of devotion, connecting humanity to the sacred waters and the divine.
Daily morning yoga practice with Shri Shiva Shankara will be taught with his holistic, traditional approach encompassing the streams of Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Kriya, Mantra, Vedanta and Bhakti yoga to guide you towards inner stillness and self-mastery. Afternoons and evenings will be dedicated to attending cultural programs with folk songs and dance and Akhara tours where you will have the rare opportunity to meet the Naga Sadhus, mystics, and great saints, attend their satsangs, and receive their blessings.
The central ritual of the Purna Kumbhamela is bathing where pilgrims gather at the sacred riverbanks to immerse themselves in the holy waters. Bathings take place every day, however, the Important and Royal Baths hold unique significance. Determined according to astronomical signs, these baths create an immense tapestry of spiritual evolution within the Purna Kumbhamela, connecting participants to the wisdom and practices of ancient saints and sages.
They are said to have a profound impact on the participant’s spiritual journey, cleanse one’s sins, and lead them closer to attaining Moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) and freedom from all suffering and its seeds.
This yoga retreat has been designed to coincide with the Maghi Purmina (Snan) on the 12th of February. Bathing in the holy river at this time is said to bestow blessings from Lord Vishnu granting happiness, prosperity, and salvation. You are invited to experience this timeless tradition and witness the vibrant processions of sadhus and ascetics converging upon the riverbanks. Their saffron robes, sacred symbols, and rhythmic chants create an awe-inspiring spectacle and mesmerising blend of devotion, tradition, and cosmic significance.
Please note:Those who cannot attend the Maghi Purmina (Snan) on the 12th of February, or wish to attend the whole Purna Kumbhamela, can arrange to visit earlier and attend other important and royal baths on:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 13 | Paush Purnima Snan |
| January 14 | Makar Sankranti (includes 3 Shahi Snans) |
| January 29 | Mauni Amavasya |
| February 3 | Basant Panchami |
| February 26 | Maha Shivarati |
Please discuss your personal travel plans with Shri Shiva Shankara directly.
On the 13th of February, you will travel 110km to Varanasi – one of the oldest living cities in the world. Also known as Kashi (meaning ‘to shine’), Varanasi is considered to have been built by Lord Shiva himself and the city where he and Goddess Parvati reside.
You will enjoy a mesmerising sunset Ganga Arati, and visit magnificent historic temples, shrines, and ashrams. The taste of Kashi is said to be so indescribable, that one must be there to experience its powerful energy and vibrations.
During this part of the trip, you will be offered daily yoga sessions.
For the last stage of your wellness and spiritual yoga retreat, you will travel to the holy city of Rishikesh. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy river Ganga, this serene environment is known as the yoga and spiritual capital of the world. With its rich spiritual heritage attracting saints, sages, and spiritual seekers for thousands of years, the potent energies of Rishikesh are said to catalyse spiritual growth and transformation.
You will visit Rishikesh’s numerous ashrams including Neem Karoli Baba and Sivananda ashram and evening Ganga Arati together with Kumbha City in Haridwar. You will explore ancient historic temples including Kunjapuri Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated at an altitude of 1,676 meters with breathtaking sunrise views, and Bhootnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will also visit mystic caves such as Mauni Baba, Rama, Mastram Baba, and Vasistha.
You can explore vibrant markets offering souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothing, organic skincare, Ayurvedic treatment, and Vedic astrology readings, and enjoy delicious food at local eateries blending traditional Indian flavours with regional specialities.
Your Rishikesh wellness retreat will include daily 2-hour morning yoga and 1-hour evening sessions for consistent growth and support in your practice.
On the 26th of February, we will join the rituals and celebrations of Maha Shivaratri – The Great Awakening Night Of Shiva. This auspicious night marks the transformation of energy and consciousness to its highest dimension and the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
This deeply spiritual and introspective festival offers devotees an opportunity to reflect and deeply connect to their inner selves, engage in spiritual renewal, and contemplate their future direction.
For some, Maha Shivaratri symbolises the union of their energies, intersected by the grace of Lord Shiva, transpiring to completion and wholeness.
Accommodation and meals are included as part of your retreat package.
In Prayagraj you will stay in the Kumbhamela’s Tent City designed to provide hospitality and comfort for pilgrims. The group’s neat and clean tents are equipped with essential amenities and sanitation and connectivity facilities.
Satvik vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. In addition, there are many food stalls nearby offering an array of traditional and regional food and tandoori chai served in clay pots giving the tea its distinctive flavour.
In Varanasi and Rishikesh you will stay in serene and tranquil ashram lodgings on the banks of the Ganga, surrounded by natural beauty.
Those attending the Purna Kumbhamela retreat should fly to Prayagraj Airport (IATA:IXD), also known as Bamrauli airport. Airport transfers to the tent accommodation and to the airport for your return journey are included in your retreat package.
Travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi and Rishikesh is also included as part of your retreat package.
For your return journey, Dehradun and Delhi airports are closest to Rishikesh. Return journeys from other airports can be arranged. Please get in touch to discuss your individual arrangements.
Please get in touch directly to register and discuss your individual travel plans:
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(Details Required Depending on the Payment Gateway)
NAME : DURGA PRASAD UPADHYAYA
BANK : STATE BANK OF INDIA, SWARGASHRAM BRANCH
BANK BRANCH ADDRESS : SWARGASHRAM RISHIKESH, PAURI GARHWAL, PIN: 249304, UTTARAKHAND
BRANCH CODE : 02493
ACCOUNT CODE :30653237773
MICR CODE: 249002104
IFSC : SBIN0002493
CIF NUMBER : 85430137228
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