Parmarth Niketan recently hosted Navratri Spiritual Retreat, a special five-day retreat, from the 14th- 19th October, in celebration of Navratri (sacred nine nights of the Goddess) and Dusshera. The retreat focused on rejuvenating and re-energizing attendees, all while encouraging them to let their own inner light emerge as they discover their inner wisdom.
The program was included classes by Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji (Mataji), Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Yogacharya Dr. Indu Sharmaji, Ed Fink, Ganga Nandini and Gong Master Sanjay Hall. It also included a very special darshan, meditation, water blessing and Ganga Aarti with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji. A group of approximately 30 students attended classes focused on self-discovery and how to awaken the divine energy within us. The schedule included pranayama, basic yoga asanas, including surya namasker, eternal sound healing with gongs, spiritual question and answer sessions, meditation, observing of silence, self-reflection, mantra chanting, sacred fire ceremonies, clean up, tree plantation as examples of yoga off the mat and special ceremonies dedicated to the Mother Goddess.
“I have done a few courses here at Parmarth Niketan Ashram and decided now would be the perfect time to take on my first retreat. This ashram has always been the perfect place to unwind, I leave feeling energized and encouraged to become a better person. The entire experience from start to finish has been wonderful. The sessions have taught me things that are doable and that can be easily taken back home and practiced. I couldn’t have asked for a more diverse set of teachers to help me along this transformational journey.”- Bharathi T M from India
“I joined the retreat because it sounded like a fun experience I would benefit from. I have wanted to travel to Rishikesh for quite sometime and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I was able to learn about a wide array of topics that I didn’t know much about previously. I had so many aha moments during the retreat. I am leaving with a greater sense of knowing I am safe and that we are all connected on a deeper level. I will do my best to bring the yogic principals into my daily life.”-Elisabeth Granli from Norway
“I am absolutely grateful for being able to participate in the Navratri retreat at Parmarth Niketan. It was a life changing experience for me and I intend to come to other programs from Philadelphia, in the US as soon as possible. The experiences with morning Yagya and evening Aarti sessions were truly remarkable. Yoga sessions and Vedic discourse by Mataji were extraordinary. I truly appreciate an opportunity to have participated in this retreat.” Akhil Tripathi from United States
“It was wonderful evening aarti was so good one feels entirely satisfied. It was very special retreat. Spiritually beneficial.” Himanshu Vats from India
“The Navratri Retreat was truly spiritual and rejuvenating. Learning the mantras in the ancient way by chanting and being guided by Mataji was especially magical. Sadhviji’s satsang discourses brought clarity to some common everyday issues. The evening Arati was indeed the jewel in the crown of our retreat.” Purna Cherla from India
“The Navratri Retreat was absolutely divine. The yoga classes were really enlightening. Mataji was special with the Vedic chanting.” Anuradhu Sivaparsad from South Africa
