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South India: Dates TBA for 2008

includes the Six Abodes of Murga
and Vasant Panchami, the festival dedicated to Saraswati

The natural beauty of South India dazzles the senses and a glimpse into the daily devotional life opens the heart.

India is still a country where devotion and an unshakable faith in the Supreme existence of the Divine as Goddess and God are the norm.

The Divine Forms are many, their attributes numerous and always in harmony with their Consort where love rules supreme. The myths and legends surrounding these Divine Personalities are as intimate as they are extraordinary.

Back to Spiritual India Main Page

Detailed Itinerary

Arrival in Madras - Day 1
Transfer to Hotel Ramada Raj Park.

Madras (Chennai) - Day 2
Independent morning to rest and get oriented. Afternoon tour including the Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane, 12000 years old, dedicated to Vishnu; and a walking tour of the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16th century Kapeeleswrar temple, dedicated to Shiva, which attracts thousands of devotees. These are living temples where you will see local residents as well as pilgrims who come from afar, in acts of devotion.

Yoga class at Sivananda Yoga center in Madras. Welcome dinner at -a traditional south Indian restaurant.

Today is Vasant Panchami, the festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. It is believed to be Saraswati's birthday. Hindu temples are full of activities on this day. Yellow color is given special importance and Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped (with Puja, Havan or fire ceremony etc.). Men and women wear yellow clothes; sweetmeats of yellowish hues are exchanged with family and friends. Some people feed Brahmanas. Pitri-Tarpan (ancestor worship) and Kamdev (the god of love) are also worshipped on this day. Vasant means, "the spring season". This is the great spring festival. The first faint signals of the forthcoming festival of Holi manifest at Vasant Panchami.

Madras/Tirutani/Madras - Day 3
A three hour drive today to one of the six abodes of Murugan, the temple at Tirutani. Three hundred and sixty five steps lead to the shrine, each step represending a day of the year. Return to Madras for overnight.

Drive Madras/Tirukkalukundram/Mahaballipuram - Day 4 (21/2 hr)
Early morning drive to the Tirukkalukundram, a Shiva temple. This finely carved Siva temple is dedicated to Bhatavatskeesvara and lies on top of a 3000 million old rock. About 400 steps takes you to the top of the hill where at midday priests feed two Neophran vultures. The tank is considered to be particularly holy and produces a conch every 12 years. The temple here and the larger Siva temple inthe village below have made this place a Hindu pilgrimage site.

Afterwards, drive to a wonderful beach resort at Mahabalipuram (1 hr drive). The resort is on an exquisite sandy beach surrounded by ancient rock temples, carved rock cave shrines and the famous Shore Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Early evening yoga session on the beach. Evening buffet dinner under the stars with performances of traditional Bharata Natyam and Karnatic dance. Fisherman's Cove Beach Resort.

Drive to Kanchipuram Day 5

Early morning yoga on the beach; after breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, (21/2 hr with stop at Eagle Temple during the feeding of the eagles by the priests). One of the ancient seven sacred cities of India and known as the Golden City of 1000 Temples, Kanchipuram has 125 recognized shrines dating back to the early Chola Dynasty of around 200BC. We visit several of the most outstanding of these temples and arrange an audience with the esteemed Shankaracharya, who is equivalent to the Pope in Hindu terms (if available). The town is also famed for its silk.

Drive to Tiruvannamalai 105 kms (3 hrs drive) - Day 6
Early am yoga/meditation. This temple town of 100 or more temples is an important Shivite town where Shiva is revered as Arunachaleswar, an aspect of fire. The most important is the Shiva-Parvati temple of Arunachaleswar, said to be the largest in India. The main gopuram is 66 metres high and there is a 1000 pillared hall. The ashram of the late Sri Ramana Maharshi sits at the feet of the Arunachala hill. We visit his hillside ashram, the greatest of Shiva Temples, where Sri Ramana commenced his miraculous journey to enlightenment and we circumvent the holy hill in the traditional manner. Hotel Trishul

Pondicherry and Auroville - 115 kms (3 hrs drive) Day 7
The resting place of Sri Aurobindo and his co-worker the Mother whose Samadhis we visit . It is interesting to perceive the effect this saint has on this sizable town. Auroville is the newer ashram initiated by the Mother, where the largest cut crystal in the world is on display in their magnificent domed hall. Upon arrival check-in at hotel and lunch. Afternoon visit to Ashram and Maitri Mandir in Auroville including meditation. Evening yoga. Hotel Le Orient

Chidabaram - Day 8
Day excursion to the ancient Shiva and Vishnu temple of Chidambaram. WeÕll be there at 1730 hrs when they conduct the Sairacha Puja. Hotel Le Orient

Drive to Pondicherry/Swamimalai Day 9
The drive through the heart of Tamil Nadu will take you via some of the oldest temples in the country. Of particular interest is Kumbakonam which has 18 temples and a monastery of the Kanchipuram Sankaracharya. The oldest is the Nagesvara Swami temple, a Saivite temple begun in 886 AD. Sarangapani is the largest of Kumbakonam's shrines and is dedicated to Vishnu. The largest of Kumbakonam's shrines is the Kumbesvara temples which date to the 17th century and are dedicated to Siva. It has magnificent collection of silver vahanas. Overnight at Swamimalai, a beautifully restored 18th century home at the site of the second abode of Murugan.

Drive to Swamimalai/Tanjore (Thanjavur) - Day 10
Today you head further south to Thanjavur stopping at Darasuram. The Airavatesvara Temple is the third of the great Chola temples. The temple is named after Airavata, Indra's white elephant, who Saivites claimed worshipped Siva at this temple. Overnight at The Sangam at Thanjavur.

Drive Tanjore to Trichy - Day 11

Capital of the great Chola Emprie and later the Nayaka and Maratha rulers, the Chola kings built most of Thanjavurs 93 temples. The Brihadisvara Temple, known as the Big Temple dates between AD 985-1012 and is one of the World Heritage monuments. The main temple is one of the most magnificent in the country, with a 14 story high vimana and is topped by a dome carved from an 80 ton block of granite. Continue to Trichy overnight and stay at Jenny's Residency.

Trichy - Day 12
Visit Srirangam which lies on an island in the Kaveri river. The temple town is surrounded by seven concentric walled courtyards with magnificent gateways and several shrines. The Sri Ranganathasvami Temple, one of the largest in India, is dedicated to Vishnu. The unusual aspect of this temple is that it faces south, unlike most other Hindu temples. Legend explains that Rama intended to present the image of Ranganath to a temple in Sri Lanka but this wasimpossible since the deity became fixed here, but it still honors the original destination. The temple is famous for its superb sculpture, the 21 impressive gopurams and its rich collection of temple jewelry. Another unusual aspect is the shrine to Tulukka Nachiyar, the God's Muslim consort. Overnight at Jenny's Residency.

Trichy/Pillaiyarpatti/Madurai - Day 13
Enroute to Madurai, visit Pillaiyarpatti the first temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Ganesh. It is also the main Ganesh temple in Tamil Nadu and runs a vedic school.

Madurai - Day 14
The history of the city goes back to the 6th century and the Nayakas laid out the city in the form of a lotus with the narrow streets surrounding the Minakshi Temple which is our destination today. Minakshi, knownas the Fish-eyed Goddess and the consort of Siva is the presiding diety and the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine Sundereswarar or Siva playsa secondary role. You enter the temple via one of the nine towering gopurams or gateways which are covered in colourful stucco images of gods, goddess' and animals. These are renewed every 12 years. Return to the temple in the evening to watch the evening service when Minakshi is ceremoniously taken to spend the night with Sundereswarar.

Madurai - Day 15
A full day excursion today to Pazhamuthircholai and Thiruparangundran, the third and fourth abodes of Lord Murugan.

Madurai/Kanniyakumari (235 km / 6 hrs) Day 16
Early morning departure to the very tip of India and the famous pilgrim place of Kanniyakumari where the three oceans meet. We will stop enroute for lunch in Tirunelveli. Tirunelveli is a market town and one of the oldest Christian centers in Tamil Nadu. St Francis Xavier settled here to begin his ministry in India in the 16th century. It was also a center of Protestant missionary activity, becoming the head of the Anglican diocese, now the Church of South India. This town is a perfect example of the multi religious face of the country, for alongside these symbols of Christianity are the twin temples of Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar dedicated to Siva and his consort Parvarti. The temples have fine scultpures, musical pillars, valuable jewels, a golden lily tank and a 1000 pillared mandapa. Arrive in Kanniyakumari in time to watch the sunset at the confluence of the three oceans.

Kanniyakumari/Tiruchendur/Kanniyakumari - Day 17
A two hour drive today to Tiruchendur, the famous shore temple which is the fifth abode of Subrahmanya or Murugan as he is known in Tamil Nadu. A short distance away is a cave with rock cut sculptures. To enter the temple, men have to remove their shirts. Return to Kanniyakumari to visit the temple dedicated to the goddess Kanniya. Legend has it that when Siva refused to marry her she took a vow of celibacy. She is considered to be the protector of Indian shores. This place is a very important place of pilgrimage in India. Kerala House.

Kanniyakumari/Neyyar Dam/Sivananda Ashram (45 minutes outside Trivandrum) - Day 18
Today visit the 17th century Suchindran , one of the few deciated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Leading to the entrance is a long colonade with musical pillars with sculptures of Siva, Parvati, Ganesh and Subrahmanya on the front and an enormous statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, inside. The main sanctuary has a lingam which dates from the 9th century. Afterwards drive to Neyyar Dam/Sivananda ashram, a gorgeous, lush green, peaceful setting.

Sivananda ashram - Day 19-20
Full days at the ashram to participate in ashram activities. The ashram is 12 acres of tropical splendor in the quiet foothills of Kerala's Western Ghats. The natural beauty of the Neyyar Dam lake, the peaceful surroundings, the beautiful coconut palms and flower filled views offer an ideal atmosphere for the practice of yoga and meditation. The Ashram's program of classical yoga techniques taught in a warm and friendly environment, helps to instill a deep awareness of the spiritual essence of life.

BASIC ASHRAM SCHEDULE:
5.30am Wake up
6.00am Satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk)
7.30am Tea time 8.00am Hatha Yoga class (beginners and advanced levels)
10.00am Vegetarian meal (Indian meal with moderate spices)
11.00am Karma Yoga (selfless service)
12 noon Free time
1.30pm Tea time
2.00pm Main lecture / workshop/ discussions
4.00pm Hatha Yoga class (beginners and advanced levels
6.00pm Dinner (Indian meal with moderate spices)
8.00pm Evening satsang (group meditation, chanting, talk) 10.00pm Silence
10.30 pm Lights out

NOTE: Attendance to the entire program is mandatory for all guests wanting to stay at the Ashram. Karma Yoga, selfless service, is an essential part of yoga practice. The Ashram is run mainly by selfless volunteers and the guests are requested to do some service by helping out wherever it is needed. Accommodations will be double rooms with attached bath. A simple mattress, 2 bed sheets, pillow, pillow cover and a mosquito net is provided. Any further requirements should be met by the guest.

Drive to Neyyar Dam/Varkala/Vallikavvu/Houseboat (Amachi Ashram) - Day 21
Nestled in the midst of the backwaters is the ashram of Mata Amrithanandamayi also popularly known as Amachi. Revered by millions with an international following, she was born in a small village on the west coast of Kerala. Spend the day at the ashram and if Mata is in residence, you can seek her blessings. Overnight on the backwaters on a deluxe traditional riceboat (houseboat).

Alleppy/Coimbatore - Day 22
Morning a relaxing cruise the backwaters, arriving in Alleppy at lunch time. After lunch we board a train departing at 1730 hrs to Coimbatore. Arrive at 2330.

Coimbatore/Palani/Coimbatore/Bangalore - Day 23
Today we visit the last of the six abodes of Murugan. This hilltop shrine is a very important pilgrim site. At full moon in January and February, many walk approx 80 kms and climb the 659 steps up to the shrine. Many carry shoulder poles with elaborate bamboo and wooden structures on each end, living out the myth which surrounds the shrine.

In the evening take a flight to Bangalore.for international flight home. Singapore Air/Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa arrive in Madras and depart from Bangalore on certin days of the week. SingaporeAir/Cathay Pacific are partners--you dep US on Singapore Air for arrival in Madras and depart Bangalore on Cathay Pacific.

PRICES: TBA

Includes:

• All accommodations (dble occupancy)
• Meals - Breakfast & Dinner including mineral water and soft drinks and gratuities
• All meals on riceboat
• All land transportation by private ac bus
• Accompanying Escort
• Entrance Fees to monuments
• All yoga classes and activities (not including donations to ashrams which are optional).
• Mineral Water provided on bus
• Porterage
  

• International Air
• Departure Tax
• Insurance
• Tips
• Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry

Our escort: Sheeba Arjunan Krishnammal has been practicing and teaching yoga for five years. She was employed as a yoga instructor in the Holistic Medicine for Stress Research Unit, Medical College, Trivandrum (2003-2004), in Police Training College, Trivandrum (2003) and as visiting yoga instructor at Sivananda Ashram , Trivandrum (2002 - current). Sheeba earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science (Zoology) and a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Natural Science). She completed Teachers Training Course in Yoga (Sivananda Yoga Siromani) from The Sivananda Ashram at Neyyar Dam and certificate course in Yoga and Meditation through Continuing Education Programme from Kerala University. She is originally from Quilon district in Kerala state and is presently residing in Trivandrum with her family. We are thrilled to have Sheeba as part of the Spirit of India team!

NOTES: meeting with following people subject to availability/permission granted: Shankaracharya at Kanchipuram, Ganapathi Sachidananda in Mysore, Pattabhi Jois in Mysore; performances of traditional Bharata Natyam and Karnatic dance.--only if grp is 6 people or more.

The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time. The cool season and the beginning of the summer season is the best time to visit when rainfall is marginally lower. So Feb/Mar/Apr are good months.

Extension to Puttaparthi - Please request quote

Puttaparthi is the birth place and Ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, considered a supreme example of Divine Incarnation. Many claim him to be the Poorna Avatar of this Kali Yuga age who offers an unparalleled experience of our times. We cannot guarantee the presence of Sai Baba during your visit. His plans change often and without notice.

Upon Booking: you will receive a confirmations packet that will include a preparations brochure answering many frequently asked questions regarding health, packing, visas etc; an IC card with local contacts, visa application.

Prices subject to change.

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