A yatra (pronounced yAH-trAH) is much more than a vacation. It's a sacred journey where the outer reality of the site fuses with our inner experience of the divine, and transforms us on all levels. To go on a yatra is to embark on a path that is mysterious and adventurous. We return from a yatra changed, not only because of the novelty of traveling to exotic lands, but because we've been touched by the grace of these sacred sites.
This journey is such a yatra. Beginning in Chennai and ending in Madurai, this 11-day, 10-night journey will take us deep into sadhana.
Pancabhuta = five elements. On this yatra, we will visit the five famous sacred sites where Śiva manifests as one of the five great elements. The Śiva linga (pillar) at every site is unique with a different aspect of creation being rooted into our physical reality. Each of these sites is like a vortex of power, energy and stillness that is rooted in one of the five great elements. At each site, in addition to visiting the temple, we will dive into element-specific practices and satsangas.
This is not a vacation or touristy trip. This is an excursion into the three pillars of practice - darshana (view), abhyasa (practice) and upadana (application) - all at once and in an explosive, experiential way.
We will return having imbibed the transformative resonance and power of these powerful centers.
The trip will be led by Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan, and joined in portions by Dr. Sumit Ashok Kesarkar.
Although the yatra occurs over 11 days, it will begin months before, including an immersive preparatory experience preceding the physical journey. We will have exclusive online satsangas on the significance of the sites, provide you with study materials, practices and advice on how to prepare yourself to fully imbibe the energy of the yatra. Unlike any other experience, you will enter this yātra prepared to turn inwards and transform.
Places are limited to preserve the sacred intention of the trip.
26th January – 5th February 2022
All transport will be via bus.This yatra is a spiritual journey that is planned entirely around the experience. This is not a luxurious journey. It is a pilgrimage. However, we will stay in comfortable eco-resorts wherever possible. Some of these temples are located in cities with more basic accommodations and we will need to be flexible! The food provided will be simple, delicious and light, to aid in turning inwards towards sadhana. We can guarantee a lot of fun! The weather will be hot, and this journey involves long bus-rides. Please discuss with your doctor if this is suitable for you before signing up. By signing up, you are accepting all liabilities for your health and safety.
Please watch the introductory video here.
Sign-up to the yatra includes attendance in the 5-class live Pancabhuta Course, which will explore the 5 great elements in practice. Here, we will explore the nuances of the five great elements specifically as they relate to the experience of life and their applications in sādhanā or spiritual practice. Regardless of the path of an aspirant, these teachings are relevant and applicable to the moment-to-moment unfolding of life, hormonal pathways, conscious actions and subconscious patterns.
To see more, see: https://sabda.institute/all-courses/pancha-mahabhuta/
Single room (there is a very small chance that in more remote locations, you may need to share a room based on availability. This is unlikely, and single rooms will be provided as much as possible).
Shared double room (two beds will be available in the rooms).
The Sri Kalahastisvara temple has the Śiva linga rooted in the Air element, and is known as the Vayu Lingam. Lord Śiva is worshipped here as Sri Kalahastisvara and Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Jnanaprasunambika.