“You are Goddess. You are Divine!”
Join us in India to explore the roots of Devi wisdom through sacred sites, five faces of Tantric goddesses, yoga and devotional Indian dance, during Navaratri, the longest ongoing Goddess Festival on the planet.
Yoga and dance are ancient spiritual paths to self-realization, to live in wholeness, access our innate wisdom and well-being. There is a natural synergy between the two disciplines. Throughout history they've endlessly inspired and influenced the other, ultimately they are One.
The practices and studies in this immersion into Goddess are based on the teachings of nondual Tantric Siavism of the Trika wisdom stream and Sakta teachings, and the Indian Classical Dance of Bharata Natyam.
We'll explore the different aspects of Devi Shakti (goddess energy/power), through goddesses: Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and various goddess collectives of the ancient Sakta text of the Devi Mahatyma. We will explore sculpture-like posture, fluid asana and dance movement, pranayama, mudra, mantras, mythology, symbolism, bhakti/devotion, signature qualities of each goddess, mediation and yantra.
We'll do so first in Dehli where we will visit The Tantra Foundation and engage in a private discussion with Shakta and Tantra scholar Madhu Khanna. Then by train we'll venture to ancient goddess worship sites and temples throughout the region of the state of Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India. Visiting circular Yogini and secret forest temples, and ancient places of goddess practices at the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho legendary for Tantric worship before returning back to Delhi to conclude our time together. We will also be visiting one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. It will be a our concluding place of deep reflection and practice together.
In addition, we'll have the chance to view live local dancers. To experience firsthand the "bhava", the “ecstasy" or “emotion" these revelatory dance forms bring forth in ourselves.
"Woman is the basis of the world, the Universe is her form" ~ Shaktisangama Tantra (II.52)
You'll learn :
- Deity Yoga
- What is Devi Sakti
- How Devi works in our lives and cosmos
- Multiple forms of Devi and their inner functions
- Introduction to the most important ancient text the Devi Mahatyma or called the Chandi Path
- Visions of different Yoga philosophies in relation to Sakti
- Mantras, mudras, yantra and pranayama to align and invoke Sakti, as tools for healing and transformation
- Devotional dance and asanas to awaken and viscerally embody different signature qualities of Devi which can release tension/trauma and integrate the benefits of all practices
- A Devidance Yoga sequence of 5 Goddesses: Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kali, Durga, Parvati
- Meditations and contemplations for these 5 Goddesses and collectives of Godddess that will prompt you to explore deep within
These practices and self-study can:
- Heal, transform and activate your inner power
- Balance and awaken the different faces of Devi within and how to recognize Sakti's signature energies within yourself
- Shift the feeling of physical and mental exhaustion to the feeling of energy and balance
- Incorporate ancient Feminine Wisdom into you daily life
- Develop self-confidence and empowerment in various areas of your life
- And more!
What you'll recieve:
- A 100 page course book to orient and deepen in these teachings and practices during our time together in India and for once you are back home
This retreat/course is 2-weeks of Deity Yoga!
Stephanie Renee dos Santos guides people on the inner path through nondual Tantric Shaivism wisdom of the Trika lineage stream. She assists practitioners to unravel the inner world and discover for themselves the Heart of Reality. She’s known as an inspiring, loving, creative and compassionate teacher with the Hindu goddess Bhuvaneshwari-like quality to create sacred healing, creative-expressive and meditative spaces. She's been given permission to share these teachings by meditation master, the late Sally Kempton rooted in the lineage of Siddha Gurus. She holds a B.A in Studio Arts from Whitman College and is an active artist and writer. Painting meditation visions for educational and meditative support.
She's co-author of the forthcoming spiritual memoir anthology When She Wakes: Women's Stories of Kundalini Awakening. Women's firsthand accounts of this divine grace.
She contributed spiritual writing to literary journal Lalitamba and is co-creative of Devidance Yoga with classical Indian dancer Ganga Devi.
Stephanie guides meditation, backpacking pilgrimages throughout the mountains of the world and is the creative of Ashram of Arts. www.mountainshakti.com
Gabriela Lopez (Ganga Devi) seeks tools for healing through Feminine Divine teachings, one's that bring empowerment. She is a Homeopath and Iridologist Therapist, focused on the care of women, mothers and children. She has been practicing Indian Classical Dance since 2008. She studies with Professor Krishna Sharana, and conducts workshops, lectures and presentations throughout Brazil. She also has studied with Guru Mithun Shyam of the Vaishnavi Natyashala School in Bangalore, India. Now, she trains in the historic dance wisdom stream of Marga Natya, a technique based on the ancient script of the Natya Shastra, at the Chidakash Kalalay Institute, Calcutta in India. Her current main focus is sharing this ancient dance tradition which is always associated with developing self-knowledge through art. She is co-founder of "Devidance Yoga" focused on sharing the synergy of goddess wisdom through dance and yoga.
Madhu Khanna is the Founder of the Tantra Foundation in India. She is a world-renowned scholar of Tantric Studies, curator of Tantra Art and author of ten books. She has written luminous and well-known titles Yantra, Tantric Symbols of Cosmic Unity, The Tantric Way which has been translated into five languages and 20 published editions. Recent publications include, Tantra on the Edge: Inspirations & Experiment in Twentieth Century Indian Art, Studies on Tantra in Bengal and Eastern India, and the Saktapramodah: Of Deva Nandan Singh.
She's an expert on Tantra Art, contemporary and ancient. As the Tangor National Fellow at the National Museum in Delhi, she's been a part of and helped curate an exhibit for the British Museum, "Tantra: Enlightenment to Revolution", and "Tantra on the Edge" in India.
She's the founder of the CIASA educational program in collaboration with the government of India, called the Center of Indic and Agamic Studies in Asia. Also, she heads up philanthropic projects "Shri Kunja," a rural children library program and a rural center for eco-heritage and green consciousness in Bengal. www.shrikunja.org
In addition, she's founder of The Tantra Foundation Library, located on the outskirts of Delhi in India, hosting yearly, an in person "Distinguished Lecture." www.tantralibrary.com
Daily Schedule
Once in Khajuraho where we will be staying for 6 nights we will practice daily goddess-based Hatha Yoga, inclusive of breathwork and meditation, and sacred dance along with foundational teachings on each goddess. Self-inquiry is an integral aspect of our goddess studies.
When in Delhi there will be daily teachings and practices also, days of travel will be days of discussion and integration. In Gwalior we will also practice both dance, guided meditation and self-inquiry. We will be staying two nights in Agra to visit the world famous and beautiful tribute to love, the Taj Mahal. It is here that the last of the teachings will conclude before we venture back to Delhi together.
Seasonal information
October temperatures on average, are in the 60 to 70's.
Weather information
Everywhere we are going in general is on the dry side.
Responsible travel
Patience and lightheartedness are two excellent qualities for visiting Indian. Also, it is important to not hand out candy to children as it encourages begging. It is fine to give food or change as you feel to those in need as each situation arises. This is a deep journey of listening to the heart and one of compassion, offering a smile and kind words is always welcome.
Electricity and outlets
220 volts we recommend to bring adapters (one or two)
*despite that where we are staying your room may have outlets that already accommodate your devices
How to get there (flights, airport transfers, buses, trains)
All pilgrimage travel information will be sent to you once you've signed up for the retreat. But please feel free to contact us with question prior should you need clarification on something beforehand.
Visa stuff
You will need an E-Visa for India. Details on how to get this will be sent to you once you've registered.
What to bring
All list of recommended items to bring on this journey will be sent to you upon registration.
Vaccinations requirements
Please check your country of origin to see what vaccinations are required for your nationality before arriving in India.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is highly suggested for this journey. It can be purchased along with your plane ticket, or another provider or here at WeTravel.
Waiver of Liability
The Waiver of Liability must be signed prior to arrival in India.
Other Important Terms
By signing up, you are agreeing to all of these terms.
Do I need to be a dancer or already practice yoga to attend? No, prior dance nor yoga experience is a requirement to join us. Just an open heart!
What will our daily schedule be like? In general in the mornings we'll practice goddess-based Hatha Yoga inclusive of breathwork and some meditation, along with introductory teachings on the goddess entity of focus that day. Her key qualities and signature aspects.
Buffet breakfast will follow then sometime to get ready for the day. Then we meet up as a group and head out for an excursion with teachings and practices on site at different location throughout the cities we are visiting.
Lunch will be somewhere when we are out and about and you're free to get what you like. Dinner we'll eat as a group and the end of the day we meet up for a recap of the day's teachings and focus and for group exchange and integration.
* Each day a daily schedule will be sent to you via our Whatsapp group.
* Days of travel will in general be days off from study and structured practice. They will be times to just be and enjoy India and for integration and reflection.
3 nights in Delhi, 1 night train, 6 nights in UNESCO city Khajuraho, 2 nights Gwalior, 2 nights Agra, 2 nights Delhi at the end
Partake in the oldest and longest ongoing Goddess Festival on the planet called Navaratri, in honor of Goddess Durga and Her multiple forms. It is nine nights and ten days of Goddess worship.
We will be staying in the heart of India in Khajuraho which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home to magnificent Tantra temples.
We will have a private discussion with the world famous Sakta and Tantra scholar Madhu Khanna at The Tantra Foundation.
We will visit the beautiful tribute place to love and one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. It too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To prepare for our time together in India we will meet up as a group by Zoom to practice. A reading list is provided.
Learn within an actual temple or before an ancient artwork each goddesses mythology and symbolism and the wisdom tools She offers you and your life path.
Throughout the nine nights and day's of Navaratri we'll study and practice from the sacred Sakta text of the Devi Mahatyma, also called the Chandi Path.
Goddess-based Yoga
Devotional Indian dance of multiple goddesses
Private lecture & discussion with preeminent Shakti scholar on Tantric Art and the chance to discover a special art piece for your home altar or yoga/meditation studio.
See live performances of famous Indian classical dancers.
This is personal royal care that all goddesses deserve: Abhyangam, Shirodhara, Potli massage, Ayurveda massage, steam bath & shower with herbal scrub.
Visit and practice in two Yogini Temples, connecting with our ancient Yoginis and the power of these places
Bharatanatyam Performance by Ganga Devi
Support local Indian artisans by finding a few special artworks to support your practice for your personal altar and yoga space at home. India is rich in sacred art.
At a special Yogini Temple location!
Full of surprise adornments! During Navarati traditionally women are given gifts of various kinds. We will partake in this tradition is such a way as to support your sadhana (practice).
All entry fees into various sites we'll be visiting
Traditional Indian breakfast & dinners
airport pick-up (a driver from our hotel will come to get you), rickshaws, taxis, and trains
Once you are signed up you will receive detailed information on how to prep for this transformational journey.
With care and ongoing assistance we'll help you along as you prepare to come to India (inclusive of flight recommendations and any help needed applying for your E-Visa) and throughout our pilgrimage
Each person needs to obtain an E-Visa prior to arriving to India. Details on how to do so will be sent out to each registrant.
Each person must arrange their own flights to and from India. Entry points and recommended departure airports will be recommended.
This is left open for everyone to sample what foods call to you and to have some food selection autonomy. Budget about $5-10 a day.
All drinking water (cost about 5 cents a litter). All water must be treated. Also, recommended is traveling with a "Lifestraw" water bottle.
Is required for this journey. It can be obtained at the time of plane ticket purchase, by another provider or here at WeTravel.
Goodies for yourself, friends & family!
coming and/or going
Because of varying personal schedules of departure from India each person will handle your return to the airport. But we will assist as you like and as needed.
Dance and practice yoga in ancient temples of India while exploring the wisdom of different aspects of Devi (goddess) derived from the ancient wisdom text the Devi Mahatmayam that liberate and empower us to embody our fullest innate potential.
Jai Ma!
