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Saints, Ashrams and Temples of South India
and
“The Sacred Sound of Silence”
A journey into the desert to rediscover the voice of your Inner Self
11 – 25 February 2012
This beautiful journey will be in two parts. The first week we’ll visit the magnificent temples and ashrams of South India, and then we will immerse ourselves in a very special experience in the silent desert of the Emirates.
Pilgrimage is an important part of all religious traditions. It is an act of dedication, which expresses our desire to be transformed in the purifying vibrations of places made holy by saints and devotees. It is also an act of faith, which expresses our trust that God will guide our footsteps surely and safely to our journey's end.
With Ananda, you are much more than a tourist or a pilgrim: you are part of a spiritual family that includes members and friends from Ananda centers around the world, the loving friendship of Yogananda’s relatives and Indian disciples, and the living saints and sages of this holy land.
Saints, Ashrams and Temples of South India
St. Thomas the Apostle
Our experience begins in Chennai (Madras) where we will visit the cave where St. Thomas the Apostle meditated, and his tomb.
St. Thomas lived in Chennai until his martyrdom about 2,000 years ago. He was the first Christian to come to India and preach Christianity, arriving in South India around 52 a.d. He lived his last years in mountain cave, and was martyred there in 72 a.d.
This hill is an important pilgrimage place, not only for the Christians in India, but from all over the world. Most early travellers to India described the shrine, including Marco Polo in the 13th century.
In the Footsteps of Yogananda
We will follow in the footsteps of Yogananda, who visited southern India when he returned there in 1935. In his Autobiography of a Yogi, in the chapter entitled “An Idyll in South India,” he writes:
“Southern India, rich with historical and archaeological remains, is a land of definite and yet indefinable charm.”
Mahabalipuram
Afterwards we have the possibility to visit the famous and beautiful beach temples of Mahabalipuram. This is a temple city situated right on the gulf of Bengal, south of Chennai.
The beauty and richness of the sculptures and temples which are carved out of the rock are world famous as one of the most magnificent architectural wonders of India.
Tiruvannamalai
Our pilgrimage will continue towards the southeast, where we again follow Yogananda’s journey to the ashram of one of India’s great modern saints, Ramana Maharshi, in Tiruvannamalai. After receiving illumination at the age of 16, he left his home to live at Tiruvannamalai, where he spent the rest of his long life.
His ashram is situated right at the foot of the holy mountain of Arunachala. Sri Ramana Maharshi said that the most pure form of his teachings would be transmitted to the devotees in silence, which radiated powerfully from his presence und uplifted anyone coming into his presence.
We will walk up the holy mountain of Arunachala. The Indian scriptures declare: "Arunachala is the most sacred place of all holy places. Know that Shiva himself resides here, in this secret space! Here the Lord resides eternally in this mountain of light, called Arunachala.”
We will meditate in the caves where the Maharishi meditated for more than 20 years, pray at the saint’s tomb, and also visit the ancient temple of Tiruvannamalai. It is one of the biggest and most grand temples of South India. It is unique with its stately towers, high rampart walls, broad quadrangles, spacious gateways, large halls and fine baths. It also has great architectural importance and sculptural beauty.
Then our journey continues with the flight to Dubai for the inspiring experience in the desert.
“The Sacred Sound of Silence”
A journey into the desert to rediscover the voice of your inner Self
This journey into the silence of the desert, which helps us to enter deeply into communion with our inner Self, begins in Abu Dhabi. It is the capital of the Emirates, and one of the most modern cities of the world, founded in 1791. We sleep in the Grand Hotel Al Raha on the ocean and will visit the Emirates Palace Hotel and the Heritage Village - a reproduction of an ancient beach village. Then we’ll visit the spectacular Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed (the second biggest mosque in the world) where we will have the chance to meditate. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan built this mosque as a reflection of peace, tolerance and for the deepening understanding of Islam.
Afterwards we’ll stay for two days in typical beduin tents in the Liwa desert at Lub’al-Khali, with it’s famous high dunes, also known as the “fourth emptiness” - the biggest sand desert in the world. Here we’ll do special nature walks in silence, exercises of listening and introspection, a series of meditative practices and more, to come into contact with the dunes and the silence which will help you to rediscover the sacred presence within.
We’ll continue to the Tilal Liwa Hotel, a unique and beautiful hotel in the middle of the desert, which will help us to achieve a deep level of relaxation and peace before our journey returns to civilization, where we pass through Dubai and see, among other things, the spectactular highest skyscraper in the world.
Itinerary (approximate)
(Please contact us for further information.)
Tamil Nadu
Friday 10 February: departure for Chennai.
Saturday 11 February: arrival at the airport in Chennai around 9:00 a.m., transfer to hotel, late breakfast and relaxing afternoon with yoga practices before dinner
Sunday 12 February: pilgrimage to the three sacred places of St. Thomas in Chennai, return to hotel and dinner
Monday 13 February: departure for Mahabalipuram, archeological and UNESCO heritage site; continue to Tiruvannamalai, check-in at hotel and dinner.
Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 February: ashram of Ramana Maharshi and Arunachala, the sacred mountain, manifestation of Shiva.
Friday 17 February: departure for Chennai after breakfast, check-in and dinner at hotel
Emirates: Abu Dhabi
Saturday 18 February: flight from Chennai (4:30 a.m.) for Dubai. Transfer by bus to Abu Dhabi and arrival in Al Raha hotel. Relaxing morning in hotel. Tour of Abu Dhabi in the afternoon and visit to famous mosque.
Sunday 19 February - Monday 20 February: Desert Camp: Departure for two days in the desert camp with typical beduin tents. There will be meditative practices and silent walks in the desert with spiritual activities. Evening with typical local dance performances.
Tuesday 21 February - Thursday 23 February: Liwa Desert: We continue to the beautiful Tilal Liwa Hotel, in the middle of the desert. Possibility of camel rides, visits to date plantations, walks and meditations in the desert, typical vegetarian dinners and local music performances.
Friday 24 February: Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Return to Abu Dhabi, Hotel Al Raha, departure to Dubai, visit of Burj Khalifa, at 828m the highest skyscraper in the word, visit of the famous Arab bazaar Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Saturday 25 February: return flight to Italy
Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation
All of the hotels, restaurants, and menus have been personally inspected and approved by Ananda. We will be staying in very fine hotels with Indian or Arabic charm. Buffet-style breakfasts and dinners include a wide variety of Indian, Western, and Asian dishes.
Fees are given for double occupancy, with single rooms available for an additional price. If you do not have a roommate, we will try to connect you with another single pilgrim. However, we cannot guarantee a double occupancy fee. If a roommate cannot be found, or if you choose not to stay with the roommate available, your fee will be for single occupancy.
Internal transportation will be by plane, train and private bus.
Guides and Languages
Arjuna Lucky, Triveni Luchetti and Bhajana MacDow from Ananda Assisi will (very probably) be your guides. They have long experience traveling in India and working with the pilgrimages. They will be joined at times by our Indian guides from Discovery Tours, with whom we have worked closely for years.
The Indians whom we meet in India speak English. There will be translation from English into Italian. Our own satsangs and meditations will be in both English and Italian.
Flights
For those who have not been to India, and wish to travel with the Ananda group, there will be a flight available from Rome and Milan to Chennai. If you wish to participate in the group flight, please send us the attached application as soon as possible.
You can also book a flight from many other cities: contact your travel agent for information and reservations. If you live outside of Europe, you could come first to Rome or Milan and join the group flight, in which case we will book your flight. If you are flying from the United States, we suggest you arrive in Chennai on the morning of February 11, or better yet a day earlier, so that you can recuperate from your long flight. We can make reservations for you at our hotel, and we can also arrange for you to be met at the airport and taken to the hotel. These extra costs will be added to the pilgrimage fee. On the return flight you might want to visit Ananda Assisi for a few days in order to rest and break up the long flight back.
Program Fees
The following fees are a close approximation, based on the information we have at the moment. Due to possible fluctuations in the exchange rate and in the cost of oil, which affect costs of flights and other transportation, as well as hotel accommodations, these fees might change slightly.
Double occupancy without flight for those meeting the group in Chennai (the pilgrimage ends in Dubai): about € 1,540.00.
Single room supplement: please contact us
Only desert option (February 17 - 25)
Double occupancy: about € 960.00
Single room supplement: please contact us
(Based on exchange rate about €1.00 = Rs 62. If there is any significant change, the cost will be reflected in the final payment.)
If you do not have a roommate, we will try to connect you with another single pilgrim. However, we cannot guarantee a double occupancy fee. If a roommate cannot be found, or if you choose not to stay with the roommate available, your fee will be for single occupancy.
Payments
50% of the total amount is due on or before December 15. The other 50% is due by January 15, 2012. Please contact us for banking information.
Included in the program fee:
- food and lodging with half pension (2 meals per day)
- transportation inside India and Emirates in train, plane, private bus
- medical and accident insurance
- bottled drinking water
- tips for the porters
- Ananda and Indian and Arab guides
- spiritual and cultural programs
Not included in the program fee:
- Indian visa costs
- extra meals and beverages
- donations at ashrams, temples, shrines and charitable organizations
- extra trips in taxi or rickshaw
- personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet, etc.
- additional medical insurance
- tips for exceptional service (Indian guides, bus drivers, etc.)
How to make your reservation
To make a reservation for the pilgrimage, you need to complete and return the Reservation Questionnaire included here, answering all of the questions. You will receive a written acceptance from us, together with a Travel Contract with the Ananda Association, which you need to sign and return to us by mail. At that time you need to send the first payment of the tour cost, as described above. When the contract and these fees have been received, your reservation will then be confirmed.
For travel contract conditions and bank transfers: Please contact us.
Passport
Make sure that your passport is valid until the beginning of July 25th, 2012. If it expires before then, you should have it renewed before you request your visa
Visa
The easiest way to obtain a visa is to find a travel agency which offers this service. Otherwise, you need to go to the Indian Embassy or Consulate closest to your home.
You can also start your pilgrimage with our beautiful …
Ananda Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat in Kerala
28 January – 9 February 2012
Ananda’s yoga vacation is this year again in Kerala for the two weeks prior to the pilgrimage. The program includes Ayurvedic treatments and massages as well as yoga and meditation, an ideal way to prepare for the pilgrimage experience. Kerala guides include Triveni Luchetti, Bhajana Macdow and others. All of the pilgrims who have gone first to the Kerala program have been extremely happy to have had the time to unplug from the normal pace of daily life, slow down, rest, purify and rejuvenate.
For Information, Reservations, and Deposits
Please contact us at india@ananda.it, (0039) 0742-813620, Arjuna (0039) 393-9650534
Reservation Questionnaire
Ananda Associazione
Ananda Associazione is a non-profit association (affiliated with CO.N.A.C.R.E.I.S) dedicated to promoting social welfare through the practices of yoga, meditation, and Self-realization. Anyone who supports the ideals of Self-realization, world brotherhood, and physical, mental, and spiritual harmony through meditation, yoga, and service is welcome.
According to Italian law Ananda’s programs and hospitality can be offered only to “association members.” All of these programs are established in the art.3 of the Statuto dell’Ananda Associazione, and in conformity with L. 383/2000 of Associazioni di Promozione Sociale. They are reserved to members of Ananda Associazione - APS (Art. 7 L.135/2001 and Art. 31 L. 383/2000)
Membership is open to everyone, and easily accomplished:
By-laws of Ananda Association (PDF in Italian)
For information and reservations:
info@ananda.it Tel: +39 0742-81.36.20 Fax: +39 0742-81.35.36
Ananda is located in the tranquil hills of Umbria, Italy on “Strada Statale 444” between Assisi and Gualdo Tadino. It is the largest retreat center in Europe for Yogananda’s teachings.
Ananda Associazione • Via Montecchio, 61 • I-06025 Nocera Umbra (PG) • ITALY