Ancient Temple, Sacred Sites, and Deep Tranformation

The incredible agenda includes the following highlights and more:

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Our arrival destination is the capital of Karnataka - Bengalaru. The city blends colonial architecture with modern urban life, offering a vibrant atmosphere marked by bustling cafes, a progressive mindset, and a thriving intellectual and artistic scene.

Chotanikkara Bhagavaty Temple: The most important temple among 393 shrines spread throughout Kerala. Here the Divine Mother is worshipped in three forms - Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Durga. The temple is known for its high vibrations and power, which you will experience as we attend daily puja and enjoy deep meditation.

Marudhamalai Temple: A journey of inner and outer healing. Standing tall against the stunning vistas of lush, green hills and blue skies, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple grounds create a healing aura and are known for being rich in medicinal plants.

Meenakshi Amman Temple:  Also known as Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in India. Located in the city of Madurai, the temple has a great mythological and historical significance. Here, the Goddess Parvati incarnated as Meenakshi, the Queen of Madurai, and married Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one). The temple complex dates back to the 1st century C.E and is a renowned pilgrimage site.

Palani Hills: The Palani Hills are renowned for their heavenly scenery and sacred sites. These holy places include Kodaikanal, centered around a star-shaped lake; Dhandayuthapani Temple on a high hilltop with mystical connections to Siddha Alchemy; and a shrine connected by a secret tunnel to the cave of Siddha Bhogar, where the great saint continues to meditate.

Janardanaswamy Temple: The temple sits on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea in Varkala. This ancient shrine is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams, temple sites throughout India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. With legends linking its origin to the presence and prayers of devas and the arrival of Vishnu in the form of an old man to remind Brahma of his duties, the temple radiates a powerful spiritual energy. Bathing in the ocean at the beach below the cliff is said to wash away the karma of pilgrims and seekers.

Sri Irumkulangara Durga Bhagavati Temple: Its name derives from the two ponds that surround it, irum meaning two and  kulam meaning pond. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest in Kerala and is associated with the worship of Adi Parashakti, the root of the divine feminine. A kavu, sacred forest area, is present here, housing Nagas, divine serpents that grant many blessings. The tranquil ponds and lush surroundings enhance the sacred atmosphere of this ancient place.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: A revered Hindu shrine in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy—the deity reclining on the serpent Adishesha. Renowned for its spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, and historical legacy, it is considered one of the holiest Vishnu temples. The 18-foot idol of the deity is made from 12,008 shaligrams, sacred fossil stones associated with Vishnu.

Anandavadi Ashram: The family home of Sri Atmananda Krishna Menon, a sage, guru, and philosopher in the Advaita (non-duality) tradition. He taught Jnana Yoga, the yoga of wisdom, and was known as an ecstatic mystic. Ananadavadi is a serene setting that has become a place of spiritual retreat and meditation for native and western seekers.

Siddha & Tantra Retreat:  After receiving all of the blessings of pilgrimage to these holy sites, we will be secluded in a retreat setting for five days of meditation, mantra chanting, homa fire ceremonies, and engaging discourses on the path of divine realization through the teachings of Tamil Siddha and Shakta Tantra. Rest, relax, and transform during your stay in a lush nature setting with Ayurvedic treatments onsite.

More Details

Registration:

• Early Registration through September 12, 2026
• Regular Registration begins September 13, 2026

Price Includes:

• 18-days pilgrimage & retreat program
• 17-nights Accommodation
• Ground transportation
• Arrival pickup and departure return at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru, Karnataka

How to travel to India:

• Book your ticket from the U.S. (or your location) to Kempegowda International Airport (international and domestic air travel to and from Bengaluru is not included in the retreat cost)
• Book and transfer to a domestic flight to Bengaluru.
• Send your domestic airline name, flight number, and arrival time in Bengaluru to temple@enlightenedlife.org. Arrival must be no later than Oct 12, 2026.
• Our driver will pick you up and bring you to the arrival hotel.

*Note: Meals are not included in your registration. Some hotels may include breakfast and/or dinner. After registration, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the retreat, what to bring, and guidance for traveling in India.

Need help, or have questions? Please write to temple@enlightenedlife.org