SHIVOHAM
A SACRED PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA
Varanasi: 30 Nov – 8 Dec (meet us in Delhi)
Begin your journey in Delhi before travelling together to the luminous ghats of Varanasi. Explore sacred Shiva and Goddess temples, attend pujas, and immerse in the flowing grace of Ma Ganga. Experience vibrant devotion in one of the holiest cities on earth.
Chidambaram: 9-13 Dec (ends in Chennai)
Extend your pilgrimage to the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, devoted to Śiva as the cosmic dancer, and the powerful Thillai Kali Amman Temple. A profound doorway into ritual, mythology, and living tradition.
This is more than a journey—it’s a pilgrimage. With experienced and devoted teachers to guide you, you’ll immerse yourself in yoga’s living tradition through Darshan (seeing), Sadhana (practice), Puja (rituals), and Satsang (gathering in truth).
Expect a vibrant blend of experiences: from soaking up the scenes along the Ganga, donning a sari, visiting meaningful and important temples, and joining sacred ceremonies in hidden corners of the city. Every day will bring new discoveries, moments of spontaneity, and the deep joy of practicing yoga together in one of the holiest places on earth
retreat overview
A deep immersion into the spiritual and cultural heart of Varanasi.
Each day we will weave together:
Practice — breath, meditation, chanting
Ritual — puja, temple visits, evening aarti on the ghats
Culture — guided excursions, markets, local food, and vibrant daily life
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, this retreat offers a supportive and inspiring environment to deepen your practice, open your heart, and experience the deeper meaning of yoga as a way of living with love.
WHATS INCLUDED
9 nights accommodation
Breakfast & lunch (dinners free for your own exploration)
Morning practice (breathwork, chanting, meditation)
Evening Satsang — chanting, philosophy, meditation
Immerse in energetic transmission of pujas
Guided visits to sacred temples and iconic ghats
Excursions to local cultural sites
Not included: flights to Delhi, Indian visa, travel insurance, dakshina (donations to priests / temples)
SAMPLE ITINERY- Day in Varanasi
7:00––8:00 am — sari dressing
7:30–8:00 am — morning practices
8:00–9:00 am — Breakfast
9:00 am–6:00 pm — Daily excursions (temples, ghats, puja), with lunch provided
6:30–7:30 pm — Evening meal at your leisure & experiences by the Ganga
7:30–9:30 pm — Satsang
CHIDAMBARAM- Optional Extra
An additional 5-day immersion. 9 – 13 Dec, 2026
Extend your pilgrimage to the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, devoted to Śiva as the cosmic dancer, and the powerful Tillai Kali Temple. A profound doorway into ritual, mythology, and living tradition.
TEACHERS AND GUIDES
Nataraj Chaitanya — A devoted Shiva Yogi with a depth of experience and knowledge truly incomparable will lead us in philosophy, puja, kirtan and meditation.
Uma Neave — Known for her joyful, inclusive approach and profound knowledge of Tantrik philosophy, mythology, and embodied practices.
You will be in good company together with our cherished hosts Babu and Bharathi (Rajanaka India), alongside Yoga LYFE’s founder Denise Orloff offering loving guidance and support throughout — we promise you we will take the very best care of you on this sacred journey.
InVESTMENT
Varanasi only – shared room: $6,300 AUD
Varanasi only – shared room: $7,200 AUD
Varanasi & Chidambaram – shared room: $8,300 AUD
Includes domestic flights, accommodation, transportation, excursions, and meals
$900 AUD non-refundable deposit secures your place, balance due 1 September, 2026 — payment plan available
Retreat is non-refundable; travel insurance strongly recommended
An Invitation
This retreat is not a holiday—it is a doorway. An opportunity to step into the living current of yoga; to receive sacred darshan in ancient temples, walk the ghats where seekers have prayed for millennia, and be transformed by the light of practice, devotion, and community.
We would be honoured to have you join us for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
